Keeping the faith

I. Daniel was faithful

* Daniel faithfully served Lord throughout his life!

  1. In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision (Daniel 10:1).
  2. Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words" (Daniel 10:12; see also Isaiah 66:2b).
  1. "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?" (Daniel 6:20b).

II. Daniel was fearful

* Daniel had a healthy fear of the Lord!

  1. Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves (Daniel 10:7).
  2. Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said to me, "O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling (Daniel 10:10, 11; see 1 Samuel 12:23, 24).

III. Daniel was fragile

* Daniel recognized his need for spiritual strength!

  1. This supernatural encounter left Daniel with "no strength" (Daniel 10:8, 16, 17).
  2. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future" (13, 14).
  3. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins May 30th, 2021