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by Todd Keyes, Associate Pastor Series: The Book Of Daniel — Integrity
Message Outline Series Message 6:
Courageous Character
Text: Daniel 6:1-28
Themes:
This series will be another amazing encounter with God's Word! May we be transformed as we fully enter into the profound and relevant themes and truths presented through the life and book of Daniel: God's sovereignty over world events and kingdoms will thrill us. God's reliability, even when appearances seem otherwise, will amaze us. Powerful stories of real faith under pressure will encourage us. Detailed prophecies already fulfilled will reveal a great God who loves us. Daniel's trust of God and confidence with men is a model of integrity that will inspire us.
Today's Outline Introduction This week we are studying one of the most remembered stories in the Bible – Daniel in the lions den. Between the end of Daniel 5 and the start of Daniel 6, the Babylonian Empire has been overthrown and the Medes and Persians have developed a mighty kingdom. King Darius has organized an impressive hierarchy of leadership of 120 satraps (or province princes) and administrators to ensure his imperial rule is secure. Among the administrators, Daniel stands head and shoulders above the others. Because of the king’s favoritism toward Daniel, the other jealous leaders plot for a way to get rid of Daniel. This leads them to develop a decree from the king that outlaws prayer in the land before anyone except for King Darius. The leaders have a brilliant plan that plays off of the vanity of their king, but it does not take into account the powerful God whom Daniel serves. Power can corrupt people. We see in this passage that when the conduct of leadership is not supported by godly character, then pride, comparison, jealousy and even vengeance can result. But if leaders have a foundation of godly character with the courage to stand up for what they know is right, it results in being a powerful influence in the surrounding culture. Daniel showed true courageous character when a decree was written that anyone who prayed to anyone but King Darius for 30 days would be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Oh that we would have that kind of conviction to pray to God no matter what circumstances might be in the way!
Key Principle: Godly integrity requires right conduct that is supported by Christ-like character and the courage to live it out!
I. Good conduct without godly character leads to comparison, jealousy, and vengeance (Daniel 6:1-9) King Darius the Mede not found in historical records Darius organized his kingdom well, and chose qualified people to lead and administrate the empire (v.1-2) Daniel was a stand-out, a first round draft pick, an obvious CEO-qualified guy among his peers. (v.3) Comparison and jealousy comes when we are insecure about who we are and don’t recognize the unique qualities God has given each one of us – we see this in the satraps and administrators (v.4) Daniel’s conduct = trustworthy (honest/faithful), not corrupt (committed acts) nor negligent (omitted acts) Oh that verse 5 would be said of any of us as believers!!! Kingdom rulers use the vanity of the king to their advantage by creating a law that exalts the king, but also decrees Daniel’s public devotion to God as unlawful
II. Godly integrity requires right conduct that is supported by Christ-like character (Daniel 6:10-16) V. 10 – Note: “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published…” To follow God when it is accepted is admirable, but to follow God when it is unacceptable is courageous!!! What keeps you from worshiping God or praying to Him?
Daniel made his faith public in a discreet way (open windows, 3x/day) – not preaching, but praying Daniel’s prayer focused on giving thanks to God and asking God for help (v.10-11) Note the contrast of Daniel’s courageous character versus that of the king Note the king shows faith in the saving power of Daniel’s God (v.16), but he lacked the belief conviction when making his decree
III. Godly integrity requires right conduct that is supported by Christ-like character and the courage to live it out! (Daniel 6:17-28) Henry Cloud: Integrity = “the courage to meet the demands of reality in a godly way.” Failure to live out what we know is right because of lack of courage or lack of character leads to the deepest of guilt and personal grief (v.18) The King acknowledges that the only possibility for Daniel to be saved would come through His God – because he had seen the power of the lions before! Have you ever been in a situation that you knew the only salvation you could cling to was God? Daniel gives all glory and credit to God because of his innocence before God first, and then also before the king as well (v.22) Daniel & Lions Den is a story that has impacted the personal lives of believers, but it also has strong historical significance for the nation of Israel as Cyrus made decrees in Ezra that clearly show influence from Daniel and a strong respect that Cyrus had toward Daniel and his people!
Study Questions from Daniel 6 for group discussion: 1. If put on trial, could you be convicted as a Christian based on your public conduct? Why or why not? (Read Daniel 6:4-5) 2. What things would have to be true of your life for you to live a life full of integrity and godly moral character? 3. Read Daniel 6:10 – How does this verse impact you? How does this verse motivate you to want to live? 4. Do you view daily spiritual disciplines (like personal prayer and time in the word) as things to do when it is convenient / helpful or things to be done according to your covenant relationship with God? 5. What keeps you from worshiping God or praying to Him? What would help you overcome these things? 6. What areas of conviction do you need to practice more consistently to stand strong for God? Bible study Scripture memory Journaling thoughts to God Prayer Talking with some of your friends about God Hanging out with strong Christians who will influence you for God
7. How could the small group here help you be more consistent in this area of conviction? 8. How can we help our kids to stand strong for God in a culture that opposes biblical ideas? Resources for further study: “Integrity” by Henry Cloud “The Vision and The Vow” by Pete Grieg (Relevant Books) – a call to radical Christian living |
