Daniel 6 Dare to Pray
Theological Proposition/Focus: No matter the cost we must pray
Homiletical Proposition/Application: No matter the cost we must pray
Introduction:
Image: Consistency matters
Setting the Stage:
The book of Daniel accounts for just between one and two percent of the Bible. Yet, there are two or three of the most recognizable stories in the Bible contained in Daniel. One of the most recognizable stories in Daniel is probably the story of Daniel and the Lions Den. The dedication of Daniel, the trickery of the enemy, the unlikelihood of hope, and the joy of deliverance make for a wonderful Sunday School story. Moreover, the classic Sunday school answer "God did" fits so well. To whom did Daniel pray? Who delivered Daniel? Who was watching over Daniel? It all works wonderfully and it all really happened. But today, I want us to go further. As we look at this classic story I want us to realize that this is no allegory, it really happened but also the same story plays out all the time in the life of a Christian.
Need: We must discipline ourselves to faithfully exercise the godly rhythms of life.
Preview: today I want you to see that the enemy really is working to pull you away from the normal rhythms of godly behavior and while many fall for the tricks we are called to remain faithful.
Text: Daniel 6:1-26 all at the begining
Body
Instead of doing a verse by verse study today I am going to introduce you to three archetypes of characters present in Daniel 6. The first is the enemy. What I want you to see is that
The enemy takes steps to disrupt normal godly rhythms of life.
Step 1: The enemy has placed his people in key positions (6).
Step 2: The enemy employs subversive means to disrupt godly rhythms (7-8).
Step 3: The enemy tricks people into playing into his schemes (9).
MTR: Recognize that the enemy is working to upset a godly lifestyle.
I try not to get into the political realm too often because my priority is to teach the Bible. However, I will say, this action step is very applicable this year. There are leaders who are seeking to subvert godliness. I frankly, worry about some of the constitutional amendments that are being proposed and would encourage you to read them not with an eye to how this might be a benefit but with an eye to the question, "might this be used like Darius to hurt those who are following God?"
