Faith is the Victory

4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Question: What does it mean to live by faith?

Faith is more than a feeling. It is more than merely believing that God exists.

Faith is the confident trust in God and His authority.

Faith believes in what God says through His Word.

Faith demonstrates belief through obedience of God’s Word.

Faith is exemplified by real love—love of God and love of people.

We can learn about faith through the stories given in the Bible. These stories can change your life.

Hebrews 11:32–34 ESV

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Key Point: They “were made strong out of weakness.” Faith is not about our strength, but God’s strength.

The Story of Daniel

Daniel was exiled to Babylon when Jerusalem was conquered.

He was a member of the nobility and brought into the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.

He was of prophet of God.

He was honored and appointed into the leadership of Babylon.

Even when Babylon was defeated, the new King recognized Daniel’s abilities.

Daniel 6:3 ESV

3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Faith embraces Integrity.

Daniel was recognized for his honesty—his “excellent spirit.”

His character was above reproach.

His faith in God ruled his heart—a heart that refused to lie, cheat, or steal.

The king wanted his government to be arranged in such a way that he “might suffer no loss.” (Daniel 6:2)

Daniel 6:4 ESV

4 Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

Even his enemies could not find fault in him—which leads us to the second point of faith:

Faith stands in the Face of Opposition.

Those opposed to Daniel sought to find a way in which Daniel would be trapped to disobey a law of the king.

They convinced the king to sign a law forbidding anyone to pray except to the king himself.

Daniel was not allowed to pray to God.

WHAT DID DANIEL DO?

Daniel 6:10 ESV

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Faith Prays and Worships!

Daniel was intentional in demonstrating his faith in God. He refused to be intimidated by the world!

No law would hinder his activity of a believer. Believers pray and worship!

NOTE: It is increasingly becoming common place for believers to face condemnation for believing in God. This is an affront to personal liberty.

Daniel 6:16 ESV

16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

Faith will be tested.

Daniel 6:19–22 ESV

19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”

Daniel proves to the king that God is indeed living, and has been able to deliver him.

The implication that God is and that he rewards those who trust him is the most important discovery the king could make.

Faith Wins!

The stories of the Bible points to this important truth: Faith Wins!

Even when it looks like a defeat—in the end, faith wins.

Joseph was sold into slavery—imprisoned—but in the end, he is appointed leader of all Egypt.

Moses was fleeing for his life—became a shepherd in the desert—but in the end, he led the people of Israel to freedom.

David was on the run from Saul wanted to kill him—in the end, he become the King.

Josiah is but a child—but he leads his people to believe in God’s Word again.

Jesus is executed on the cross—but three days later is raised to life.

For Daniel, the king makes a proclamation:

Daniel 6:25–27 ESV

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

The God of Daniel is the same God today!

You may think yourself as small, or weak, or insignificant, or average!

Paul and his “thorn in the flesh”

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Do you think our culture today is becoming more hostile to the ways of God? Why or why not?

Have you every felt intimidated by others for being a Christian?

How do you think prayer and reading God’s Word can help the Christian become more courageous in our world today?