October 8 & 9, 2016 Senior Pastor Roger Storms Daniel 6, Selected Behind Enemy Lines: Lion‐Proof Courage Rank the top 5 favorite Old Testament stories in order of their selection: ___ Noah and the Ark ___ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace ___ Jonah and the whale ___ David and Goliath ___ Daniel in the lion’s den *** Romans 15:4—For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. *** Daniel 6:1–2—It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps [say‐traps—district governors] to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. *** Daniel 6:4b–5—They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5
Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” • Daniel lived a life of absolute moral and spiritual integrity! *** 1 Peter 2:12—Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…. “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” ~Dr. Billy Graham *** Daniel 6:10–11—Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before…11 praying and asking God for help. • Daniel was a man who believed and depended on the power of prayer! “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom *** Philippians 4:6–7—Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. *** Daniel 6:16–17—So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. • Daniel was a man who walked the walk and talked the talk 24/7/32,850! *** Micah 6:8—What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. *** Proverbs 3:3–4—”Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” *** Daniel 6:20—When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” “Can I trust God in the lion’s den?” Lion’s dens don’t always have lions in them! *** Daniel 6:21–23—Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. *** Daniel 6:26–27—“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” *** Daniel 6:28—So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. • Dare to be a Daniel! *** Hebrews 13:7—Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.