Through The Bible - English - 28 (Daniel) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The message draws lessons from Daniel, emphasizing that building a pure church or movement begins with one uncompromising individual who carries the burden of prayer. True influence comes not from numbers but from people who stand for God without compromising their convictions, even when facing persecution. Believers must recognize God's sovereignty while personally committing to never defile their conscience.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Standing for God in times of persecutionThe Book of Daniel offers special relevance for how a person of God should conduct themselves during persecution, beginning with one upright, uncompromising man.
The sovereignty of God and the choice not to defileTwo key principles emerge in Daniel's life: recognizing the sovereign rule of God over authorities and making up one's mind never to compromise or defile conscience.
The test of food and standing aloneDaniel's first test involved food and refusing the king's rich meat and wine, standing alone until others found the courage to join him.
Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statueDaniel relies on prayer and fellowship rather than human cleverness to reveal Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statue representing successive world empires.
The fiery furnace test for Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden image and are thrown into a fiery furnace, where only their bonds are burned away.
Nebuchadnezzar's pride, judgment, and repentanceAfter ignoring Daniel's warning to repent of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar is humbled like an animal until he acknowledges the eternal sovereignty of God.
The handwriting on the wall for BelshazzarDaniel refuses ungodly gifts from Belshazzar and interprets the mysterious writing on the wall, warning that God has numbered, weighed, and divided his kingdom.
Daniel in the den of lionsDespite a malicious law forbidding prayer to any god other than the king, an elderly Daniel continues to pray openly and is miraculously preserved in the lions' den.
Visions of future world empires as wild beastsWhile earthly kingdoms view themselves as precious metals, God reveals to Daniel that these empires are wild beasts under the control of the enemy.
Daniel's persistent prayer and the seventy sevensAn aging Daniel studies God's Word, fasts, and prays for his people with deep identification, receiving precise chronological prophecies regarding the coming of the Anointed One.
Spiritual warfare and the final end-timesDaniel learns of spiritual warfare in the heavenlies and receives final instructions regarding the end times, persecution, and the reward of turning many to righteousness.
