The Courage to Stand!

Introduction:

Sometimes we don’t care about consequences if they occur further down life’s road. We tend to focus on “right now” and as far as “right now” is concerned – we want what we want. Short sighted thinking says I’ll do this now and deal with the consequences later! Consider Hezekiah. Very godly but shortsighted. See 2 Kings 20. Hezekiah’s words should challenge us & move us to sober reflection.

I. How much do we have in common with Hezekiah?

A. We are surrounded by great wickedness!

1. It takes a lot of courage/faith to be a godly person today!

B. But what about the future?

II. What do you think of those who are willing to stand up for what is right?

A. Always been a small minority of God’s people who have been willing to stand up – no matter what.

1. Example of someone w/conviction – Daniel – Dan. 1.

B. Are we resolved to stand on our convictions no matter what?

1. How do we do when facing real decisions? Real life?

2. Hard, difficult situations – when dealing with refuse to say “no.”

III. Daniel’s convictions were based on God’s word.

A. Dan 1 – Objections to eating the kings food.

1. Why? Ex. 20:3 – God specifically forbid idolatry.

a) See also Deut. 17:2-5 – idolatry – a sin = punishable by death!

b) Also told – Deut 14:3 – not to eat any detestable thing.

B. Our convictions today must be based upon God’s word.

1. Few people willing to stand up for truth…for what is right.

2. Need to be willing to call sin sin!

IV. How did Daniel stand up?

A. Politely, calm, but firmly. Asked that commander of officials not force he & friends to violate conscience.

1. 1:8 – Daniel made up his mind. Note the firm resolution.

2. Resolve can wane when temptation strikes….

B. Stand up for your principles as a Christian!

C. Daniel’s resolve was the kind that strengthened his friends:

1. 3:14-18 – Shadrach; Meshac; Abendego – (Babylonian names) faced the fiery furnace.

2. 3:18 – refused to worship the image; the king; etc.

V. Daniel benefited from his stance with God.

A. 1:9 – gained favor/compassion in the sight of the commander.

B. 1:17 – They gained “superior knowledge.”

C. We too can benefit from serving God. Reputation Wisdom/common sense.

Conclusion:

A. No greater need in the church today than for every member to have courage of convictions based on plain biblical instruction.



The Courage to Stand! Introduction: Sometimes we don’t care about consequences if they occur further down life’s road. We tend to focus on “right now” and as far as “right now” is concerned – we want what we want. Short sighted thinking says I’ll do this now and deal with the consequences later! Consider Hezekiah. Very godly but shortsighted. See 2 Kings 20. Hezekiah’s words should challenge us & move us to sober reflection. I. How much do we have in common with Hezekiah? A. We are surrounded by great wickedness! 1. It takes a lot of courage/faith to be a godly person today! B. But what about the future? II. What do you think of those who are willing to stand up for what is right? A. Always been a small minority of God’s people who have been willing to stand up – no matter what. 1. Example of someone w/conviction – Daniel – Dan. 1. B. Are we resolved to stand on our convictions no matter what? 1. How do we do when facing real decisions? Real life? 2. Hard, difficult situations – when dealing with refuse to say “no.” III. Daniel’s convictions were based on God’s word. A. Dan 1 – Objections to eating the kings food. 1. Why? Ex. 20:3 – God specifically forbid idolatry. a) See also Deut. 17:2-5 – idolatry – a sin = punishable by death! b) Also told – Deut 14:3 – not to eat any detestable thing. B. Our convictions today must be based upon God’s word. 1. Few people willing to stand up for truth…for what is right. 2. Need to be willing to call sin sin! IV. How did Daniel stand up? A. Politely, calm, but firmly. Asked that commander of officials not force he & friends to violate conscience. 1. 1:8 – Daniel made up his mind. Note the firm resolution. 2. Resolve can wane when temptation strikes…. B. Stand up for your principles as a Christian! C. Daniel’s resolve was the kind that strengthened his friends: 1. 3:14-18 – Shadrach; Meshac; Abendego – (Babylonian names) faced the fiery furnace. 2. 3:18 – refused to worship the image; the king; etc. V. Daniel benefited from his stance with God. A. 1:9 – gained favor/compassion in the sight of the commander. B. 1:17 – They gained “superior knowledge.” C. We too can benefit from serving God. Reputation Wisdom/common sense. Conclusion: A. No greater need in the church today than for every member to have courage of convictions based on plain biblical instruction.