Courageous: Courage to Confront Pride - Daniel 5:1-31 (Billy Russell, 03/03/2019)

                                                  Courageous

                                     “Courage to Confront Pride”

                                                (Daniel 5:1-31)

 

Daniel 5 records the courage to speak truth to the proud and powerful. This chapter is famous for the handwriting on the wall scene. Though many years have passed, God speaks again through Daniel, who interprets the writing, revealing God’s imminent judgment on the king.

 

Overview:

     The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in

                                           action (on display)!

     Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and

                                 in our lives.

     Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious   

                            God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)

 

Courage to outlast... endurance reflects devoted obedience.

     (5:1-12)  Daniel @ 80+ has outlived his captors, but not his calling.

          Party- temple items to toast the gods- disregard/disrespect for God!

          God is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and just!

          Handwriting scene- chaos, queen intervenes, sends for Daniel.

     

Courage to be available... willingness to serve whenever needed.

     (5:13-16).  The king reminds Daniel he’s still in exile (v.13)!

                       The king has heard of, but doesn’t know Daniel (vv.14,16).

                       The king sets up the challenge (v.15).

 

Courage to confront... with God’s truth when necessary as His emissary.   

     (5:18-28)      Royal hx lesson: you knew it, but no humility (v.22)!

                          “... you set yourself up against the Lord of Heaven” (v.23).

    “But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life...” (v.23).  

    [Powerpoint here the four word phrase first (v.25), then interp. (v.26)]

 

Courage to humbly serve... take no pride/joy in the downfall of others.   

     (5:17, 29-30)                     God brings swift justice to the king!

                                               Only go confront, if God is sending you.   

                                               Humble yourself.

                                               Serve God’s purposes solely.