Introduction

Daniel 6
6 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom.

God uses all generations.

4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”

Babylon wants to restrict religious freedom.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.

How do we respond to crisis or persecution?
Panic, Pride, Preemptive Strike, Prayer

14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”

16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” 17 A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

Daniel escaped because he was all backbone and gristle
– Charles Spurgeon.

19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

We have an accuser who will ultimately face judgment.

25 Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! 26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,

And His dominion will be forever. 27 “He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders

In heaven and on earth, who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

“There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.”
― Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society

The Old Testament was not primarily written to give us heroes to emulate but a Savior to adore.

Jesus is the Greater Daniel.

Jesus and Daniel were both innocent.
Jesus and Daniel faced jealous political leaders.
Jesus and Daniel had the chief political leader try to spare
their life.
Jesus and Daniel were both thrown into a pit.
Jesus and Daniel had loving friends run to their tomb early in
the morning.
Jesus and Daniel walked out of the pit alive
Jesus and Daniel were raised up to second in command.

Daniel’s life is evidence of God’s love for the people in Babylon.

Jesus is the Greater Daniel.

Jesus and Daniel were both innocent.
Jesus and Daniel faced jealous political leaders.
Jesus and Daniel had the chief political leader try to spare
their life.
Jesus and Daniel were both thrown into a pit.
Jesus and Daniel had loving friends run to their tomb early in
the morning.
Jesus and Daniel walked out of the pit alive
Jesus and Daniel were raised up to second in command.

Daniel’s life is evidence of God’s love for the people in Babylon.

Jesus’ life is evidence of God’s love for the world.

Daniel: Shining in Babylon
Daniel 6, Pastor Lance Ainsworth
October 26th & 29th, 2023
Courage is a habit.

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

Read aloud: Read Daniel 6

1. Daniel 6:3 “Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. An extraordinary spirit is translated as a great degree of reasoning/wisdom. Who is the wisest person you have ever personally known? Read Prov. 16:31, Prov. 20:29. What role does age play when it comes to wisdom? Have we lost respect for our elders? Who can you glean wisdom from this week?

2. Daniel 6:4 “Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him.” Do you think Daniel was kept from corruption by God, or did he make a choice? Read Daniel 1:8. Would Daniel be able to be used by God if he had a history of corruption? A commitment to Godly character is the path to Godly influence. Do you have any character opportunities you are currently facing?

3. Daniel 6:10-11 “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.” How do you respond to crisis or persecution? Panic, Pride, Preemptive Strike (revenge), or Prayer? What are the consequences of responding in panic, pride, or revenge? What is the consequence of responding in prayer? Does this apply to you right now? Do you have a habit of prayer in your life?

4. Daniel 6:26-28 26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be forever. 27 “He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” Compare this with King Nebuchadnezzar’s response in Daniel 2:47. What words stand out in Darius’ response to God saving Daniel?