Always Stand for God
Notes
Transcript
Always Stand for God
William H. Banegas May 18, 2016
Scripture Passage: Daniel 3:1-18
Theme: Always Stand for God
FCF: Always pressured to conform
Introduction: Recently, it seems like our government has pressured us more and more to conform to a liberal, anti-Bible agenda. Such pressures are not new for the characters in our passage, government employees no less, felt such pressure to conform in the face of death. Like them, regardless of the pressure we must Always stand for God.
Context:
Events of this book began about 605 B.C. with Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carrying off Jerusalem’s inhabitants captive.
Failed in obedience
Israel had entered into covenant with the one-true God, they had a special relationship with God.
Certain benefits and cursing accompanied the covenant relationship depending on obedience or disobedience. (Deuteronomy 28)
Because Israel had engaged in a multitude of sins which brought on the curses of the covenant relationship, Jerusalem and her inhabitants were taken into captivity.
Fulfilled prophecy (God always keeps His Word)
God promised captivity if the people continued in sin. (Isaiah 39:7, 200 years before this event)
Daniel 11 contains 135 references to prophecy that have now been fulfilled.
The number one argument that critics have raised against the authenticity of Daniel has been its accuracy in prophecy
They argue that there's no way a book can be that accurate.
Unfortunately, their argument demonstrates their rejection of the supernatural.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, Godly men the product of a Godly home who determined to live Godly in spite of culture’s pressure to conform.
Consider the meaning of their names.
Daniel: God is my Judge
Hananiah: Yahweh is gracious
Mishael: Who is what God is?
Azariah: Yahweh is my help
The meanings of these names testify to the Godly home these young men grew up in (Walvoord 2012, Kindle Locations 786-787).
These 4 had been promoted to positions of authority and leadership within Nebuchadnezzar's empire. (Daniel 2:48-49)
A number of reasons have been suggested as to why Nebuchadnezzar set up this image.
The most interesting one that I've noted is that it was a loyalty test (Walvoord 2012, Kindle Locations 1710-1711).
Shortly prior to this event, Nebuchadnezzar survived a coup to take over his kingdom (Walvoord 2012, Kindle Locations 1707-1709).
The chapter also provides some significant detail as to who was invited and present at this gathering: government leaders.
With his administration present, Nebuchadnezzar put a test before them to see who was unswervingly loyal to their king.
Always standing for God means our lives witness of God's greatness.
This demands courage and faithfulness.
Just like these men, daily circumstances demand that we live lives that honor God and speak His truth to others.
Always pressured to conform to secular culture.
Sometimes we may give in because of fear. (Proverbs 29:25)
Sometimes we give in because of ignorance.
Sometimes we may give in because we want to
2 Examples
Work event where colleague discussed evolution
Work discussion where colleague discussed mother nature.
Always Stand for God because He deserves it.
God is incomparable in Character.
Hananiah - Yahweh is Gracious
God always keeps His Word, He is trustworthy!
God is Righteous, He always is Right and will always do right. (Daniel 9:7)
God is incomparable in Power.
Azariah: Yahweh is my help
He is the God able to deliver from persecution and death. (Daniel 3:17)
He is the God Who acts and none can change or prohibit what He has done. (Daniel 4:35)
God is incomparable in authority.
Daniel - God is my Judge. (Daniel 7:26)
He is the God of Heaven, to which the universe is His dominion. (Daniel 2:21; 4:**)
He is the Most High; the Sovereign authority over all, to include men in authority. (Daniel 4:2, 34)
God is incomparable in existence.
Mishael: who is what God is?
Long after men who’ve made history have passed off the scene, God still lives because He lives forever. (Daniel 4:34)
God’s knowledge extends beyond the bounds of time, knowing both the beginning and the end. (Daniel 8:17, 19)
Always Stand for God everywhere and all the time.
Always Stand for God regardless of risk. (Daniel 3:6)
Risk may come in many forms.
These furnaces were large earthwork mounds that Nebuchadnezzar likely used in his enormous building projects.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
Peter Steveson in his commentary on Daniel notes that Bricks required in these building projects required a baking temperature of nearly 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The three in this passage were risking their lives in an excruciatingly painful death because they believed it was more important to testify to the king that the one true God is greater than obeying the king's command.
Having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ prepares one to face any risk.
Christians have a future! (2 Tim. 4:18)
Facing imminent execution Paul testifies that Jesus will conduct Paul safely to Jesus' Heavenly Kingdom
Always Stand for God regardless of pressure. (Daniel 3:15)
Pressure may come in a variety of forms.
Could be governmental where the leadership of the land has decreed one may not worship God. (Acts 5:29)
Could be secular where it’s tolerated but just not popular.
You can Stand for God because He’ll strengthen you to stand for Him through His constant presence. (Daniel 3:17, 25; Matthew 28; Hebrews 13:5)
Always Stand for God through preparation.
Prepare yourself
Study God’s Word
Establish your convictions now
Prepare your family
Parents, God wants you to teach your children God’s Word (Deut. 4:7).
Mature decisions to Stand for God like what Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah made early in life don’t just happen by accident - they happen with intentional discipleship.
Use moments as you live!
To make my seminary studies practical I will often talk to Carrie about what I’m learning.
She tells me she likes it and we really connect during these times.
Think about it guy ys, what’s the #1 argument wives give about their husbands - they don’t talk to me! Can fulfill that plus lead your family into a greater relationship with God!
Ex. w/ Superman; it’s not good to steal.
Ex. when making lunch - treatment of older people
If you're making God's Word apart of your life, those things are going to overflow with others.
Children, God wants you to listen to your parents (Eph. 6:1).
We have to be willing hearers
We have to listen on purpose because God wants us to.
Conclusion: Folks, we have an opportunity everyday to testify of God’s greatness, let’s always Stand for Him because of His incomparable worth, in all places and circumstances knowing that we’ll never be disappointed.
Talking Point: Where can you take a stand for God this week?