SHORT BIBLE STUDY
INSIDE THE STORMS: THE LION’S DEN
DANIEL’S STORM AND HIS VICTORY
“...Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and
languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a
decree, That in every
dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is
the living God, and stedfast for ever, and
his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto
the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven
and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel
prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian...” (Daniel 6:16:20 KJV).
*
SCRIPTURE(S): “... [Daniel]... 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....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).
PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN
THAT WHEN GOD’S CHILDREN ARE TESTED BY THE TRIALS OF LIFE, THEY WILL BE
VICTORIOUS.
APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO PRACTICE TRUSTING
IN AND DEPENDING UPON GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT TO STAND DURING THE TRIALS AND
TRIBULATIONS THAT YOU FACE.
TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS
HOW DANIEL ENDED UP VICTORIOUS, IN THE LION’S DEN, IN SPITE OF WHAT CAUSED HIS
STORM. INSIDE DANIEL’S STORM, he had been set-up by his peers or colleagues.
Thus, all the other government officials stood unanimously against him, his
atmosphere was disturbed, his normal life was disrupted, he could lose his
position as chief, he was facing the punishment of being thrown in the den of
lions, and his whole life and well-being was shaken. Yet,“...
[Daniel]... 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....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). The bible tells
us, “Anyone who wants to
be my follower must love me far more
than he does
his own
father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own
life—otherwise
he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the
world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes
not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
(1 John 2:16-17 NLT). “...Yes, everything
else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my
Lord. For his sake I have
discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “... [Daniel]... went into his house ...he kneeled upon his
knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did
aforetime....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). The
biblical debates and criticisms over this story focuses on whether there could
have really been such a LAW established, or whether there was really a lion’s
den or not, or whether the lion’s den was actually a cistern or a pit, or over
some other insignificant detail, but FAIL to SEE the whole POINT was about
taking a stand for righteous CONDUCT. Thus,
what is important is: “... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not
crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did ...These
things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT). Daniel was well aware of
what he would be FACING “inside” this STORM, which was being THROWN into the
DEN of LION’S, but he didn’t HIDE, coward down, or STOP PRAYING to God. “... [Daniel]... went into his house ...he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before
his God, as he did aforetime....”
(Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). “…‘We’ve given up everything
to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...Yes, everything
else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my
Lord. For his sake I have
discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). What is important, is
that INSIDE THE STORM, Daniel - whether he felt fear, terror, concern, or uncertainty,
or any other physical anxiousness - he continued to PRAY as was his practice. “... [Daniel]... went into his house ...he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before
his God, as he did aforetime (before)....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). The covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit and his communication
with him, through prayer, was Daniel’s way of life. The other government
officials, evidently, KNEW, daily prayer, was his practice, because they knew
EXACTLY when to GO to Daniel’s house to LISTEN and find him PRAYING. “...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?...” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). We ALL go through STORMS, but what
happens to a man or woman of faith INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE? We rally and
preach about Daniel’s FAITHFULNESS to God. We rally and preach about his
MAGNIFICENT DELIVERANCE. We don’t often, if ever, rally and preach about how
FAITH, TRUST IN and DEPENDENCY upon God “INSIDE” the STORMS of LIFE can “STILL”
be coupled with or inundated with “feelings” of nervousness, anxiousness,
terror, fatigue, or the uneasiness of facing the unknown. INSIDE
THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors,
to “feel” helpless, scared, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome,
naked, exposed, or weak. However, “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly
quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who
or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG). “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the
Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army
from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at
Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). It is NOT
necessarily a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through
the STORMS of LIFE. “…Jehoshaphat was
TERRIFIED by this news...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). Jehoshaphat
trusted and depended upon God “terrified,” and in spite of his “feelings” he
called upon HIM for advice and help. “... He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are
the God who is in heaven.
…We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and
rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless
against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do,
but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2
Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT). Jehoshaphat went to God, INSIDE HIS
STORM, “terrified,” and God helped him. “…He helps me…”
(Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of
the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son
of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of
Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… The
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God responded to Jehoshaphat by sending him a divine message
through a man named Jahaziel.“…He said,
“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do
not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need
to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out
against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). Jahaziel’s inspired
word from God guided, strengthened, and empowered Jehoshaphat to follow God’s
instructions and it bought the King overwhelming victory. “…Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness
of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you
people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (trust in, depend upon) the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand
firm.
Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people,
the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy
splendor. This is what they sang: “Give
thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). However, King
Jehoshaphat STILL turned to God. Because the king trusted in God and NOT his
“FEELINGS” of terror he was able to go out to war, with his army, singing and
praising God. “…At the very moment they began to sing and give
praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab,
and Mount Seir to start fighting among
themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount
Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.
So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness,
all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see.
Not a single one of the enemy had
escaped….On the fourth day they gathered in
the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked
the Lord there. It
is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord
had given them
victory over their enemies...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). God didn’t hold King
Jehoshaphat’s feelings of TERROR against him, because he helps his people in
their weakness. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God LOVINGLY
comforted King Jehoshaphat. “…He said,
… Do not be
afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). God
even gave the king the reason NOT to be terrified. “…He
said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King
Jehoshaphat! This
is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by
this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but
God’s. …you will not even need to fight.
Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
INSIDE
DANIELS STORM
1.
EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO FAULT
FOUND IN DANIEL, WHAT DID HIS CO-WORKERS DO? THEY
CREATED A FAULT. “... 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 HOSTILE
TOWARD GOD? YES, IT IS ALWAYS HOSTILE
TOWARD GOD. “…The
sinful nature
is always
hostile to God…” (Romans
8:1-14 NLT). DANIEL SERVED HIS GOVERNMENT FAITHFULLY.
HE WAS ALSO DEVOTED TO GOD. DANIEL DID NOT INCITE THE EVIL BEHAVIOR IN HIS
CO-WORKERS, BUT WHAT “DEEDS OF THE FLESH” ARE EVIDENT IN THEM? JEALOUSY AND ENVY. “… 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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
OUT OF JEALOUS AND
ENVY, HIS CO-WORKERS WENT TO THE KING TO ESTABLISH A NEW LAW. HOW WOULD THIS
NEW LAW AFFECT DANIEL? IT WOULD PUT HIM IN
CONFLICT WITH HIS DUTIES AS A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL AND HIS DEVOTION TO GOD. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO DANIEL IF HE CONTINUED TO WORSHIP GOD? HE WOULD BE THROWN INTO 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
“ALL” OF DANIEL’S CO-WORKER GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO DISCREDIT HIM? YES, THEY “ALL” 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). DANIEL’S CO-WORKERS WERE VERY POWERFUL
AND INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE, WOULDN’T IT HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR DANIEL TO “GAIN” THEIR
APPROVAL WHETHER THAN CONTINUE TO BE DEVOTED TO GOD? NO, IF HE TRIED TO GAIN THEIR APPROVAL WHETHER KEEP GOD’S APPROVAL,
HE COULD LOSE HIS SOUL. “…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain
the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV).“…thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and …art polluted with their idols…” (Ezekiel 23:30). WHAT DID HIS CO-WORKERS ACTUALLY DO TO TRY AND DISCREDIT DANIEL? THEY CONSULTED TOGETHER TO ESTABLISH A NEW LAW THEY “KNEW”
DANIEL WOULD BREAK. “...All the presidents of the kingdom, the
governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to
establish a royal statute ...” (Daniel
6:5-10 KJV).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
ALL OF DANIEL’S
CO-WORKERS TRIED TO DESTROY HIS “GOOD” REPUTATION. What does the bible say
“one” sinner can destroy? One
sinner can destroy much good.“…
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 BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE SINFUL NATURE OF MEN OR WOMEN? THE SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO DO EVIL. IT WANTS TO DO THE OPPOSITE OF
WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTS TO DO. OUT OF THE HEART OF EVIL MEN AND WOMEN COME
EVIL THOUGHTS AND EVIL BEHAVIOR. “…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). KING DARIUS WANTED THE HONOR OF A “god” DANIEL’S
CO-WORKERS PROMISED HIM SO HE SIGNED THE NEW LAW INTO AFFECT. WHAT WOULD
HAPPENED TO ANYONE WHO BROKE THE NEW LAW? THEY WOULD BE
THROWN INTO 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). WHY DIDN’T DANIEL’S CO-WORKERS
APPRECIATE HIS EXCELLENT SPIRIT? BECAUSE THE SINFUL
NATURE WANTS TO THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE SPIRIT WANTS TO DO.
“…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).
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4.
WITHOUT THE HOLY
SPIRIT, WOULD DANIEL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? BECAUSE
WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT HE WOULD BE A SLAVE TO THE SINFUL NATURE TOO LIKE HIS
CO-WORKERS. “...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). WHAT DID GOD’S SPIRIT MAKE DANIEL? IT MADE HIM PREFERRABLE ABOVE ALL HIS OTHER CO-WORKERS.
“... Daniel was
preferred above the presidents and
prince...because
an excellent spirit was in him...”
(Daniel 6:3 KJV). WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BEING THE KIND
OF WITNESS, TO OTHERS, LIKE DANIEL WAS? THE BIBLE SAYS LET YOUR LIGHT
SHINE SO OTHERS MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOU FATHER IN HEAVEN. “…Let your light so
shine before men, that they may
see your good works …”
(Matthew 5:16 KJV). “…
[God’s
people]… are HIS
workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works …”
(Ephesians 2:10 KJV). "…Let your light shine before men (women, children) in
such a way that they may see your
good works, and glorify your
Father who
is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB). WHAT DID DANIEL
“PROVE” ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? THAT HE WAS
FIRST AND FOREMOST GOD’S DISCIPLE. “...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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.
Daniel wasn’t perfect, so WHY COULDN’T DANIEL’S CO-WORKERS
FIND “ANY” CORRUPTION IN HIM. Because he was
trustworthy and the holy spirit produced spiritual fruit “in” and “through” him. “...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). "… [if
you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). DANIEL WAS
DEVOTED TO GOD AND SPENT TIME WITH HIM THROUGH PRAYER. WHAT HAPPENS TO PEOPLE
WHO KEEP COMPANY WITH GOD? THEY TRANSFORM AND BECOME
MORE “LIKE” HIM. “... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion
of fools shall be destroyed...” (Proverbs
13:20 KJV). “... 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). “…abide
in me, and I in you…”
(John 15:4 KJV). WHAT
DID DANIEL’S DEVOTION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD DO FOR HIS LIFE? IT MADE HIM A DIFFERENT KIND OF PERSON. HIS
IDENTITY CHANGED. GOD WAS ABLE TO WORK THROUGH HIM. GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERED
DANIEL’S LIFE.
“…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). “…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). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1
Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Apart from [the
excellent Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. DANIEL KNEW THE
NEW LAW, BUT WHAT DID HE CONTINUE TO DO? HE CONTINUED
HIS DEVOTION TO GOD. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO DANIEL “IF” HE CONTINUED HIS
DEVOTION TO GOD? HE WOULD BE THROWN INTO 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). WHAT DID DANIEL “ACTURALLY”
CONTINUE TO DO?
HE WENT TO HIS HOUSE, OPENED HIS WINDOW, KNEELED AND
PRAYED THREE TIMES A DAY. “... [Daniel]... 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....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). WHAT
DID IT COST DANIEL TO CONTINUE HIS DEVOTION TO GOD? HE WOULD LOSE HIS JOB AND BE THROWN INTO THE LION’S DEN, WHICH MEANT
HE COULD ALSO LOSE HIS LIFE. WAS DANIEL WILLING TO LOSE
EVERYTHING? YES. WOULD YOU DO WHAT DANIEL DID? “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he
does his own father, mother, wife,
children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple”
(Luke 14:26 NLT).
“.. For everything in the
world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes
not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
(1 John 2:16-17 NLT). “...Yes, everything
else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my
Lord. For his sake I have
discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DANIEL’S STORY BEING A PART OF
THE BIBLE? TO SHOW GOD’S PEOPLE AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO
LIVE RIGHTEOUS WHILE UPON EARTH. “... These things happened as a
warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship
idols as some of them did ...These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT). WAS DANIEL AWARE OF THE COST OF HIS DEVOTION TO GOD? YES, HE KNEW WHAT THE NEW LAW WAS. “...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). “... [Daniel]... went into his house ...he kneeled upon his
knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did
aforetime....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).
“…‘We’ve
given up everything to follow you…” (Mark
10:28-31 NLT). “...Yes,
everything else is worthless when compared with the
infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as
garbage, so that I could gain Christ...”
(Philippians 3:8 NLT). DANIEL MAY HAVE BEEN AFRAID, TERRIFIED, CONCERNED FOR HIS
LIFE, OR SOME OTHER HUMAN ANXIOUSNESS, BUT NONETHELESS, WHAT DID HE CONTINUE TO DO? HE CONTINUED HIS DEVOTION TO GOD. “... [Daniel]... went into his house ...he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before
his God, as he did aforetime (before)....” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.
DEVOTION TO GOD WAS DANIEL’S WAY OF LIFE AND HIS
CO-WORKERS KNEW IT. HOW DID THEY CATCH DANIEL BREAKING THE NEW LAW? THEY WENT TO HIS HOUSE WHERE THEY KNEW HE PRAYED THREE TIMES
A DAY AND GAVE THANKS TO God. “...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?...” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV). DANIEL
FACED A DILEMNA. YET, HE WAS EMPOWERED TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD. WHEN “INSIDE
THE STORMS” OF LIFE WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT GOD IN SPITE OF IT ALL?
THAT HE WILL “NEVER” LET YOU DOWN OR LEAVE YOU.
“…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and
leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter
what. Who or what can get to me?”
(Hebrews 13:5 MSG). LET’S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT KIND JEHOSHAPHAT,
BEFORE FINISHING DANIEL’S STORY. WHAT WAS THE KING’S REACTION WHEN HE HEARD
ABOUT THE VAST ARMY COMING AGAINST HIM? HE WAS
TERRIFIED. “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the
Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom
is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at
Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…Jehoshaphat
was TERRIFIED by this news...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHAT DID KING
JEHOSHAPHAT DO? HE PRAYED AND WAITED FOR GOD’S HELP. “...
He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are
the God who is in heaven.
…We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and
rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless
against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do,
but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2
Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT).
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DANIEL’S
VICTORY
9.
KING JEHOSHAPHAT WENT TO GOD, INSIDE HIS STORM,
TERRIFIED. WHAT DID GOD DO? GOD HELPED HIM. HOW
DID GOD HELP HIM? GOD SPOKE A WORD THROUGH A MAN NAME
JAHAZIEL. “…He helps me…”
(Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of
the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son
of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of
Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… The
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). WHAT DID GOD PROMISE KING JEHOSHAPHAT HE
WOULD DO FOR HIM? HE TOLD HIM HE WOULD FIGHT FOR HIM
AND GIVE HIM THE VICTORY. “…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and
Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says:
Do not be
afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need
to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out
against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). KING JEHOSHAPHAT FOLLOWED GOD’S
INSTRUCTIONS. DID GOD DO, FOR HIM, WHAT HE PROMISED? YES,
THE KING HAD OVERWHELMING VICTORY OVER THE OTHER ARMIES.
“…Early the next morning the army of
Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and
said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (trust in, depend upon) the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand
firm.
Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people,
the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy
splendor. This is what they sang: “Give
thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…At the very moment
they began to sing and give praise, the Lord
caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir
to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and
Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them.
After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they
began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the
lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the
ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped….On the fourth day they
gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked
the Lord there. It
is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord
had given them
victory over their enemies...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WAS GOD UPSET
BECAUSE KING JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED? NO. WHAT
DID GOD SAY TO AND DO FOR HIM? HE SAID NOT TO BE AFRAID
AND HE PROMISED TO FIGHT THE BATTLE FOR HIM.
“…
The
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out
against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…He said,
“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you
will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and
watch the Lord’s victory...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHAT DOES KING JEHOSHAPHAT STORY
SHOW US THAT GOD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? HE HELPS THEM IN THEIR WEAKNESS. HE TELLS THEM NOT BE AFRAID,
BECAUSE HE IS WITH THEM. HE LETS THEM KNOW THE BATTLE IS HIS. HE ENCOURAGES
THEM TO STAND IN FAITH. HE ALSO SAYS NO WEEAPON FORMED AGAINST THEM WILL
PROSPER. “… The
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…you will not even need to fight...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…Take your positions; then stand still..”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…No
weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…”
(Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “...After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the
lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the
ground as far as they could see. Not a single one
of the enemy had escaped….On the fourth day they
gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked
the Lord there. It
is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord
had given them
victory over their enemies...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3
NIV). “…Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things…” (Joel 2:21
NASB). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. GETTING BACK TO DANIEL, HE WAS FAITHFUL SERVANT. YET, GOD
ALLOWED HIM TO GO THREW THIS TRIAL WITH HIS CO-WORKERS. IT WAS SO UNFAIR WHAT
THEY WERE DOING TO HIM. YET, INSIDE THE STORM, DANIEL EXPERIENCED WHAT IT WAS
LIKE TO TRUST IN AND DEPEND UPON GOD WHEN LIFE WASN’T FAIR. HE ALSO EXPERIENCED
THE COST OF TRUSTING IN AND DEPENDING UPON GOD TOO. WHAT ATTITUDE DOES GOD
ENCOURAGE HIS PEOPLE TO KEEP WHILE THEY GO THROUGH UNFAIR TRIBULATIONS? HE TELLS THEM TO BE OF GOOD CHEER, BECAUSE HE HAS OVERCOME
THEM AND THUS OVERWHELMING VICTORY WILL BE THEIRS. “...In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here
on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I
have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). These
TESTS may break HIS PEOPLE’S hearts, make them cry, cost them much, be filled
with shame, humiliation, disappointment, and may cause them to feel terror.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THE HEART WHEN YOU GO THROUGH TRIBULATIONS AND THE
OUTCOME? IT SAYS NOT TO LET YOUR BE TROUBLED, BECAUSE OVERWHELMING
VICTORY IS THEIRS (HIS PEOPLE). “...Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we
must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved
us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). What
DID DANIEL LEARN WHILE HE WAS INSIDE the STORM or INSIDE the DEN of LIONS? INSIDE
the STORM Daniel’S faithfulness TO GOD WAS STRENGTHENED. INSIDE the STORM his
dedication and devotion for God was challenged. It is INSIDE the STORM that
Daniel discovers that God is ALL that he SAYS he is and MUCH MORE!! “…there
is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… I, the Lord,
am
your healer…”
(Exodus 15:26). “…God
is the one who provides
[for you]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians
4:19 NASB). “…He helps me…”
(Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…”
(Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…”
(Psalms 40:17 NLT). “… [God] … will keep in
perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]”
(Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is [“your”] shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your
fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your
shield and
the horn of Your salvation, YOUR
stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
“…I
the LORD am thy Saviour …[your STRENGTH
INSIDE the STORM]...”
(Isaiah 60:16 KJV). He
will “…strengthened [you]… with
might by his Spirit in the
inner man…”
(Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens
you]…according to the POWER that worketh
IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God … work[s] … in … [you] … what is
pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … he doeth
the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH DANIEL’S SITUATION? THAT THERE IS “NONE” LIKE GOD. “…there is none like unto thee…”
(Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…I’ve ... done... [marvelous
things for you] ...so you will
know that I
am the Lord…” (Exodus
10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… “I
AM WHO I AM …”
(Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…You are very
GREAT…”
(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… he
[THAT] hath done marvellous
things…”
(Psalm 98:1 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11.
INSIDE THE STORM, WHO SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE
LOOK TO FOR HELP? God, the holy spirit. “...We are powerless against
this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2
Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My
flesh and my heart faileth: but God is
the strength of my heart, and my
portion for ever...” (Psalm
73:25-26 KJV). So
like Jesus, continually “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…”
(1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). WHAT WILL GOD’S SPIRIT PRODUCE IN
YOUR LIFE? SPIRITUAL FRUITS. WHAT WILL THOSE
SPIRITUAL FRUITS EMPOWER YOU TO DO? BE FAITHFUL,
LOVING, HOPEFUL, RIGHTEOUS, GOOD, ETC. “...the
Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…you will abound in HOPE
by
the power of the...[indwelling]... Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…God, [the Holy Spirit is]... the source of HOPE,
[and] will fill you completely.... Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the
power of the [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT).“...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives...faithfulness…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the excellent
indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be
faithful]…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, [faithfulness], Meekness, temperance…”
(Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives ...[faithfulness]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans
7:14-25 NLT). “…Apart from [the
excellent indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot
be faithful]…” (John 15:5 NIV). WHO
DOES THE EMPOWERINB WORK “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU? GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT DOES
THE WORK. “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. …
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…
God … work[s] … in … [you] … what
is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…”
(John 14:10 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12.
THE BIBLE SAYS YOU WILL KNOW GOD’S PEOPLE BY THEIR
FRUIT. WHAT FRUIT DO YOU SEE OPERATING IN DANIEL’S INSIDE HIS STORM? FAITHFULNESS “…Ye shall know [those with the
indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…”
(Matthew 7:16 KJV). “... The Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. …” (Galatians
5 NLT). WHY DOES GOD SAY PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF
GOD WHEN YOU’RE INSIDE THE STORMS OF LIFE? SO YOU’LL BE
ABLE TO STAND FIRM IN FAITH. “...Therefore
[INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done
everything, to stand. Stand
firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). WHILE
YOU STAND FIRM IN FAITH, WHAT WILL GOD BE DOING? HE’LL
KEEP YOU STRONG. HE WON’T LET YOU DOWN. HE WON’T LEAVE YOU. HE’LL BE HELPING
YOU. HE’LL BE WITH YOU THE WHOLE TIME. HE’LL DO THE FIGHTING. YOU’LL BE ABLE TO
WATCH “HIS” VICTORY, BECAUSE THE BATTLE IS HIS.“…HE (the
indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1
Corinthians 1:8 NLT).“…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and
leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...”
(Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…No weapon that is formed against
[YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17
KJV). “…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…you will not even need to fight...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
13. “…Take your positions; then stand still..”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME OF DANIEL’S
STORM? HE WAS DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF THE LION’S
AND THE LION’S DEN UNHURT. “...O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy
God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel
unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath
shut the lions' mouths, that they
have not hurt me: forasmuch as before
him innocency was found in me; and also before thee,
O king, have I done no hurt. Then ... the king ... commanded that they
should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken
up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he
believed in (trusted in, depended upon) his God....” (Daniel 6:16:20 KJV). “...He (God, the Holy Spirit) delivereth
and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth...”
(Daniel 6:16:20 KJV). “...He (God, the Holy Spirit) ....delivered Daniel from the power of the lions...” (Daniel
6:16:20 KJV). WHAT KIND OF VICTORY DID
DANIEL HAVE? OVERWHELMING VICTORY. HOW ARE GOD’S WORKS DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES? AS MARVELLOUS AND WONDERFUL.“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast
done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “...overwhelming
victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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