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Daniel: And the Lord Delivered

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Oct 2, 2016 • 57m

Scripture References: Daniel 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 39, Hebrews 12, Jeremiah 24

Intro:

  • Introduction of the Book of Daniel, its historical and prophetic nature.
  • Acknowledgment of the challenging prophetic visions in later chapters.
  • Analogy of children paying for the sins of others, relating to the concept of "backwash."
  • Daniel's situation: paying for the sins of his forefathers, even though he was faithful.

Key Points:

  • The Reality of Consequences:
    • Sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting more than just the individual.
    • Examples: divorce, job loss, economic downturns.
    • Daniel's experience: caught in the consequences of Judah's disobedience.
  • God's Discipline and Faithfulness:
    • God's discipline is not arbitrary but a result of His patience and warnings.
    • God's discipline is an act of faithfulness, intended to bring hearts back to Him.
    • Isaiah's prophecy: a specific warning to Hezekiah about Judah's fall.
    • God delivered Judah into Nebuchadnezzar's hands as a form of discipline.
  • God's Sovereignty in Exile:
    • Daniel's perspective: God is in control, even in seemingly chaotic situations.
    • The purpose of exile: to turn hearts back to God.
    • Jeremiah's analogy of good and bad figs: the exiles were the "good figs," representing God's refining process.
    • God uses even wicked nations to carry out His purposes.
  • Babylon's Values and Influence:
    • Babylon's attempt to relativize God's absoluteness.
    • Babylon's values: fame, youth, beauty, and intelligence.
    • Babylon's self-centeredness: "I am and there is no one besides me."
    • The parallels between Babylon's values and contemporary culture.
  • Hope and Courage in Dark Times:
    • The Book of Daniel as a source of hope and courage for those facing adversity.
    • Historical examples: Joseph, Esther, Nehemiah.
    • The assurance that God is building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail.
    • The importance of perspective and trust in God's sovereignty.

Conclusion:

  • God's discipline is an act of love and faithfulness.
  • God is in control, even when circumstances seem otherwise.
  • The importance of humility and a right perspective in facing adversity.
  • God's word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on how God's discipline has worked in your life.
  • Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult.
  • Repent of a small view of God and recognize His control.
  • Resist the self-centeredness of contemporary culture.
  • Embrace humility and seek God's wisdom and perspective.
  • Find hope and courage in God's word and His promises.

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