Reputation Wk. 3

Faith Under Fire: Standing Strong When It Counts

Bible Passage: Daniel 6:1-23, John 20:19-22

Summary: Both passages illustrate the theme of demonstrating faith in challenging circumstances—Daniel faced persecution for his devotion, and the disciples overcame their fear through the Holy Spirit's empowerment after Jesus' resurrection.

Application: This sermon encourages teens to stand firm in their faith during trials, teaching them to seek God’s strength and guidance when they face peer pressure, fear of rejection, or challenging situations in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon emphasizes that faith can provide courage and resilience in difficult times, illustrating that reliance on God can turn fear into boldness.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Daniel, we see a foreshadowing of Christ, who faced immense challenges and persecution, ultimately leading to our salvation. In John, the disciples are empowered by the Holy Spirit, just as we are called to be empowered to live out our faith boldly today.

Have you ever been in a Hard time?

Story of losing grandma at camp (Hard time)

1. Determined Devotion Defies Danger

Daniel 6:1-9

Your faith should set you apart, in a good way. What sets you apart?

What would it look like for you to have the kind of faith, where the only thing others could do to try and make you look bad was weaponize your faith against you? They knew no matter what that Daniel would not stop worshipping God, this was their plan.

2. Faith Faces Fear

Daniel 6:10-18

Instead of cowering in fear, Daniel continued to do what he was already doing.

Daniel knew his welfare was not determined by what others could do to him, or think about him, but on whether or not he was connected to the Father.

Are you connected to the Father?

Chair illustration(Just Talk)

Do you sit in the chair, or just say that you do.

3. Miraculous Mercy Manifests Might

Daniel 6:19-23

God is sovereign and in control.

“no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in His God.”

What are you trusting in?

What do you turn too in times of need, or stress. God or the world? (netflix, youtube, social media, anger, Sin, pleasure, numbness…)

Chair illustration (sit in them)

Bottom Line: We can show our faith when things get difficult.

Sit in Gods chair.

4. Empowered By Peace and Presence

John 20:19-22

We have already been saved. Death has no power over us. No matter what is going on around you, you can have peace, and the strength to stay true to the great commission due to the power of the spirit within you!

What should I do?

Sit in the chair.

Everyday, sit in Gods chair. Read, pray, study, fellowship. When the times get hard, it will be easy to continue doing what brings you joy, peace, and strength.

2. Recognize Hard times as opportunities for your faith to grow, not break

If you keep sitting in the chairs of the world, but telling yourself your siting in Gods chair, your faith is going to break. But if you are already sitting in Gods chair, you are going to be supported.

3. Harness the power of the Spirit to use every opportunity for Good

One of the best ways to not break in hard times is to keep you eyes pointed up, not in. If we begin to think about ourself, and our situation, we are going to get depressed, feel alone, and begin to get angry that we are in that hard time. But if we keep or eyes, heart, and hands set on continuing to the the good work that Christ has called us to, we give Satan no foothold in the door to send his attacks.