Bold As A Lion

Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

The Testimony of Daniel

Daniel was a man of great influence as Darius quickly realized his value and promoted him to one of three highest positions in the new Persian empire.

This Darius the Meade is the same person as Cyrus the Persian. See Daniel 6:28 “So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” (and can also be translated “even”). See also Daniel 9:1. Historical evidence shows that it was two different names for the same person. His father was Persian and his mother was Median.

Daniel was a man of great spiritual insight, because of his dependence upon the Lord.

Daniel was a man of great integrity. Even his enemies could not find fault in him.

How are you known in the community? Are you a person of integrity, spiritual insight and influence?

What was the source of Daniel’s great influence, insight and integrity?

The Treachery Against Daniel

Daniel’s source of strength and integrity was his devotion to prayer.

His enemies crafted a plot to try to keep him from prayer. In much the same way, Satan and his servants know the power of prayer and fear it.

They crafted a plot to trap him in his devotion to God. They appealed to the king’s pride. They also lied - not all the high officials agreed!

Political manipulations are as old as Babel!

They convinced the king to sign an unbreakable law.

Daniel’s response was prayer! Notice:

The Promise of Prayer

Daniel prayed facing Jerusalem. Nearly 70 years after he had been taken from his home city he still believed God’s promise and prayed expectantly based on it!

The Posture of Prayer

Daniel prayed in humility. In spite of his great position, he daily humbled himself before the God of Heaven!

The Praise of Prayer

Daniel’s prayers were filled with praise and thanksgiving. Even in the midst of persecution.

The Practice of Prayer

Daniel continued with his daily practice.

James 5:16–18 CSB

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.

The Triumph of Daniel

The battle was won the day before in prayer!

Was his God able? – YES!!!

· God stopped the mouths of the lions. When the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is your defender you don’t have to worry.

4. Darius’ decree of praise to the Living God

Daniel foreshadows the Lord Jesus Christ.