Wednesday Afternoon - Dr. Tim Jordan

Brian McCrorie
GARBC Conference 2010

Daniel 6 - Tim Jordan

Introductory Comments:

  • The simplest things are often the hardest to explain to our children.
  • Over the years we learn clichés and repeat them.
  • This simple Sunday School story contains a perfect illustration of the truth that we exist for God’s glory.

Notes from the Body of the Message:

1. What did the people around Daniel end up saying about Daniel’s God?

  • Daniel loves and serves the living God. (5:23)
  • Daniel loves and serves the God who will endure. He cannot be stopped or thwarted. (Gates of Hell…)
  • Daniel loves and serves the God who is indestructible.
  • Daniel loves and serves the God who is sovereign.
  • Daniel loves and serves the God who is personally engaged in the lives of those who trust Him.

“There are years of theology to unpack in the true statements by pagans about God.”

2. What does this reveal?

  • Daniel’s life became a showcase for God’s nature and power.

3. Why did they come to these conclusions about Daniel’s God?

  • He excelled in his service to God. “More than enough” (Dan. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:58)
  • He was faithful in all his service. He was reliable. When the law was finally passed, he continued on with his life pattern of prayer. He served God “continually.” He was driven by what he believed, not his feelings.
  • He intentionally, actively, and courageously chose to trust his God. (v.23) Frequently, we get to places in our lives when we are tested and doing the right thing is really hard to do. There are times when doing the right thing will be perceived as the wrong things and vice versa. The choice still has to be made.

Concluding Comments:

  • My abilities do not match up to the demands on my life.
  • When the obedience that faith demanded had potentially catastrophic consequences, Daniel chose to trust. (Dan. 2:20-23; Deut. 4:6-8)
  • Like taking an exam using the teacher’s answer key, the wisdom of the teacher is displayed in my exam.
  • There’s a big difference between simple and easy.
  • Simple obedience reflects the wisdom of God, better than a resolution or doctrinal statement. When God is obeyed, He is glorified.
  • They didn’t talk about Daniel; they talked about Daniel’s God. When would our lives ever get unbelievers to talk about our God?
  • This happened because a young men, until a dead man, obeyed God every day.
  • Daniel’s great accomplishment didn’t glorify God; his obedience glorified God. The good news is, by God’s grace, we can do that too.

Discussion