3.A Man of Courage | Standing For God | A Man Of God In Times Of Persecution | Zac Poonen
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Summary
The sermon uses Daniel's life to illustrate the necessity of unwavering faithfulness to God, even when facing persecution or in secular life. Daniel exemplified excellence and integrity in his professional life while maintaining deep devotion through consistent prayer. The message urges Christians to live lives so exemplary that the only fault others can find is their devotion to Christ, preparing them for future times of legal persecution.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
An outstanding example of a faithful secular workerAt 90 years old, Daniel is appointed as a top commissioner in the new kingdom, demonstrating that God wants believers to be faithful witnesses while earning their living in secular jobs.
Having an extraordinary spirit in our workBelievers should excel in their studies, jobs, and daily duties through hard work and an excellent spirit so that others see christianity changes every area of life.
Faultless character and the trap of religious lawsDaniel's enemies could find no corruption or negligence in him, realizing the only way to accuse him was regarding the law of his God, foreshadowing future trials for believers.
Openly praying without fearWhen a malicious law is passed to trap him, Daniel refuses to hide and continues praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem as a public testimony.
If you fear God you need fear nothing elseDaniel's fearless attitude stems from fearing God rather than the lion's den, preferring to be in a difficult position with God than in comfort as a compromiser.Isaiah 8:12–13
Deliverance from the lion's denGod shuts the mouths of the lions and delivers Daniel because he is innocent before Him, much like God's sovereign deliverance of the Apostle Paul.
Earthly kingdoms viewed as wild beastsWhile humans see empires in terms of precious metals, God views all worldly kingdoms as wild beasts until the ancient of days takes His seat.
The saints receiving the kingdomJesus did not want to reign alone, and the ultimate purpose of His plan is that the meek and persecuted saints will receive the kingdom and possess it forever.
The contrast of grasping versus a crucified lifeTrue followers of Christ do not grasp for earthly power, property, titles, or church positions, because a crucified man with nailed hands cannot grasp anything.
Praying for others without tears for oneselfLike Jesus who had no tears for His own griefs but wept for others, Daniel identifies with his people's sins and intercedes earnestly for God's holy mountain.
Persistence in prayer and carrying God's burdenGod rewards those who diligently seek Him, and Daniel provides the spiritual womb and burden through prayer that ultimately brings the exiles back from Babylon.
Keeping our mouth in the dust before GodEncountering God leads elderly Daniel and other godly men to fall on their faces with their mouths in the dust, leaving defense and vindication entirely up to God.
Those who know their God will be strongIn the face of future trials and the rise of the antichrist, true strength will not come from merely knowing the Bible, but from intimately knowing God.
Resurrection, shining like stars, and eternal rewardThose who have insight and lead others to righteousness will shine brightly like stars forever, proving that being faithful to God on earth is entirely worth it.
