A Proactive Resolve to ‘Stand’
Subject: A Proactive Resolve to ‘Stand’
Scripture Reading: Daniel 1
Memory Verse: Daniel 1: 8
Objective: To purpose in our hearts to “stand” to the end in light of the suffering predicted for God’s people in the coming years.
Introduction: The decision to remain faithful to God cannot be made in the heat of crisis; it must be settled in the heart beforehand. Daniel and his companions demonstrated that faithfulness requires conviction, courage, and a deliberate commitment to obey God regardless of the consequences. Their examples, along with those of the apostles, teach us that standing for God is a choice that must be made in advance. In hindsight, Achan, king Uzziah, king Zedekiah and Judas to name a few, would have acted differently.
In an attempt to change their identity, the Babylonian government changed the names of four Jewish captives. How do we know from scripture that these men were not prepared to abandon their faith? Daniel 1: 1 - 8
While in the land of their captors three of these young men were threatened with death by fire; How resolute were they in upholding their faith? Daniel 3: 14 - 18
Years later their companion, Daniel who was now elevated to chief of staff in the kingdom of Babylon was also threatened when a plot to remove him from his position was hatched, what can be said of his unshakable relationship with his God? Daniel 6: 1 – 16
After being imprisoned, Acts 5: 21 - 29, and flogged, Acts 5: 40, how intent were Peter and John to carry out their mission? Acts 5: 29, 41 & 42
When given the prophetic word that he would be arrested in Jerusalem, what issue was already settled in Paul’s heart? Acts 21: 8 - 15
Peter was told early in his Christian journey what his end would be, (John 21: 15 - 19) yet he ceased not to publish Christ and His coming kingdom. How does the scripture bear out the fact that he ‘stood’ to the end? 2 Peter 1: 12 - 21
Seeing that to ‘stand’ to the end is not achieved by repeating the phrase often, what prayer did a brave soldier make for us? Ephesians 3: 13 - 21; and how are we further encouraged? 1 Peter 5: 1 - 10
NOTE: The Apostles prayers by themselves will not help us to stand to the end. It must be accompanied by sincere prayers by us. As it is often said ‘prayer does not excuse duty’ (borrowed).