Daniel 6
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What does it look like to trust in God even in the worst of circumstances?
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Devoted vv.5-7
Devoted even when it is not cool or legal to serve God.
This situation is very similar to chapter 3, but with a different King. By this time, Daniel had served in this kingdom for 70 years under different kings. A satrap was over the kingdom’s collection. A president was to ensure that the collection made it to the king’s treasury.
Daniel didn’t wavier, he was devoted and it cost him. People were jealous of his position. When we are devoted to Christ, we have to stand regardless of the circumstances, even when it is not convenient.
Acts 4:18-20 “So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
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An athlete will train even when they are tired and sore! A soldier will train, drill, and continue in battle even when he has lost buddies.
Dependent v.10
Daniel realized that nothing is possible apart from prayer and a sole dependence upon God.
Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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How would it affect your life if you were told you could not pray? If you could not worship? If you could not read your Bible?
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Delivered vv. 20-23
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Daniel Trusted in God! Even if God did not deliver him in that situation, he would have been eternally delivered with God.
Let us look back at Daniel’s friends who were in a similar situation. What was their response?
Daniel 3:16-20 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. 17If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. 18But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” 19Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times more than was customary, 20and he commanded some of the best soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire.”
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Distinguished vv.25-28
The one True God was distinguished and shown dominate over other gods and man.
God is up to something amazing!
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
