SHORT BIBLE STUDY: AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT VERSES THE SINFUL NATURE

BIBLE STUDY

          AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT VERSES THE SINFUL NATURE

“… It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 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.  Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 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.”  So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”  So King Darius put the decree in writing. 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. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help...” (Acts 6:1-11 NIV).

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scriptures: “...The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den... 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. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help...” (Acts 6:1-11 NIV). “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV).

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN THAT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST JESUS AND HAVE BEEN GIFTED WITH THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT

APPLICATION OF LESSON: GOD’S PEOPLE CAN WILLINGLY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEM TO DISPLAY RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW COSTLY IT WAS, FOR DANIEL, TO CHOOSE TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS AMONG COLLEAGUES WHO CHOSE NOT TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS. Daniel had a top position in King Darius’ kingdom. He was chief of presidents. “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV). Not only did Daniel have the top position, but he was preferred over all others, because of his excellent character and spirit. “...Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). Because of his righteous character and spirit, the other presidents and princes decided to conspire against him. “...Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). God gives HIS PEOPLE “his” excellent Holy Spirit. “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who works in you to will (to want to do righteous) and to act (to actually become righteous) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good (an indwelling and excellent spirit) for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). God’s excellent Holy Spirit DWELLS within HIS PEOPLE. “…God has given [you] HIS ...[excellent indwelling Holy]... Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [YOU]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “ …We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). The bible TELLS all of God’s PEOPLE to LET their excellent Spirit SHINE brightly through their conduct. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father  (SEE THE WITNESS OF HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER) which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). Daniel’s conduct, in his government position, reflected the EXCELLENT Spirit God had given to him. It made Daniel PREFERABLE above ALL others, because he wasn’t corrupt or negligent in his duties, but was found trustworthy! “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). The others SAW Daniel’s GOOD works through his conduct. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). Daniel was faithful in his duties to the King and his was faithful in his covenant relationship with God. “... [And]... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). Daniel’s faithfulness was a virtue and a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV). "…[When]...“YOU” bear much fruit, [you]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...They could find no corruption in him...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). The other presidents and princes looked and searched until they could find another way to discredit Daniel. The other presidents and princes were looking and searching for a particular way to discredit Daniel that would be plausible and strongly supported in pretext that would get rid of their rival. “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). Why did the other presidents and princes want to do Daniel this way? Their HEARTS were NOT right, which made them jealous and envious. “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).  “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (evil thoughts that command evil behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart, however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35). The other presidents and princes literally plotted together to find a way to “FIND FAULT” in Daniel’s duties as a government official. They could find NONE in his conduct, which is a POWERFUL testimony of WHO he chose to be as God’s child. So they went after Daniel, by creating a conflict between his faith and his government duties. Even though there was no fault found or detected in Daniel’s conduct or in his duties as chief, they attempted to create one of their OWN. “... Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). It is NATURAL for the sinful flesh to HATE or be HOSTILE toward God and his people, who carry his Holy Spirit. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). Daniel served his government faithfully, but he was first and foremost devoted to serving the LIVING God amidst a gaggle of Babylonian deities, gods, and idols.

THE EXCELLENT INDWELLING SPIRIT

1.    GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS WHO BECOME WITNESSES OF HIS GLORY, WHICH IS HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER, UPON EARTH. HOW DO YOU KNOW GOD’S DISCIPLES? BY THEIR FRUIT. WHO PRODUCES THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT “IN” AND “THROUGH” GOD’S PEOPLE? THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT.  “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...[“HIS” PEOPLE’S]... lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…God ...does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his (PEOPLE)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…[Other people will]… know (witness) that everything [HIS PEOPLE]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).  “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). MANKIND WAS ORIGINALLY MADE FROM THE DUST OF THE GROUND, YET WHERE DID GOD PUT HIS EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT? HE PUT HIS EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN HIS PEOPLE WHO ARE EARTHEN VESSELS.  “ …We have this treasure (the EXCELLENT, indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). DANIEL WAS A WITNESS FOR GOD’S GLORY. WHY WAS HE CHOSEN OVER ALL THE OTHER PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES? HE WAS PREFERRED BECAUSE OF THE EXCELLENT SPIRIT WITHIN HIM. “...Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).

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2.      WHAT POSITION IN KING DARIUS’ KINGDOM DID DANIEL HAVE? HE WAS CHIEF OF PRESIDENTS. “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV). WHAT SPECIFIC REASON IS GIVEN FOR GIVING DANIEL THE POSITION AS CHIEF? HE WAS GIVEN THE POSIION BECAUSE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WAS “IN” HIM. “...Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). WHAT WAS THE ATTITUDE, AMONG HIS COLLEAGUES? THEY COULD FIND NO FAULT IN HIM. WHAT DID HIS COLLEAGUES DECIDE TO DO, BECAUSE THEY COULD FIND NO FAULT IN HIM? THEY DECIDED TO CONSPIRE AGAINST HIM.  “...Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).

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3.      DOES GOD GIFT “ALL” OF HIS PEOPLE WITH HIS EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? YES HE DOES.  “…God has given [you] HIS ...[excellent indwelling Holy]... Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [YOU]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). DOES GOD’S EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE? YES, IT DOES. “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “ …We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  WILL OTHER PEOPLE “KNOW” YOU HAVE THIS SPECIAL GIFT WITHIN? YES, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO WITNESS THE GIFT OF GOD’S EXCELLENT INDWELLING SPIRIT. “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN TO THEM BY GOD’S _ _ _ _ _? BY GOD’S GRACE. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who works in you to will (to want to do righteous) and to act (to actually become righteous) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good (an indwelling and excellent spirit) for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

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4.    MOST PEOPLE ARE PREFERRED FOR A POSITION BECAUSE OF THEIR SKILLS, FIRST AND FOREMOST, BUT DANIEL WAS PREFERRED FOR HIS WHAT? HIS EXCELLENT SPIRIT. “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES WERE JEALOUS, SO WHAT DID THEY SEEK TO DO? TO FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCREDIT HIM WITH KING DARIUS. “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE A WITNESS THROUGH RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT? BECAUSE IT GIVES GLORY TO GOD, WHICH REVEALS HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER UPON EARTH. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). DID DANIEL GIVE GLORY TO GOD BECAUSE HE WAS NEGLIGENT AND CORRUPT OR BECAUSE HE WAS TRUSTWORTHY? BECAUSE HE WAS TRUSTWORTHY.  “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). IT GOD TRUSTWORTHY? YES, ALWAYS. “…All he does (God, the Holy Spirit) is just and good, and all his [WORDS] are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE TRUSTWORTHY IN THEIR WORKS UPON EARTH? SO OTHERS CAN BE A WITNESS TO THOSE TRUSTWORTHY WORKS AND GLORIFY GOD. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

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5.      WAS DANIEL ABLE TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD AND TO HIS GOVERNMENT DUTIES TOO? YES, HE WAS.  “...[And[... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). WHO PRODUCES FAITHFULNESS IN THE LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE? THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). ONE OF GOD’S DIVINE CHARACTERISTICS IS FAITHFULNESS AND HE PRODUCES IT “IN” AND “THROUGH” HIS PEOPLE. WHAT SPIRITUAL FRUIT DID DANIEL DISPLAY THAT WITNESSED HE WAS ONE OF GOD’S PEOPLE? THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS.  “...he was faithful...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV. “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

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6.    WHY ARE GOD’S PEOPLE ABLE TO BE A WITNESS OF GOD’S SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS? BECAUSE GOD’S EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT ABIDES IN THEM. WHAT DOES THE WITNESS OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT PROVE? IT PROVES SOMEONE IS TRULY GOD’S DISCIPLES.  “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). "…[When]...“YOU” bear much fruit, [you]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE THE GIFT OF GOD’S EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN. DANIEL WASN’T A PERFECT MAN, BUT HE HAD A PERFECT SPIRIT WITHIN. WHAT COULDN’T HIS COLLEAGUES FIND? THEY COULDN’T FIND ANY CORRUPTION “IN” HIM NOR WAS HE NEGLIGENT. “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...They could find no corruption in him...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV).  DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES LOOKED FOR WAYS TO DISCREDIT HIM, BUT HE CHOOSE TO BE LED BY THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. IF YOU ARE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU WON’T DO THE THINGS THE SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO DO. YOU CAN ALLOW GOD’S LIGHT TO SHINE AND GIVE HIM GLORY. “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). “... if through the power of the Spirit (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

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THE SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO DO EVIL

7.    What was evident about the other presidents and princes that could be witnessed by their deeds? The deeds of their sinful nature was evident.  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).  “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that command behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart, however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35). WHAT DID THE SINFUL NATURE OF THE OTHER PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES INFLUENCE THEM TO DO? WHEN THEY COULDN’T FIND ANY FAULT IN DANIEL’S CONDUCT OR DUTIES THEY DECIDED TO CREATE ONE OF THEIR OWN. “... Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). IS THE SINFUL NATURE, OF MANKIND, ALWAYS HOSTILE TOWARD GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? YES, IT IS ALWAYS HOSTILE TO GOD. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

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8.      DANIEL WAS SUCH A WITNESS TO GOD, HIS OTHER COLLEAGUES WERE AWARE OF HIS DEVOTION TO GOD. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE SINFUL NATURE IS HOSTILE TO GOD, THOSE WITHOUT THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT WILL CARRY OUT THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH. TRUE OR FALSE? TRUE.  “… the deeds of the flesh are evident, ... enmities, strife, jealousy ....envying ... and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “...All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). WHAT “NEW LAW” DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES PLOT TO ESTABLISH TO DISCREDIT HIM? THEY PLOTTED TO ESTABLISH A NEW LAW THAT WOULD FORCE DANIEL TO CHOOSE HIS DEVOTION TO GOD OVER HIS DUTIES TO THE KINGDOM. IF HE DIDN'T HE WOULD FACE THE LION’S DEN. “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO DISCREDIT HIM? YES, THEY DID. “...All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree ... king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). ALL the GOVERNMENT RULERS were able to consult and establish this NEW LAW, except DANIEL. If ONE sinner can destroyed MUCH GOOD, what can a GROUP of sinners do? They can ATTEMPT TO RUIN religious freedom for ONE righteous man. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). WHAT DOES THE BEHAVIOR OF DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES REVEAL ABOUT THE SINFUL NATURE? THE SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO DO EVIL. “…The sinful nature wants to do evil…” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants  …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that command unclean behavior and)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make a person unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). "... out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).

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9.    DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES ABUSED THE POWER, THEY HAD BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH, AGAINST HIM? YES, THEY DID.  “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT, BUT WITHOUT THE EXCELLENT SPIRIT THE SINFUL NATURE IS IN CHARGE. WHAT DOES THE SINFUL NATURE WANT TO DO? IT WANTS TO DO EVIL.  “…The sinful nature wants to do evil…” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants  …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  WHAT MADE DANIEL DIFFERENT FROM HIS COLLEAGUES? THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. COULD DANIEL HAVE HAD AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WITHOUT GOD? NO, HE COULD NOT. .“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin...[because of the sinful nature] ...I want to do what is good, but I don’t...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).  “… [ALL (every human being) have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [the Holy Spirit]... [mankind]... can do nothing [good]  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…by the GRACE of God (and his excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

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10. DANIEL WAS NOT PREFERRED TO BE CHIEF OF PRESIDENTS BECAUSE OF HIS SINFUL NATURE, BUT FOR HIS WHAT? HIS EXCELLENT SPIRIT. “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). DANIEL COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO FIT IN WITH THE MAJORITY, BUT HE CHOSE TO DO WHAT INSTEAD? TO LET HIS INDWELLING LIGHT SHINE BEFORE HIS COLLEAGUES THAT THEY MAY SEE GOD’S GLORY THROUGH HIS TRUSTWORTHY WORKS. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE STAND FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUS IT IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT WHAT THEY DO, BUT WHO THEY HAVE ALSO BECOME, WHICH IS WHAT? A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST JESUS.  “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ... we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT)."… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

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11.          GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT WHAT GIFT HAVE THEY BEEN GIVEN TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE A RIGHTEOUS LIFE? THE GIFT OF THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). SPIRITUAL FRUIT IS PRODUCED AND DEVELOPED OVER TIME. THEREFORE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HANG OUT AND SPEND TIME WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? BECAUSE YOU BECOME “LIKE” THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. “... Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character...” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). “…he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man (woman) ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise...” (Proverbs 13:20 KJV). HOW ARE GOD’S PEOPLE TRANSFORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST?  BY ABIDING “IN” CHRIST. BECOMING AWARE THEY ARE NEW CREATIONS THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT AND KNOWING THEY HAVE A NEW IDENTITY AS GOD’S BELOVED CHILD.  “…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV).    “…if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “..in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ...we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). WHO HELPS GOD’S PEOPLE BECOME LIKE JESUS? THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT WORKS “IN” AND “THROUGH” THEM TO EMPOWER THEM TO BECOME LIKE JESUS. “…It is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “...The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). CAN GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WITHOUT GOD? NO BY HIS GRACE AND HIS GRACE ALONE ARE THEY NEW CREATIONS FILLED WITH THE “GIFT” OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “…Apart from [the excellent, indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

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12. DANIEL HAD AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT. HE LET HIS LIGHT SHINE. HE STOOD FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT WHERE DID HE END UP? IN THE LION’S DEN. “... Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him ...Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.  Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).

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