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Kevin Landers, LUTCF
Liberty University – BIBL 104
DB 3
Week 7: 3-2-1
3 Key Ideas
A. Fully committing to being a follower of Christ, for Daniel and openly committed
follower of God in his time, means to not be ashamed of biblical principles and obey
God’s authority by praying and displaying the faith in a variety of actions. Daniel
boldly prayed to God, even when being ordered to bow to the king. As many other
stories tell, Daniel knew death could be imminent for standing firm in his faith. God
protected Daniel in the lion’s den and the king witnessed fruit of the faithful, seeing
God being faithful to his follower Daniel (Hindson, p. 188)
B. God desires believers to trust him for his plans and perfect ways, even if the outcome
is not what we desire. In the event of King Nebuchadnezzar’s punishment of
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; the king was impressed with their bravery and
God’s protection. The boys courageously stood firm and decided not to bow before
the pagan king and would rather honorably die in the fiery furnace, having a priority
of God’s word and plans for their lives. They had all to lose yet they remained
steadfast (Hindson, p. 188).
C. A distinguishing attribute to ensure a legacy in life and an honorable reputation is to
stand firm in the faith, like Daniel, Azarish, Mishael, and Hananiah in the text as they
remained intentional in pointing their hearts toward God, despite adversity and
temptations to choose otherwise. Reliance and trusting in God alone was key in
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helping each to pass the trial and testing of their faith as they remained strong and
alert of the convictions, they lived life by (Hindson, p. 183).
2 Items Learned
A. The Daniel Ward is presented to a student every year for standing for their faith, an
honor that many cherish beyond other awards and honors. This ward presented by
Westminster Academy in St. Louis, MO each year displays a heart for God in the
individual that receives the award, and shows a firm stand for the faith among peers,
and is frankly a witness to those in attendance of who Christ is.
B. Th accusers of Daniel’s disobedience to the king’s orders were given the same
punishment that Daniel received but did not make it out, being torn to pieces, and
Darius submitted a decree after being vindicated claiming God is living and endures
forever. Our faith truly lives on when we come to a point of martyr standing for God’s
kingdom and not being concerned with our own wills or lives, but instead that of
God’s and the witness His story in our lives tells.
1 Way to Use What Has Been Learned
A. When we stand firm in our faith, and when we step out and up for God, not
considering what others may think or the consequences of our faith, God honors and
protects that which he has purposed for his Kingdom. The text nicely explains
standing for our faith. I must be prepared to suffer for Christ, to join the team at a
moment’s notice, if you will, and even to a point of death for God to use me and my
family as he sees fit for the purposes of his will and his perfect plans. A friend and
baseball teammate of my son Noah’s, and a boy I coached for a few years (Troy Ellis,
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11 years old) died two days ago in a tragic hunting accident. This shocked my son
like I have never seen before, of course you do not expect an 11-year-old buddy to
die. My wife and I talked through God’s plans and purpose in lives, and how we may
never know or clearly see the purpose of death at various times, but we must remain
strong and alert in our faith, though grieve as we need to , but keeping our focus on
Christ and representing the Gospel well. Love you Ellis family, Troy it was a pleasure
having the time God allowed us to have with you.
