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All Scripture references used in this sermon are based upon the NKJV®, unless otherwise stated) Introduction: In November 1996 Sports Illustrated reported a bizarre story of Competitiveness gone too far. According to the magazine, in a New Mexico high school football game between Albuquerque Academy and St. Pius X on October 12, 1996, several of the Academy players found themselves with strange cuts, slashes, and scratches on their arms and hands. One boy was bleeding freely from three cuts that later required 10 stitches to close. Another boy told his coaches, "it feels like they've got razor blades out there." Well, almost. Referee Steve Fuller inspected the equipment of the opposing team. What he found on the helmet of the offensive center were two chin-strap buckles sharpened to a razor's edge. In the investigation that followed, the offending player's father, a pediatric dentist, admitted to sharpening the buckles. He had been angered in the previous game by what he thought was excessive head-slapping against his son by opposing linemen. This was his solution. (750 Engaging Illustrations) This story may seem a little extreme to us, but it teaches us an important truth about man's sin nature; we are capable of doing anything if we think that we can gain an advantage over someone else. Often in the work place, when it comes to promotions, that competitiveness can also manifest itself among friendly coworkers. I have seen good friends become enemies has they would cut each others throats to try to get the promotion. While we might understand how this could happen I. Be Promotable (vv.1-3).
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss.2. Stand out from the crowd (v.3; Col.3:22-23). 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.Application: God had honored Daniel for his faithfulness, so that he was practically the second ruler in the land. Daniel's promotions are proof that a believer does not have to compromise to succeed. Believers should be the best workers in the world, because we have the best motivation for doing our best according to Colossians 3:22-23, "Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." When we work, we are not only working for our employer, but we are working first and foremost for the Lord. Another important fact that needs to not be overlooked is the fact that Daniel was probably in his 90's and was still active in his service. In fact, for the Christian, when they retire from secular employment, that simply means he or she can now work full time for the Lord. Some of the most remarkable people in history have been elderly. William Gladstone was prime minister of Great Britain at age eighty-three. Michel Angelo did his immortal Last-judgment at age eighty-nine. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was still preaching many times a day at age eighty-eight. Thomas Edison was still inventing at age ninety. J. C. Penney was engaged in his business at ninety-five (ED). As long as we are able to physically about to get around or pray, God can and will use us to accomplish His will. There is no such thing as a useless Christian, in fact, sometimes the older we become the more useful we become; because we are no longer able to depend upon our own abilities and we have to depend upon the Lord's abilities. Transition: while a believer should be a faithful worker, and be someone who should be promotable, it doesn't mean that we should not. . . II. Be Wise (vv.4-15).
4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."Application: We are reminded by the Apostle Paul that unsaved man very nature is wicked and at war with those around them; Titus 3:3, "For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another." Faithful workers are often the target of jealousy and envy of others for several reasons; First, when you work hard, it makes those who don't look bad. Second, people by their nature are greedy, they want what others have, even if they don't deserve it. An example of this is found in our society. Our welfare system was designed to help those who were incapable of helping themselves to survive. But today, it has become a system that is filled with people who do have the ability of making a living, if they applied themselves, but many do not even try and what is worst most believe that everything they are given is owed to them. Why? Because fallen man's nature is to desire what is not his (remember the first sin - the forbidden tree). Be wise, and understand that when you become noticed by your employer, that not everyone will be rejoicing with you, but instead burn with jealousy and envy. Transition: unfortunately some people don't stop with their feelings of jealousy and envy, some feel a need to sharing their feelings with other. . . 2. To plotting (vv.6-7). 6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! 7 "All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.Application: Don't be surprised if you are up for a promotion if you find out that some of your coworkers. plot against you so they can get the job; Psalm 37:12, "The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth." Transition: when jealousy and envy lead to plotting by others, you can be sure that it will lead to. . . 3. To ungodly actions (vv.8-15). 8 "Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. 11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 13 So they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day." 14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed."Application: James tells us in James 3:16, "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." King Darius fell prey to the envy of others self-seeking motives and as a result of his confusion a good man, who had harmed no one was set up for the fall. But Daniel didn't let the plots of man deter him from doing what was right - even if it meant that it would cost him his life. Man is very seldom happy with just stopping with bad mouthing someone else, but where envy and strife exists, so does the potential to go from plotting to following through with actions. The Apostle Paul describes the heart of man like this in Romans 1:28-32, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Knowing these things, believers are to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Transition: even though we might face conflict and opposition from others, we can. . . III. Be Confident (vv.16-28).
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. 18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"Application: A conscience a good thing. God put a conscience in man as a guide to know what is right and wrong; Romans 2:14-15, "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)" The problem isn't our consciences, but when we fail to listen to them. The goal of every believer should be to live in such a way that we don't have any guilt; Acts 24:16, "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." While Darius had failed to exercise wisdom in passing the law, he still listened to his conscience - and that is a healthy thing! When wronged by others, we can find comfort in the fact that man still has a conscience that will not give him rest when he has wronged others. Transition: We can also be confident. . . 2. That God is still in control of the situation (vv.21-23). 21 Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you." 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.Application: This experience illustrated for Darius the validity of faith in God and His power to control circumstances and deliver those who trust in Him. For 30 days Darius was addressed as God by the people in his realm. But Daniel served the true God, who did what Darius could never do: shut the mouths of lions to protect one who depended on Him (BKC). We are reminded of this truth in 1 Peter 3:12-17, "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." I am sure that this experience isn't something that Daniel wanted to go through, just as none of us would want to go through. But we need to be mindful that God sometimes allows us to go through these trials so that when we come out the other side, we can become better servants and better able to minister to others; Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Transition: And know that you can be confident knowing. . . 3. That justice will prevail (vv.24-28). A. The wicked will receive their reward (v.24).Application: Be careful what you wish upon others! Sometimes, it can come back around to bite you! While there may be some cases in our lives where it seems that some people actually get by with their evil plans, God's Word tells us otherwise; Psalm 37:12-17, "The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man has Is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the LORD upholds the righteous." and Colossians 3:25, "But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality." It is for this reason, that those who have been wronged, can find comfort in the fact that the wrong committed will not go unnoticed by God.24 And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions -- them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den. B. The faithful will be rewarded (vv.25-28).Application: Those who are faithful to the Lord in this life, will receive a reward from the Lord in the next life also; Colossians 3:24, "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Sometimes, God chooses to bless some people in this life, like Daniel. But lets not forget that whatever blessings that we could gain in this life is but a shadow of what is to come; James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."25 Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Invitation: 2. If you want to get promoted, then be a faithful worker, and do it as unto the Lord. 3. If you find yourself in the midst of conflict and even danger, be faithful to the Lord and put your trust in Him to see you through unto the end. A. The wicked will get their just reward. REFERENCES BKC - John Walvoord & Roy Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
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