Do Difficult Things

Sermon Notes:

We naturally avoid difficult things and naturally gravitate to ease and comfort.

We delay what’s most difficult.

Daniel 1:8 NKJV

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Jeremiah 29:

Jeremiah 29:4–6 NIV84

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.

Jeremiah 29:

Jeremiah 29:7 NIV84

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Seeking after peace with your enemy, and looking for the prosperity of your enemy, will result in an increase of your own peace and prosperity.

Daniel 4:19 NKJV

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!

Daniel 9:27 ESV

And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

Daniel 4:27 NIV84

Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

Reflections Questions for Today’s Sermon:

Looking back on your life what are you most proud of because you did something that was difficult?

Looking back on your life what do you regret for doing what was easy and comfortable?

If you did last week’s homework assignment - what is the most difficult thing that needs to be done to live as if your days are numbered?

How could you seek the peace and prosperity of someone who has injured you or you feel is your enemy?

Homework for Next Sabbath:

Read Daniel 3