Do you know that you will outlive the sun?
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Do you know that you will outlive the sun?
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Totoro, P. O.
Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Systematic, expository study of God's Word 16/02/2009
Study 29: THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6: 11-28
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34: 19). Many are the trials, troubles, persecutions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Daniel's persecutors were the creation of envy, jealousy and hatred. Whenever a man is blessed and promoted by the Lord lo a place of honour and greater usefulness), envious; and jealous men quickly rise up to pull him down. It seems there's always a price to pay for promotion and greater usefulness. God had lifted up Daniel to a strategic place of prominence and influence and those around him immediately began to plot. how they migl1t bring him down. God had put Daniel where He wanted him to be and He had also put the others where He wanted them to be. Darius recognized Daniel's ability, wisdom, skill, understanding and spiritual insight. The ungodly presidents and princes were not satisfied with their lot and they burned with envy, rage, jealousy and bitterness against him. Even though he had done them no wrong they wanted him dead!
In their jealously and hatred, they sought to find fault in Daniel's life and administration.
There was no error or fault found in this faithful man. They could not find anything he did that he should not have done (sins of commission) or anything he did not do that. He should have done (sins of omission). How could anybody so hate such a man as Daniel to want to get rid of him at all costs? They themselves confessed that there was nothing to condemn him for. Yet they conspired to cast him alive into a den of lions! Always remember this: Not everyone accused of sin or crime by the world is guilty before God. Joseph was not guilty but he was imprisoned. David was not guilty but jealous rage in Saul wanted him dead. Mordecai was not guilty hut the pride of Haman wanted to hang him on the gallows. Jeremiah was not guilty but the people said, "This man is worthy to die." Peter was not guilty but Herod sought to put him to death. Paul was not guilty but the multitude said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. n And Daniel was not guilty but those who made themselves his enemies without any justifiable reason conspired to throw him into the lions' den. Beware of envy; it can lead to bitterness, hatred, sin, death and damnation in hell.
1. THE DECREE AND THE PROSECUTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
Daniel 6: 11-17; 3:8-12; Esther 3:4-8; Psalm 94:20,21; Jeremiah 38:4-6; Acts 5:27-3.'3; Psalms 34: 12-22; 91: 11-16
"Daniel prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME." Daniel did not pray because of the decree, he had always been committed to the devotional life of prayer. He 'was brought to Babylon at the age of (about.) 17. He lived in Babylon through the 70-yea.r period of the Babylonian empire (Jeremiah 25: 12). Daniel was already about 87 years of age when Darius took the kingdom at the age of 62. Daniel had committed himself to a devotional life of prayer before Darius, the king, was born. The new decree could not stop Daniel from praying. Daniel was accused of not regarding the king (Daniel 6: 13) but they should be accused of not regarding Daniel and the God of Daniel, their Creator. He was also accused of not regarding the decree which the king had signed but they should be accused of 110t regarding the law of the King of kings.
"Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and not with Daniel. Now the king awoke to the truth of the whole plot. Flattery had exalted him to the position of a god but reality abased him to the level of a fool! He sought to deliver Daniel but he could. Not do it. His own decree was stronger than him; his own edict had sealed the death of the most trustworthy servant of the king. If men would so regard the decrees of earthly kings that they could not change them, how much more should we regard "the decree of the most High" (Daniel 4:2.0,) and "the doctrine of Christ' (2 John 9). If the king could not change a one-month decree of an earthly kingdom to favour his most preferred subject, should any of us change God's eternal decree or doctrine to favour or excuse anyone? Daniel said nothing to defend himself. He committed himself to God and calmly accepted the sovereign will of the all-wise, almighty God. He was cast into the lions' den but God sent an angel ahead of him to shut the lions' mouths.
2. THE DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6:18-23,25-28; 3:15,17,28,29; Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37; Psalm 34:7;
Acts 12:7-11; 27:23-25; Hebrews 11:33; 7:25; 2 Timothy 4: 17,18
The king had great sincerity and great anxiety over Daniel but he could not deliver him. The following morning, after Daniel was cast into the lions' den, the king went there to find 'Out what had happened. He did not send a servant, but he went in person. He had strong affection and great love for Daniel. He knew that Daniel served the living God and that he served Him continually. Was God able to deliver His faithful servant from the lions? Daniel was still alive! Alive in the lions' den! The living God is mighty and powerful. God had sent an angel to protect Daniel that single angel shut the mouths of all the lions, so they were not able to hurt or harm him.
Angels are mighty and powerful and they are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1: 13, 14). An angel ministered and guided in the choice of Rebekah for Isaac (Genesis 24:7). An angel encouraged and strengthened Gideon for his great task and commission (Judges 6: 12). An angel destroyed 185,000 valiant enemies of God's people in one night (Isaiah 37:36). An angel fed and strengthened Elijah at the time of his distress and discouragement (1 Kings 19:5-8). An angel shut the mouths of lions in the den and Daniel's life was protected and preserved for a prophetic ministry (Daniel 6:22). An angel appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John (Luke 1:11-17). An angel appeared to Mary, the virgin to reveal the coming of Christ, through her (Luke 1:26-37). An angel guided Philip to lead the eunuch of Ethiopia to salvation in Christ (Acts 8:26-39). An angel opened the prison doors and released the Apostles to preach "all the words of this life' (Acts 5: 19,20). Art angel delivered Peter from imprisonment and death arid smote Herod the great enemy of the church (Acts 12:7-11,21-24). Angels still minister to God's faithful people today, though they are often invisible (Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 4:11; LU.kr: 22:43; Acts 27:23).
"Then was the king exceeding glad" because Daniel was alive, in health and unhurt. "He believed in his God", his faith in God kept him and preserved him from all evil. Then the king made a decree that all people in his kingdom should recognize God as the living God.
3. THE DESTINY AND PERDITION OF THE REPROBATES
Daniel 6:24; Deuteronomy19:18-20; Esther 7: 10; Psalms 9: 15-17; 7:15,16; 57:6; Proverbs 28: 10; Deuteronomy 24: 16; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Ezekiel 18:4,20
"And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions. It must be remembered that Daniel had no voice or hand in the punishment or execution of his persecutors. As a believer who was wholeheartedly committed to the Word of God he had charity towards all and malice towards none. Throughout this chapter he was remarkably quiet and he did not raise his voice in protest or self-defence. But justice caught up with the evil doers. They were cast into the same den of lions into which they had cast Daniel. Very often, wicked men fall into the same pit they dig for others. God always turns the malice and cruelty of wicked men upon their own heads.
"Those men, their children, and their wives" were "cast into the den of lions." This extreme action of Darius was contrary to the express Law of God (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4,20). Yet there were times when God Himself and the people of God acted in the same way because the family members were partakers and supporters of evil men (Genesis 20:7,18; Numbers 16:30-33; Joshua 7:10-13,22-26; Esther 5:14; 7:10; 9:25; Acts 5:1-2,3-10; Matthew 27:24,25). The wives and the children of the wicked often suffer shame and anguish, sorrow and loss when the husband, the father is suffering the penalty of his crime. The painful effects of crime do not terminate on the guilty individual himself. When a man is condemned for crime the consequences are not confined to himself alone. For the sake of our souls and for the sake of the eternal happiness of our loved ones "we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2: 11-1.1,.).
culled from Depeer Christian Life Ministry.
Study 29: THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6: 11-28
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34: 19). Many are the trials, troubles, persecutions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Daniel's persecutors were the creation of envy, jealousy and hatred. Whenever a man is blessed and promoted by the Lord lo a place of honour and greater usefulness), envious; and jealous men quickly rise up to pull him down. It seems there's always a price to pay for promotion and greater usefulness. God had lifted up Daniel to a strategic place of prominence and influence and those around him immediately began to plot. how they migl1t bring him down. God had put Daniel where He wanted him to be and He had also put the others where He wanted them to be. Darius recognized Daniel's ability, wisdom, skill, understanding and spiritual insight. The ungodly presidents and princes were not satisfied with their lot and they burned with envy, rage, jealousy and bitterness against him. Even though he had done them no wrong they wanted him dead!
In their jealously and hatred, they sought to find fault in Daniel's life and administration.
There was no error or fault found in this faithful man. They could not find anything he did that he should not have done (sins of commission) or anything he did not do that. He should have done (sins of omission). How could anybody so hate such a man as Daniel to want to get rid of him at all costs? They themselves confessed that there was nothing to condemn him for. Yet they conspired to cast him alive into a den of lions! Always remember this: Not everyone accused of sin or crime by the world is guilty before God. Joseph was not guilty but he was imprisoned. David was not guilty but jealous rage in Saul wanted him dead. Mordecai was not guilty hut the pride of Haman wanted to hang him on the gallows. Jeremiah was not guilty but the people said, "This man is worthy to die." Peter was not guilty but Herod sought to put him to death. Paul was not guilty but the multitude said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. n And Daniel was not guilty but those who made themselves his enemies without any justifiable reason conspired to throw him into the lions' den. Beware of envy; it can lead to bitterness, hatred, sin, death and damnation in hell.
1. THE DECREE AND THE PROSECUTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
Daniel 6: 11-17; 3:8-12; Esther 3:4-8; Psalm 94:20,21; Jeremiah 38:4-6; Acts 5:27-3.'3; Psalms 34: 12-22; 91: 11-16
"Daniel prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME." Daniel did not pray because of the decree, he had always been committed to the devotional life of prayer. He 'was brought to Babylon at the age of (about.) 17. He lived in Babylon through the 70-yea.r period of the Babylonian empire (Jeremiah 25: 12). Daniel was already about 87 years of age when Darius took the kingdom at the age of 62. Daniel had committed himself to a devotional life of prayer before Darius, the king, was born. The new decree could not stop Daniel from praying. Daniel was accused of not regarding the king (Daniel 6: 13) but they should be accused of not regarding Daniel and the God of Daniel, their Creator. He was also accused of not regarding the decree which the king had signed but they should be accused of 110t regarding the law of the King of kings.
"Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and not with Daniel. Now the king awoke to the truth of the whole plot. Flattery had exalted him to the position of a god but reality abased him to the level of a fool! He sought to deliver Daniel but he could. Not do it. His own decree was stronger than him; his own edict had sealed the death of the most trustworthy servant of the king. If men would so regard the decrees of earthly kings that they could not change them, how much more should we regard "the decree of the most High" (Daniel 4:2.0,) and "the doctrine of Christ' (2 John 9). If the king could not change a one-month decree of an earthly kingdom to favour his most preferred subject, should any of us change God's eternal decree or doctrine to favour or excuse anyone? Daniel said nothing to defend himself. He committed himself to God and calmly accepted the sovereign will of the all-wise, almighty God. He was cast into the lions' den but God sent an angel ahead of him to shut the lions' mouths.
2. THE DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6:18-23,25-28; 3:15,17,28,29; Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37; Psalm 34:7;
Acts 12:7-11; 27:23-25; Hebrews 11:33; 7:25; 2 Timothy 4: 17,18
The king had great sincerity and great anxiety over Daniel but he could not deliver him. The following morning, after Daniel was cast into the lions' den, the king went there to find 'Out what had happened. He did not send a servant, but he went in person. He had strong affection and great love for Daniel. He knew that Daniel served the living God and that he served Him continually. Was God able to deliver His faithful servant from the lions? Daniel was still alive! Alive in the lions' den! The living God is mighty and powerful. God had sent an angel to protect Daniel that single angel shut the mouths of all the lions, so they were not able to hurt or harm him.
Angels are mighty and powerful and they are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1: 13, 14). An angel ministered and guided in the choice of Rebekah for Isaac (Genesis 24:7). An angel encouraged and strengthened Gideon for his great task and commission (Judges 6: 12). An angel destroyed 185,000 valiant enemies of God's people in one night (Isaiah 37:36). An angel fed and strengthened Elijah at the time of his distress and discouragement (1 Kings 19:5-8). An angel shut the mouths of lions in the den and Daniel's life was protected and preserved for a prophetic ministry (Daniel 6:22). An angel appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John (Luke 1:11-17). An angel appeared to Mary, the virgin to reveal the coming of Christ, through her (Luke 1:26-37). An angel guided Philip to lead the eunuch of Ethiopia to salvation in Christ (Acts 8:26-39). An angel opened the prison doors and released the Apostles to preach "all the words of this life' (Acts 5: 19,20). Art angel delivered Peter from imprisonment and death arid smote Herod the great enemy of the church (Acts 12:7-11,21-24). Angels still minister to God's faithful people today, though they are often invisible (Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 4:11; LU.kr: 22:43; Acts 27:23).
"Then was the king exceeding glad" because Daniel was alive, in health and unhurt. "He believed in his God", his faith in God kept him and preserved him from all evil. Then the king made a decree that all people in his kingdom should recognize God as the living God.
3. THE DESTINY AND PERDITION OF THE REPROBATES
Daniel 6:24; Deuteronomy19:18-20; Esther 7: 10; Psalms 9: 15-17; 7:15,16; 57:6; Proverbs 28: 10; Deuteronomy 24: 16; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Ezekiel 18:4,20
"And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions. It must be remembered that Daniel had no voice or hand in the punishment or execution of his persecutors. As a believer who was wholeheartedly committed to the Word of God he had charity towards all and malice towards none. Throughout this chapter he was remarkably quiet and he did not raise his voice in protest or self-defence. But justice caught up with the evil doers. They were cast into the same den of lions into which they had cast Daniel. Very often, wicked men fall into the same pit they dig for others. God always turns the malice and cruelty of wicked men upon their own heads.
"Those men, their children, and their wives" were "cast into the den of lions." This extreme action of Darius was contrary to the express Law of God (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4,20). Yet there were times when God Himself and the people of God acted in the same way because the family members were partakers and supporters of evil men (Genesis 20:7,18; Numbers 16:30-33; Joshua 7:10-13,22-26; Esther 5:14; 7:10; 9:25; Acts 5:1-2,3-10; Matthew 27:24,25). The wives and the children of the wicked often suffer shame and anguish, sorrow and loss when the husband, the father is suffering the penalty of his crime. The painful effects of crime do not terminate on the guilty individual himself. When a man is condemned for crime the consequences are not confined to himself alone. For the sake of our souls and for the sake of the eternal happiness of our loved ones "we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2: 11-1.1,.).
culled from Depeer Christian Life Ministry.
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
Study 28:
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
09/02/09
Daniel 6:10
Daniel's purpose earlier in life was not superficial; the strength of his firm purpose carried him through till the old age. Though he was a captive in Babylon he was courageous, not cowardly, in standing by his godly conviction. He did not think that when you are in Rome you must do as the Romans do. He was as righteous in Babylon as he had been in Jerusalem. To him it mattered not whether his actions brought him loss or gain, frown or favour, pain or pleasure, condemnation or commendation of the world. Cost what it might, righteousness was always the best policy. Each of us needs such a spirit of decision in times like these.
Why would Daniel be so particular? Were there not other Jews in the land who kept their religion to themselves and quietly refrained from attracting attention to their conviction? The temptation to look at others is always strong but Daniel was not going to yield to any pressure to compromise. He was being considered for the highest position in the government. If he was very consciencious in keeping to his conviction, would he not miss the opportunity of that special promotion? No position in an earthly government was as important to Daniel as a place in the Kingdom of God. Some might have said 'it is the law of the land not to pray to God' but God's children are under a higher law and "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Daniel's heart was set and settled. His decision was not floating in his head but deep-rooted in his heart.
1. DANIEL'S UNCOMMON DEN
Daniel 6:10,7; Amos 3:4; Hebrews 11:33; Psalm 7:1,2; Psalms 10:2-9; 57:4-7; 35:17-20; Nahum 2: 11,12; 2 Timothy 4: 16-18; 1 Peter 5:8,9.
The presidents and the princes conspired against Daniel. They, by flattery and deception, perverted the king's mind to pass an unchangeable edict. The penalty for disobeying the king's decree was death' the lions' den. The situation would have put Daniel in great dilemma but his first allegiance was to the King of kings and his fearless and unqualified obedience was to the law and edict of His everlasting Kingdom. The great trial did not crush his spirit of praise. He still "prayed and gave thanks before His God."
The dread of the den of lions did not stop Daniel from worshipping God. The lions in the den, indeed, all the lions in all the dens on earth are under God's control. If he had compromised and sinned for fear of Darius' den of lions, he could still have encountered a fiercer doom than the terror from which he shrank. Lions could still crush and kill the compromiser (1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings 17:25,26; Job 3:25). Compromising men have declined to bear a light burden and they have been constrained to bear a far heavier one. They have fled from a lion and a bear has met them; they sought to escape from a bear but a serpent killed them (Amos 5:19). To deny Christ because of danger is always risky, unsafe and dangerous. It is better to go forward than to draw back. The safest thing is to trust our souls into God's care and do His will. Even if there are lions in front, it is better to go ahead doing God's will than to draw back. "Remember Lot's wife." It may be hard going forward, but it is worse going back. If a man lost his life to save his coat he would be a fool; if a man were to lose his soul in order to save 11is life, he would be a greater fool. So Daniel knew that the risk of being cast into a den of lions W8.3 nothing when compared to the risk of being cast into hell. He chose the smaller risk and continued living for God's glory.
Ultimately, the great conflict was between "the laws of his Goer', "the LORD that changeth not' (Daniel 6:5; Malachi 3:6) and "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth noe' (Daniel 6:8, 12b, 15). It was a conflict between the everlasting King and an earthly ruler. Daniel knew that God is greater and disobedience to His law carries eternal punishment. The penalty in the den was temporary and brief, the punishment in hell will be endless and eternal. It would have been foolish to fear the den and risk being cast into the eternal lake of fire. There was a choice to make and Daniel, strengthened by habitual prayer and faith in God, made the right choice.
3. DANIEL'S UNCOMPROMISING DECISION
Daniel 6:10; Ruth 1:11-18; Nehemiah 6:9-16; Esther 3:1-4; 4:10-16; Job 13:15,16; 27:3-6; Acts 5:27-29; Acts 20: 19-24; Psalms 119:51,83, 109, 141,143,157.
Daniel's decision was the cecision of a single-minded believer. He knew his duty towards God and he did not waver or confer with flesh and blood. He did not seek the advice of worldly-minded people. His faith was steadfast, his composure was calm and unruffled, his conduct remained consistent with his conviction. His conscience affirmed obedience to God above allegiance to any man on earth. God's Word, not the decree of earthly kings, was his guide in life. He had decided for the truth and he was not going to sell the truth at any price. Oh for a heart like Daniel's to follow and obey Christ at all hazards. To be a real Christian and be steadfast till the end, a man must possess such decision of character. So many people fail and falter, they fall from the Christian race because of lack of a firm purpose. They start with great enthusiasm and glowing testimony, then they allow themselves to be diverted from their purpose.
A man of unswerving decision learns to keep his mind on the Lord. Keeping our eyes on eternal things makes sin and compromise lose their attractions. A firm commitment to God and His will, whatever may arise, keeps us standing for the tru th at all times. Such a firm decision keeps our hearts at rest and we leave the outcome in God's Hands. The great thing for us is to know the will of God and do it.
Decisions make the man. Firm decisions make firm men with strong backbone. Break a man's ability to take decisions and you break and destroy the man. It was Babylon's determination to break the will and overthrow the faith of the three faithful worshippers of the true God. Babylon failed and the old-time faith was purified and preserved in the fire. It was Medo-Persia's determination to destroy or weaken the resolve of Daniel. Daniel's commitment to the law of God was stronger than their c1 termination. Because of the faithfulness of believers who have lived before 11s and their willingness to be cast into the furnace or into the lions' den, "the faith once delivered unto the saints" still lives.
3. DANIEVS UNCONDITIONAL DEVOTION
Daniel 6:10; 3:15-18; Job 1:8-12,19-22; 2:3-10; Psalm 27:1-4; Isaiah 50:5-10; Acts 4:19,20; 21:10-14; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 8:35-39.
Daniel's devotion took him to the lions' den but also brought him in contact with an angel of God in the lions' den. His consistent devotional life was the result of his fearless disposition of heart. He was abou t 90 years old at this time and his purpose of heart as a young man was still vibrant in his old age. His heart was fixed. No decree of man could swerve him from his devotions to his God. Compromisers are never open and above-board. They conceal their real character. Daniel's commitment to God was well-known before the decree and that commitment continued during the period of the decree. Daniel and his devotion to God outliveB. ~l his persGG\J .. WJ·s and th ir de iee. The decree could not conquer his spirit of devotion; neither could the lions crush the bones of his body.
Daniel's conscience would not allow him to keep his conviction and devotion secret. He was too honest to live under false pretense. He was not ashamed to confess and serve his God openly. Faithful as Daniel was to the king, there was a point at which his earthly interests stopped. Once earthly relations and authorities demanded that he should disregard or dishonour God, he was instantly inflexible. No desire for worldly recognition and no fear of royal punishment could lessen his consecration or devotion to God. This has ever been the mark and moral strength of all true children of God in all the ages. The world may try to frighten us with edicts and decrees or entice us with promises and privileges but they will try in vain. Nothing will diminish our love for our God and our Saviour. Let us prayerfully tnlst and obey our God and the fear of man which brings a snare will have no hold on our hearts.
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
09/02/09
Daniel 6:10
Daniel's purpose earlier in life was not superficial; the strength of his firm purpose carried him through till the old age. Though he was a captive in Babylon he was courageous, not cowardly, in standing by his godly conviction. He did not think that when you are in Rome you must do as the Romans do. He was as righteous in Babylon as he had been in Jerusalem. To him it mattered not whether his actions brought him loss or gain, frown or favour, pain or pleasure, condemnation or commendation of the world. Cost what it might, righteousness was always the best policy. Each of us needs such a spirit of decision in times like these.
Why would Daniel be so particular? Were there not other Jews in the land who kept their religion to themselves and quietly refrained from attracting attention to their conviction? The temptation to look at others is always strong but Daniel was not going to yield to any pressure to compromise. He was being considered for the highest position in the government. If he was very consciencious in keeping to his conviction, would he not miss the opportunity of that special promotion? No position in an earthly government was as important to Daniel as a place in the Kingdom of God. Some might have said 'it is the law of the land not to pray to God' but God's children are under a higher law and "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Daniel's heart was set and settled. His decision was not floating in his head but deep-rooted in his heart.
1. DANIEL'S UNCOMMON DEN
Daniel 6:10,7; Amos 3:4; Hebrews 11:33; Psalm 7:1,2; Psalms 10:2-9; 57:4-7; 35:17-20; Nahum 2: 11,12; 2 Timothy 4: 16-18; 1 Peter 5:8,9.
The presidents and the princes conspired against Daniel. They, by flattery and deception, perverted the king's mind to pass an unchangeable edict. The penalty for disobeying the king's decree was death' the lions' den. The situation would have put Daniel in great dilemma but his first allegiance was to the King of kings and his fearless and unqualified obedience was to the law and edict of His everlasting Kingdom. The great trial did not crush his spirit of praise. He still "prayed and gave thanks before His God."
The dread of the den of lions did not stop Daniel from worshipping God. The lions in the den, indeed, all the lions in all the dens on earth are under God's control. If he had compromised and sinned for fear of Darius' den of lions, he could still have encountered a fiercer doom than the terror from which he shrank. Lions could still crush and kill the compromiser (1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings 17:25,26; Job 3:25). Compromising men have declined to bear a light burden and they have been constrained to bear a far heavier one. They have fled from a lion and a bear has met them; they sought to escape from a bear but a serpent killed them (Amos 5:19). To deny Christ because of danger is always risky, unsafe and dangerous. It is better to go forward than to draw back. The safest thing is to trust our souls into God's care and do His will. Even if there are lions in front, it is better to go ahead doing God's will than to draw back. "Remember Lot's wife." It may be hard going forward, but it is worse going back. If a man lost his life to save his coat he would be a fool; if a man were to lose his soul in order to save 11is life, he would be a greater fool. So Daniel knew that the risk of being cast into a den of lions W8.3 nothing when compared to the risk of being cast into hell. He chose the smaller risk and continued living for God's glory.
Ultimately, the great conflict was between "the laws of his Goer', "the LORD that changeth not' (Daniel 6:5; Malachi 3:6) and "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth noe' (Daniel 6:8, 12b, 15). It was a conflict between the everlasting King and an earthly ruler. Daniel knew that God is greater and disobedience to His law carries eternal punishment. The penalty in the den was temporary and brief, the punishment in hell will be endless and eternal. It would have been foolish to fear the den and risk being cast into the eternal lake of fire. There was a choice to make and Daniel, strengthened by habitual prayer and faith in God, made the right choice.
3. DANIEL'S UNCOMPROMISING DECISION
Daniel 6:10; Ruth 1:11-18; Nehemiah 6:9-16; Esther 3:1-4; 4:10-16; Job 13:15,16; 27:3-6; Acts 5:27-29; Acts 20: 19-24; Psalms 119:51,83, 109, 141,143,157.
Daniel's decision was the cecision of a single-minded believer. He knew his duty towards God and he did not waver or confer with flesh and blood. He did not seek the advice of worldly-minded people. His faith was steadfast, his composure was calm and unruffled, his conduct remained consistent with his conviction. His conscience affirmed obedience to God above allegiance to any man on earth. God's Word, not the decree of earthly kings, was his guide in life. He had decided for the truth and he was not going to sell the truth at any price. Oh for a heart like Daniel's to follow and obey Christ at all hazards. To be a real Christian and be steadfast till the end, a man must possess such decision of character. So many people fail and falter, they fall from the Christian race because of lack of a firm purpose. They start with great enthusiasm and glowing testimony, then they allow themselves to be diverted from their purpose.
A man of unswerving decision learns to keep his mind on the Lord. Keeping our eyes on eternal things makes sin and compromise lose their attractions. A firm commitment to God and His will, whatever may arise, keeps us standing for the tru th at all times. Such a firm decision keeps our hearts at rest and we leave the outcome in God's Hands. The great thing for us is to know the will of God and do it.
Decisions make the man. Firm decisions make firm men with strong backbone. Break a man's ability to take decisions and you break and destroy the man. It was Babylon's determination to break the will and overthrow the faith of the three faithful worshippers of the true God. Babylon failed and the old-time faith was purified and preserved in the fire. It was Medo-Persia's determination to destroy or weaken the resolve of Daniel. Daniel's commitment to the law of God was stronger than their c1 termination. Because of the faithfulness of believers who have lived before 11s and their willingness to be cast into the furnace or into the lions' den, "the faith once delivered unto the saints" still lives.
3. DANIEVS UNCONDITIONAL DEVOTION
Daniel 6:10; 3:15-18; Job 1:8-12,19-22; 2:3-10; Psalm 27:1-4; Isaiah 50:5-10; Acts 4:19,20; 21:10-14; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 8:35-39.
Daniel's devotion took him to the lions' den but also brought him in contact with an angel of God in the lions' den. His consistent devotional life was the result of his fearless disposition of heart. He was abou t 90 years old at this time and his purpose of heart as a young man was still vibrant in his old age. His heart was fixed. No decree of man could swerve him from his devotions to his God. Compromisers are never open and above-board. They conceal their real character. Daniel's commitment to God was well-known before the decree and that commitment continued during the period of the decree. Daniel and his devotion to God outliveB. ~l his persGG\J .. WJ·s and th ir de iee. The decree could not conquer his spirit of devotion; neither could the lions crush the bones of his body.
Daniel's conscience would not allow him to keep his conviction and devotion secret. He was too honest to live under false pretense. He was not ashamed to confess and serve his God openly. Faithful as Daniel was to the king, there was a point at which his earthly interests stopped. Once earthly relations and authorities demanded that he should disregard or dishonour God, he was instantly inflexible. No desire for worldly recognition and no fear of royal punishment could lessen his consecration or devotion to God. This has ever been the mark and moral strength of all true children of God in all the ages. The world may try to frighten us with edicts and decrees or entice us with promises and privileges but they will try in vain. Nothing will diminish our love for our God and our Saviour. Let us prayerfully tnlst and obey our God and the fear of man which brings a snare will have no hold on our hearts.
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