Daniel 5:1-30; You Can’t Ignore That Any Longer

Daniel 5:1-30; I Can’t Keep Running Away

Sermon in a sentence: I will not ignore the sin in my life.

Introduction

Peter Haggerty was an outgoing and healthy 29 year old. He liked to go fishing in the summer and snowboarding in the winters. He has a good relationship with his mother and father. Unfortunately, one day while eating a burger, Peter had a sharp pain in one of his teeth. He went to the dentist to have it checked. They put a crown on his tooth, gave him some antibiotics, and scheduled the removal for 2 weeks later. Later that week, his mouth and throat had swollen causing pain. He thought it was just part of the body’s reaction to the medicine and part of the healing process. After the swelling had spread, his family encouraged him to go back to the dentist. He finally went back to the dentist where he was given another antibiotic. A week went by and now he had a cut in the back of his mouth. This cut produced this brown liquid that burned and smelled and tasted like vinegar. He tried to ignore it and keep working his job at the paint store. He carried a jar around while at work to spit in. One night, we was jolted from his sleep when his throat had swollen shut. After about a minute he was finally able to breath again. He was able to call his parents to take him to the hospital. At the hospital, the doctors were able to examine him. The infection was too severe for the local hospital to treat and he was flown 50 miles to a speciality hospital. There, the team identified he had a strep infection that lead to necrotizing fasciitis he had to go through surgery to remove the dead flesh. After 4 surgeries, Peter has been able to make a recovery and return to a normal life.

Running Away From Reality (vs. 1-4, 30)

Belshazzar was having a feast while Cyrus’ Persian army attacked Babylon.

Herodotus and Xenophon tell us that Cyrus overtook Babylon during this feast.

Nabonidus Chronicle - late 1870s

(Tel Dan inscription -1993)

He used the wine and the party to dull the pain of lose and decline.

He also used his pride and past success to escape his current reality.

He also used his idols and fake gods to give worship

Notice that chapter 1 tells us that God handed over these vessels into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. Verse 30 tells us that Darius will receive (one could even say be given) the kingdom.

We all will use something to deal with the reality of sin in this world.

First, we must confess our sins!

Second, we must turn to Christ for salvation.

Third, address the specific sin with specific action.

Grow in godliness through the ordinary means of grace!

Can’t Run Away Any More (vs. 5-29)

When God speaks to us, neutrality is not an option. (Matt 12:29)

Matthew 12:29 ESV

29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.

We will run to the one true God or we will run to false gods.

Belshazzar is happy to hear bad news. He was happy to hear that Daniel could figure out this mystery even though it meant his downfall. Just like Nebuchadnezzar.

Conclusion

Family Reflection Questions

1. What was the point of the text? The sermon? 2. How do these point us the Christ?

3. How can we apply these truths to our lives?