Associate Pastor Su Milam gave the sermon message last Sunday titled “Babylon – Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”. Below is an outline of the message. The notes in blue print are my personal notes and the notes in black are provided by the church staff and are available to everyone at this link. Simply click the PDF icon under each sermon.
This is Vacation Bible School week at my church and the kids will learn about the powerful story of Daniel that happened around 600 BC. Daniel and three good friends are going off to exile in Babylon. They were chosen to go through leadership training for king Nebuchadnezzar. They were strong, bright, and willing to learn but they didn’t want to conform if it meant going against God’s will.
Four Issues: Food, Dream Interpretation,
Fiery Furnace, Lions
1. Food
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be trans- formed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Daniel says no to the King’s menu
Are you a conformer or a transformer?
In our world today, there is a subversive or even at times, not so subversive push to conform to a certain way of doing things or to certain values. We find out in the story of Daniel that he has the courage to stand up and be a transformer, not a conformer.
2. Dream Interpretation
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own under- standing; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Tell the King his dream. Then interpret it.
Only God can do this!
Daniel has the courage to tell the king his dream and interpret the dream
3. Fiery Furnace
King Nebuchadnezzar makes an image of gold to worship.
Daniel worships God instead of idols so since he didn’t conform to what the king wanted, he and his three friends are forced to go into a fiery furnace.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
King makes an emotional decision
Does that happen to you? Yes No
Results:
4. Lion’s Den
The government officials became jealous of Daniel and they make a decree that sets up Daniel. He was 86 at the time and they haul him off to prison.
“The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider Your decrees.” Psalm 119: 95 (NRSV)
Caused by jealousy
Book of conviction and prophecy
Daniel: 60% narrative; 40% prophecy
As we read about Daniel, we learn about many of his strengths. He was open to the Spirit of God and remained firm to his convictions. Below is a list of Daniel’s Strengths and on the right is some blanks for us to ponder or reflect on what our strengths are.
Daniel’s Strengths My Strengths
•Remained true to his faith •________________________
•Man of power •________________________
•Gift of prophecy •________________________
•Statesman •________________________
•Survived furnace, lion’s den •________________________
In thinking about this week’s message, I believe God has a definite purpose for each of us and to fulfill the purpose, it takes bravery to stand up to those against us. They might plot against us because it threatens their way of life but with courage, we can stand up and be a transformer rather than a conformer.
I’d like to share this video with you as it includes many of the points Pastor Milam shared with us. Simply click this link: Courageous – Casting Crowns or on the video below.
Related articles
- Daniel 2 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (graceofourlord.com)
- Faith Child – Daniel , Used of God to His glory (ptl2010.com)
- Daniel 1 – Daniel Taken to Babylon (graceofourlord.com)
- Daniel and the Den (thebeatitudeadjustment.wordpress.com)
- Don’t Eat the King’s Food or Drink the King’s Wine! (dainspires.wordpress.com)
