Daniel: Trust In The Lord Introduction: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs 28:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 A. Trust Issues – in the Family 1. Will my spouse stop loving me (or become difficult to live with) because of my conviction in Christ? 2. Will my children accept my parenting decisions in service to Christ? 3. Will my parents disown me because of my beliefs and service to my Lord? B. Trust Issues – in the Work Place 1. Will mentioning the Lord cause me to be blackballed among my co-workers? 2. Will I be ostracized because of my ‘Christian convictions’ that differ from my co-workers? 3. Will I get fired for taking a stand because of my belief in Jesus Christ? C. Trust Issues – Daily Decisions 1. Will I ever find someone to marry because of my (or, my parents) convictions? 2. How will we make it with bills ever increasing? 3. Will God “provide” if we begin having a family now? 4. How can I care for my aged parents in their physical/mental condition? 5. What will happen in my relationship to (family, Christians, co-workers, etc.) if I confess this sin? 6. Do I have “enough” for retirement? D. How is it that as Christians we realize the need to trust in our God, yet have difficulty practicing it? 1. God’s written word provides ample illustrations (both good and bad) that serve examples for our faith today. 1 Cor. 10:11 2. Let’s see how the Book of Daniel reveals the virtue of trusting in the Lord in various situations. Discussion: I. God is so Real (and close to me) I cannot help but trust in Him A. God is Faithful 1. At a young age Daniel (and friends) learned all about God, His relationship with Israel, and His faithful promises to all who cling to Him. 2. So, even though their world changed dramatically (taken into Babylonian captivity) their convictions would not waver as a young man. 1:1-4 3. They were convicted that God is faithful, which demonstrated their real trust in Him. B. Trusting in God’s Faithfulness 1. Daniel (and friends) did not defile themselves with food or drink. Ch. 1 2. Daniel provided Nebuchadnezzar’s request to interpret his dream (and thus, save the lives of himself and fellow “wise men”). Ch. 2 3. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego trusted God to deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar’s decree. Ch. 3 (vss. 19-30) 4. Daniel boldly interpreted Belshazzar’s “writing on the wall”. Ch. 5 5. Late in life Daniel still trusted in God to deliver him (even from the lion’s den). Ch. 6 Franklin Church of Christ Mitch Davis October 2, 2011 AM Worship II. Growing In Our Trust A. Drawing Near to God 1. You cannot trust in the Lord without really, really believing in Him (existence, providence, and promises). 2. This genuine belief will move us to act in accordance with our faith/trust in Him. B. Life’s Worries 1. Letting go of the things we cannot control. Cp. Matt. 6:25-34 a. This passage is only “Scripture” to those who read but do not truly trust in the Lord. b. This Scripture breathes a confident hope to all who truly trust in Him. Conclusion: A. God (and His word) has revealed Himself faithful in all He has EVER done for those who love Him. B. The question is: How real is God (and His faithfulness) to you?
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:50:17 +0000
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