POWER Over Problems - Part II

INTRODUCTION

Turn in your Bibles to Daniel 6

A few weeks ago, we started looking at this particular passage concerning a man by the name of Daniel.

Daniel, as you will remember, was indeed a man of Godly integrity -

From the previous message, and moving forward, we will continue looking into his life, in order to gain some practical insight on how YOU CAN HAVE POWER Over the Problems, in Your Life!

You see, in and of your own self - you can do nothing!

Christ stated in John 15:5 - “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth (‘CONTINUALLY REMAIN OR BE PRESENT’) in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Thus - this necessity for overcoming problems can only be accomplished by, your faithful abiding in the One who is GREATER than yourself!

And we can tap into HIS PERFECT ABILITY to overcome anything that comes our way!

The Apostle Paul said in Phil. 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Eph. 3:20 - “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

The main problem for the majority of us lies solely in our own self-sufficiency -

Via, listening to your flesh -

By your loyalty to the advice of those in the world -

Or, submitting to the falsehood of the enemy!

The only means of overcoming any problem begins on our knees, consistently in humble and complete obedience, before Almighty God!

Let’s Face It - Life can get pretty daunting at times!

And as the Day of Our Lord’s Return Hastens,

I believe that Christian values will continue to degenerate -

Sensible adherence to Godly principles and standards will continue to deteriorate

And life for the Child of God can become plum dangerous!

It INDEED is a certainty that those of this world, and the prince of this world himself, will do everything possible to take you down!

Because they do NOT want you here!

IF - & ONLY IF, you set out to live godly in this present world, there will be a price to pay!

We can attest to that in the life of Daniel, Paul, and others!

We can arouse our minds to recall the Days of the Spanish and Roman Inquisition during the 15 - 19 century.

We can avail ourselves to the tragedies seen in the Middle East - thanks to groups like ISIS & others!

Hence - the purpose for such a timely message is the UTMOST necessity, for your preparation Christian, for such a time to come!

Who knows exactly what the immediate future MAY hold in store, for any of us!

But, for now -

If you have found Daniel 6 and are physically able to stand -

PLEASE STAND FOR THE READING OF THE WORD OF GOD!

Daniel 6:3–9 “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.”

Let’s Pray and we will continue the message - “POWER Over Problems”, Part II.

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If you will notice in your handout, we mentioned the last time -

I. Daniel Transacted Testimony Over Trouble.

In retrospect, when we first commenced the message, we took a look into the life of Daniel, going all the way back to Daniel 1 - (AND WE WILL NOT REVISIT THAT FOR TIME’S SAKE)

We saw how certain children of Israel, were taken in Babylonian captivity - of which Daniel was grouped - and the Bible says that there were no blemish found in them.

They were well favored - or maintained good appearances.

They were skillful in wisdom - or, they were intelligent and wise

They were cunning in knowledge - they were experienced and well instructed

And, they understood science, these young people had the knowledge of music, architecture

Natural history, agriculture, & morals.

But we only read of Daniel, as purposing in his heart that he would NOT defile himself!

In other words, Daniel had prepared early in life, to honor God in everything !

CHRISTIAN! HOW IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO REMEMBER, REHEARSE, & REPLAY OFTEN

“Prepare NOW for what tomorrow may hold, because you will not react more spiritual in the days of adversity, than you are currently practicing right now!”

A Life of Purpose is WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE For Daniel!

As you see in your notes -

For the day came - (AS IT WILL FOR ALL OF US, AT SOME TIME & PLACE)

a. TROUBLE WAS BREWING!

Just like Daniel, anytime that you make the concerted effort to stand up for God, and what is right -

You, too, can EXPECT Trouble to be Brewing!

Satan will surely see to that, if you are living Godly in this present world!

2 Timothy 3:12 - “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Yet, in spite of the trouble brewing against Daniel -

As we will see shortly -

b. Daniel STILL CHOSE to Live a Life of True Faithfulness to God!

(Last time, I got ahead of myself in the message, but what a powerful testimony to have!)

We could say about Daniel, and we WILL witness shortly - that his walk sure matched up with his talk!

CHRISTIAN - Does YOUR Message Line up with YOUR Manners?

Can those who REALLY know you the best - albeit your...

Family

Your Friends

Your Fellow workers

Can they honestly testify concerning you, to those of us here today - that, what you see on Sundays, is exactly what you can expect to see throughout the week?

Or - are you simply playing the part of - “What kind of fool do you think I am?

Probably, Fooling those around you -

Possibly, Fooling the pastor -

POSITIVELY, Fooling ONLY yourself

Pro 15:3  says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

Christian, you might fool plenty of others -

But! You are NOT fooling GOD!

2. Therefore - this life of faithful obedience towards and dependence upon God is EXTREMELY important for you to commence now!

It is EXTREMELY necessary to faithfully execute, no matter the trouble -

In order to Achieve Victory in the LORD, starting in 2024!

THE QUESTION BEARS ASKING - Are YOU presently, choosing to live a Life of Faithfulness to God? THERE WILL COME THOSE TIMES IN WHICH - TROUBLE WILL BE BREWING.

And this is where we will commence this morning

c. IT IS A TRUTH CHRISTIAN! When YOU Choose to Purposefully Take a Stand for God - Someone, or Something, WILL BE BUILDING Against YOU! - Daniel 6:5 - “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

Hey Christian - the world IS watching you, just waiting for that perfect opportunity to pounce upon you! - “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel” (Daniel 6:5)

REMEMBER Sanballat and Tobiah trying to allure Nehemiah down off the wall?

REMEMBER Delilah’s many deceptive attempts against Samson?

REMEMBER the many attempts that the Pharisees tried to destroy the Lord Jesus Christ?

REMEMBER Satan lying to and deceiving Eve in the Garden?

REMEMBER Haman planned, plotted, and nearly purged Persia of the Jewish remnant?

HEY! WHAT A SOBERING WARNING -THE WORLD IS WATCHING EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE!

And there are many, who are WATCHING FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS!

It’s in an attempt to progressively and permanently bring you down!

That has always been the ploy of Satan -

And he will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal!

What a POWERFUL tool to gauge whether you are really at work for God, or not!

Many Christians claim to be so busy for God - yet there are little, to no, signs of proof, HOW?

There is NO evidence of accomplishment -

They are not out on visitation!

They are not leading others to salvation in Jesus Christ!

They are not testifying of any victories in their walk with God!

They are not discipling other young believers in the faith!

They are not reading, nor practicing, what they read in the Word of God!

They are not in God’s House regularly!

They are not being the salt & light that Scriptures command!

They are not sowers of the seed, referencing the Word of God

Hence - we could rightfully ascertain, they MAY INDEED be saved - BUT THEY ARE NOT GROWING SPIRITUALLY!

They are not only void of evidentiary accomplishments

They are also void of subtle attacks from a plotting enemy!

Because, the enemy DOES NOT see, nor sense, any opposition!

WHY WASTE TIME ON SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A TREAT TO YOU?!?

MAYBE, IT IS BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN NO TRUE REGENERATION IN THE SELF-PROCLAIMED CHRISTIAN!

Hence - the presence of a mere professor, and not a genuine possessor!

AGAIN! The Word of God reminds us...

2 Tim.3:12 - “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Hey Christian - The World IS Watching You, and Waiting For That Perfect Opportunity to Pounce Upon You!

The World MAY ALSO Be Subtly Plotting and Patiently Procuring Your Demise! - Daniel 6:6 - “Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.”

Hence - A SUBTLE SOLUTION FOR THEIR PROBLEM IS SECRETIVELY PLANNED - BEING YOU!

Have you ever stopped to ponder that, you can be the most outstanding and upright person around you, like these Hebrew young people -

BUT WE DO NOT READ OF THEIR BEING PLOTTED AGAINST!

In fact, the world is full of those who are genuinely saved -

Who are good, moral, decent, and ethical law abiding citizens -

That is HOW the world views them,

***I had friend of mine, that I used to work with, who bragged to me that his pastor was one who did NOT want to stand out within a crowd of people! Thus, he dressed like, acted like, and participated in those things that other participated in!

AND THEY FORTHRIGHT DO NOT POSE A THREAT!

They just keep quiet

They remain politically correct

They try NOT to be a “religious” spectacle!

WAIT A MINUTE!

That ALL changes, or it should change, ONCE the Christian begins to take a stand for what is BIBLICALLY correct!

*** HEY! I want others to notice a change in me! The LORD Jesus Christ made the difference in my life, and I want others to be able to see it through me! Matt. 5:16 commands the Christian, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

NOW - All of a sudden, the Godly Christian that possesses -

Standards

Convictions

Godly Morals

Which governs, how he conducts himself privately AND publicly -

NOW - IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD & SATAN, HE BECOMES A MARKED MAN -

And, the world’s plans are subtly being prepared to take down this enemy!

HEY! What we are reading in Daniel 6, has been going ever since!

AND YOU NEED TO BE MADE AWARE IT!

AS A GODLY CHRISTIAN, YOU ARE CONSIDERED AN ENEMY!

Subtle Solution Will Pull Out ALL Stops Available! - Dan. 6:6-9 - “Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.”

We Can NEVER Allow Ourselves to Underestimate Our Enemy!

Can you see what is going on here?

When wrong could NOT be levied against Daniel morally, they turned to attack him spiritually, in light of exhibiting political correctness!

According to Warren Wiersbe: Daniel had never hidden his Godly practice of prayer unto God!

He prayed 3 times a day with his windows open towards Jerusalem -

AND HIS ENEMIES KNEW THIS!

These officials MUST have been privy to witness Daniel’s practices!

Therefore, In spite of Daniel’s absence before the king, we see a throng of administration officials coming before King Darius -

With the underhanded postulation that entailed “THE” plan, that would make it illegal for anyone, of any sorts, to pray or petition to none other than the king, or be thrown into the den of lions.

What a way to help proudfully boost the king’s ego!

What royale would ever extemporaneously condemn anyone, while trying to boost the king’s ego, especially in the eyes of others present!

OF COURSE THIS MADE SENSE!

AND OF COURSE - THIS WOULD ELIMINATE DANIEL - IN THEIR EYES & THE LAW!

Just like the plans that were secretively levied against Mordecai, and the entire Jewish remnant - thanks to Haman!

Ladies & Gentlemen - you can NEVER underestimate the diabolical prowess of our enemy!

NOW - let me turn this scenario around, and give you something to consider

I, THEREFORE, POSE A DIRE QUESTION WORTHY OF YOUR ATTENTION, “If YOU were taken before a judge and his court, and indicted as a Christian; would there be enough evidence to convict you?

I’m NOT trying to play upon anyone’s emotions! But, the TRUTH lies in the fact, that this has happened before in other countries!

Would there be enough substantial evidence to provoke changing the laws of the land (as illustrated by the life-practices of Daniel), and thus warranting a court appearance and trial?

Or, would there be a lack of sufficient evident presented, and the charges dropped! (FOR A CHILD OF GOD, WHAT A SAD TESTIMONY!)

We can already see progressive signs of the very same nature in our own day and time!

All you have to do is - GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND, OPEN YOUR EYES, & LISTEN TO WHAT IS TRULY BEING SAID & PROJECTED!

***There are probably those, who are claiming, that what you are hearing today is considered as “HATE SPEECH!”

***NO! It is simply, the necessary preparation for God’s people to be aware of, what IS truly going on, today!

***Satan knows full-well that his time is decreasing, and his level of attacks have not, NOR WILL NOT, diminish against those who set out to practice Godly living!

Why do you suppose that the Apostle Paul spent an entire chapter to the Ephesian Believers on the IMPORTANCE of doning Spiritual Armor?

The answer is that your attempting to fight spiritual warfare with fleshly weaponry, no matter the level of your sincerity, WITHOUT GOD’S ARMOR - is futile and costly!

The war that the Christian is embattled against is a very REAL battle -

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Hence, we wrestle (STRIVE, FIGHT) not with the individual himself, but against Satan who uses those individuals to help accomplish your demise, CHRISTIAN!

Therefore, you are given precious and protective armor to enable you to withstand in the evil day, and be able to STAND VICTORIOUSLY -

AGAIN! NOT in YOUR strength

BUT - in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!

Before moving forward, what can we gain to learn from this?

Your Obedience to God Should NEVER Be Compromised Upon the Grounds of Human Approval, but rather Grounded in YOUR Growing Relationship With God!

***If you will remember, back in the Book of Acts, when the apostles were challenged NOT to teach in the name of Jesus - Peter replied back accordingly in Acts 5:29 - “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” 

***LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR! - I am in NO WAY insinuating that we seek to rise above government in a forceful coup attempt! The Word of God actually speaks out against such unlawful practices in Romans 13.

***BUT, when you follow God’s Word explicitly, then for the most part - there is peace in the eyes of the law.

***Yet - it is when those who are within the law system, while attempting to overthrow and destroy God-fearing Christians, by enacting laws against God’s Word through subtle ploys - that we must be prepared to choose to obey God, rather than man!

***And Christian, you had BETTER BE PREPARED - NOW, more than ever before! We are truly living in a time similiar to the description given out by Isaiah - and Paul even wrote about it towards the end of Romans 1.

Isa. 5:20 - “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” 

Isa 5:21 - “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” 

Isa 5:22 - “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:” 

Isa 5:23 - “Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” 

***We might just be getting ready to see laws levied against those who choose to take a Biblical stance upon what God calls sin, and practice instructions given by God, that the world considers illegal!

***WHAT WILL YOU DO? HOPEFULLY - YOU START PREPARING TODAY, for what MAY take place TOMORROW!

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