Daniel in the Den – Daniel 6:11-28

God’s power and sovereignty are again manifested in Daniel’s miraculous deliverance from the lion’s den. In this sermon we will see how that through faith Daniel “stopped the mouths of lions.”

Daniel at this stage of his life had been about 68 years in captivity and would therefore be somewhere in his eighties or nineties.

Daniel’s three friends faced the fiery furnace for refusing to bow to an idol and Daniel would now face the lion’s lair for refusing to not bow faithfully in prayer to his God.

Daniel is a wonderful example to us of a man of faith – “he believed in his God” (Vs. 23) In this lesson we will consider 3 aspects of Daniel’s faith.

Look firstly at…

The Trial of Daniel’s Faith (Vs. 11-17)

The Prosecution of his Faith (Vs. 11-15)

1. The collection of evidence against Daniel (Vs. 11)
   1. These men went to search Daniel’s life for evidence that he was breaking the decree not to pray to his God. They found plenty of evidence for their case! Daniel had walked with God faithfully for many years and wasn’t about to compromise now.
   2. It is interesting to note that the particular aspect of Daniels walk with God that was under fire was his prayer life. We know from Daniel 10 that the demonic host behind the Persian Empire was taking note of Daniel’s prayers.
   3. Challenge: If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
2. The presentation of evidence against Daniel (Vs. 12-13)
   1. They were subtle (Vs. 12)
   2. They were slanderous (Vs. 13)
3. The reaction to the evidence against Daniel (Vs. 14-15)
   1. Darius had regret – he allowed himself to be puffed up in pride and thereby fall into the trap set for him by these men. He could see it all now but it was too late!
   2. Darius tried to reverse the decision but the law could not be altered. He found himself a prisoner to the results of his own foolish pride.
   3. Prov. 29:23 “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

The Penalty for his Faith (Vs. 16-17)

1. He was summoned (Vs. 16)
   1. The final words of Darius to Daniel before he was thrown to the lions are significant. They reveal the extent to which this pagan king had been impacted by the godly testimony of Daniel.
   2. “whom thou servest continually” = this was the testimony of Daniel’s life. His walk with God was faithful and consistent. Darius could see something genuine and real in his life. Darius repeats the same words in Vs. 20.
   3. “he will deliver thee” = Darius had a measure of faith that the One True God of Daniel would come to his aid.
2. He was sentenced (Vs. 17)
   1. There was a stone (Vs. 17a) There was no way of escape. Daniel was shut in with these ferocious beasts. Daniel’s enemies thought when the stone was rolled over the mouth of the den that it was all over. A stone was also rolled across the entrance to Christ’s tomb. They thought that was the end of this one called Jesus. But the stone was rolled away!
   2. There were seals (Vs. 17b) These were to ensure they eliminated the possibility of an attempt to rescue Daniel. To tamper with these seals would be a criminal act punishable by death.
   3. So far as man was concerned, nothing could save Daniel; his destruction was determined – “that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.” God did not intervene or prevent in these events even though He could have. But Daniel’s trial would become and occasion for God’s glory. Are we willing to face the fire or the den if it means our God is exalted and glorified?

The Triumph of Daniel’s Faith (Vs. 18-24)

The Preservation of Daniel (Vs. 18-23)

1. The fear of Darius (Vs. 18-20) This verse reveals just how much Darius loved Daniel. He was so troubled and distressed that he refused the normal luxuries afforded a king and passed a sleepless night.
2. The faith of Daniel (Vs. 21-23) The calmness and composure of Daniel stands in contrast to the king’s fear. Daniel trusted in the Lord and came through the trial victorious. There are two specific reasons for Daniel’s deliverance highlighted:
   1. Daniels Faithfulness – “forasmuch as before him innocency was found in in me” Daniel was being wrongfully punished for his godly and righteous life. He was a man of integrity.
   2. Daniel’s Faith – “because he believed in his God”. Like Daniel’s three friends who came out of the fire completely whole and unscathed, Daniel came out of the lion’s den without a wound or a scratch. God preserved Daniel in this trial and He will preserve you dear saint as you suffer in the center of His will.
   3. God’s presence and power was manifest to Daniel in that fearful den of hostility. Trials we go through in the will of God teach us something of the presence of God we couldn’t know otherwise if we didn’t go through that trial. We would prefer for God to keep us from the den but often it is often God’s way to preserve us in the trial.
   4. Hebrews 13:5-6 “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

The Punishment of Daniel’s Enemies (Vs. 24)

1. These evil men reaped the very thing they had intended for Daniel. Their wickedness also brought about the destruction of their wives and children. Sin has far reaching consequences.
2. The Lord was the one who dealt with Daniel’s enemies. Daniel didn’t vindicate himself or seek revenge.

The Testimony of Daniel’s Faith (Vs. 25-28)

Darius’ Proclamation (Vs. 25-27)

1. The requirement of the decree (Vs. 26a). Men were to reverence and respect the God of Daniel.
2. The reasons for the decree (Vs. 26b-27)
   1. The reality of God – “he is the living God” The pagan gods are dead and lifeless but our God is Real!
   2. The Immutability of God – “and stedfast forever” God is faithful and unchanging.
   3. The Sovereignty of God – “and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” God’s kingdom is eternal and cannot be destroyed.
   4. The Activity of God – “he worketh signs and wonders” God intervenes in human affairs.

Daniel’s Prosperity (Vs. 28)

1. In the reign of Darius. History informs us that Darius didn’t live long past this point. Once Darius passed off the scene, Cyrus became the sole monarch of the Medo-Persian Empire.
2. In the reign of Cyrus. We know Daniel lived till at least until the 3rd year of Cyrus’ reign (Dan. 10:1). This means Daniel would have had the joy, after all those years, of witnessing the decree Cyrus made in the first year of his reign to allow the Jews to return to the land to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-3)

Conclusion

What price are you willing to pay for your walk with God?

Sermon 12 of 23 in Daniel Series

Sermon Audio Id: 54192314501339