Devotion to God in a Secularized Culture
Unshakable Faith in an Uncertain World • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Daniel was taken during the first wave of captives (605 B.C.) at about 14-15 years old.
Nebuchadnezzar Planed to Conform Them (3-7)
Nebuchadnezzar Planed to Conform Them (3-7)
O.S. Hawkins lays out four main areas:
Their language – (1:4) - not wrong to learn another language, but it would have been wrong for the Daniel to forsake the language of the Scriptures. However, a secular age will seek to change how you talk.
Their Literature – (1:4) - what you read.
Their Lifestyle – (1:5) - what you spend your time pursuing.
Their Loyalty – (1:7) - who you worship.
He sought to change their identity through their names:
Daniel (God is my judge) vs. Belteshazzar (Bel protects)
Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) vs. Shadrach (command of Aku) (moon god)
Mishael (who is what God is?) vs. Meshach (who is what Aku is?)
Azariah (Yahweh will help) vs. Abednego (servant of Nebo)
The god of this age is secular humanism (man is king).
It seeks to conform you to the spirit of the age, which is really bondage to sin and Satan.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Daniel Purposed not to Defile Himself (8-10)
Daniel Purposed not to Defile Himself (8-10)
His stand was based upon his conviction from the Lord.
The meat was offered to idols, he was having no part of idolatry.
The wine would weaken his resolve and was associated with the pagan libation offerings as well.
He could have used any number of excuses to just fit in, but he was mighty in spirit.
His stand was based on God’s Word.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
God’s Word hidden in his heart preserved his witness.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
His stand emboldened others – Hannaiah, Mishael, Azzariah.
They kept their identity as followers of
Daniel Proposed for an Alternative (11-16)
Daniel Proposed for an Alternative (11-16)
Wisdom seeks to keep one’s principles while serving the end goal.
“Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining.” Teddy Roosevelt
He was not going to compromise, but his alternative gave him a witness.
God Prospered Daniel and His Friends for their faith (17-21)
God Prospered Daniel and His Friends for their faith (17-21)
“God gave them knowledge and understanding” … “ten times better”.
God blessed Daniel with an understanding of the future.
God blessed Daniel with favor from his authorities.
God blessed Daniel with longevity.
Application:
Application:
When faced with pressure to conform to this world, do you trust God?
Does your identity rest in the worship of the one true God?