Courage 3

Daniel 6:1-3

[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. [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.

Quote:

“God didn’t call you to a life of comfort. He called you to a life that counts. Don’t just spend your life. Invest it. Live with eternity in mind, not ease. Run your race so that at the end, you hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

—Skip Heitzig

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

We are engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. 

We need divine empowerment and steadfastness. 

YOUR SPIRITUAL COURAGE WILL BE TESTED:

1. You will be challenged on your relationship with God.

Daniel 6:4-5 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.”

Deep spiritual courage goes beyond physical bravery.

2. You will face a strategy coming against you.

Daniel 6:6-9 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. [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.

Spiritual warfare.

This is the battle between good and evil from the forces of evil against believers.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Spiritual opposition.

External resistance that believer’s encounter when trying to live out their faith. Societal pressure, persecution, or a personal attack.

Isaiah 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Spiritual difficulties.

Challenges that arise in one’s faith journey, such as periods of doubt, discouragement, or trials.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Spiritual attacks.

Direct and intentional effort to weaken a believer’s faith through temptation, deception, or fear.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

3. You choose convictions over compromise.

Daniel 6:10a 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…

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

4. You choose faithful consistency.

Daniel 6:10b … as was his custom since early days.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

5. You choose to be willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake.

Daniel 6:11-12 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.”

Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Daniel 6:19-23 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. [20] When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” [21] Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! [22] My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” [23] The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Conclusion:

If you are faithful to the Lord, He will give you the courage to face what comes your way!