Big Idea of the Series: The book of Daniel teaches us how to have faith in God that overcomes fear, adversity, pride, and looks trustingly to God no matter what happens or what the future holds.
Be Faithful in the Little Things!
Big Idea: Daniel and his friends were faithful in what they ate, even though they were in a foreign country far away from home. We, too, must live out our faith in the little things of life.
Live Out Your Faith in Prayer
Big Idea: Daniel and his friends prayed, asking God for help. They trusted Him to act. They gave Him the glory for the answer. We, too, should put our faith into action through prayer.
The Strength of Faith in Adversity
Big Idea: The three men were faced with certain, painful death. Their faith didn’t waiver even if God would not rescue. We, too, should strive for such a strong faith.
Faith Flows from Humility
Big Idea: King Nebuchadnezzar was too proud of himself. Only after God humbled him did he acknowledge God as the supreme ruler. His humbling brought him to faith. True faith in Jesus shows us what we really are. It humbles us. Then we exalt Jesus.
True Faith in God Learns From the Past
Big Idea: King Belshazzar knew what happened to his grandfather King Nebuchadnezzar. He knew, and he refused to learn. God humbled him to defeat and death. We need to remember the lessons of faith we have learned in the past as well as those lessons others have learned. We remember; we believe; we trust!
Faith in Jesus is to be a Public Faith
Big Idea: It would have been easy for Daniel to live out his faith privately, behind closed doors. But his faith was lived publicly. This not only strengthened his faith but also encouraged others. We, too, must not be ashamed to live out our faith publicly.
Faith Overcomes the Fear of the Future
Big Idea: Daniel was given a frightening vision of the future. But in the midst of the vison stands Christ who overcomes. We need to keep our eyes of faith on Jesus who has overcome the world and will overcome it!
Faith Leads to Compassion for People
Big Idea: Daniel was given a vison about an evil king who would oppress the Jews. Even though Daniel was told this king would be defeated by God, his heart broke for those who would suffer under his rage. Our faith in Jesus should also cause us to show compassion for others just as Jesus has compassion on us.
Faith Confesses Sin and Expects Forgiveness and Restoration.
Big Idea: Daniel knew that Jerusalem would be resettled and rebuilt after 70 years. He prayed, confessing his sins and his people’s sin. He prayed, fully expecting God to remember his promises. We also must confess our sins and the sins of our people, fully relying on God’s promise to forgive.