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Introduction:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your
own understanding; Proverbs
3:5
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever
trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs
16:20
He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who
trusts in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs
28:25
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the
Lord shall be safe. Proverbs
29:25 A.
Trust Issues – in the Family 1.
Will my spouse stop loving me (or become difficult to live
with) because of my conviction in Christ? 2.
Will my children accept my parenting decisions in service
to Christ? 3.
Will my parents disown me because of my beliefs and service
to my Lord? B.
Trust Issues – in the Work Place 1.
Will mentioning the Lord cause me to be blackballed among
my co-workers? 2.
Will I be ostracized because of my ‘Christian
convictions’ that differ from my co-workers? 3.
Will I get fired for taking a stand because of my belief in
Jesus Christ? C.
Trust Issues – Daily Decisions 1.
Will I ever find someone to marry because of my (or, my
parents) convictions? 2.
How will we make it with bills ever increasing? 3.
Will God “provide” if we begin having a family now? 4.
How can I care for my aged parents in their physical/mental
condition? 5.
What will happen in my relationship to (family, Christians,
co-workers, etc.) if I confess this sin? 6.
Do I have “enough” for retirement? D.
How
is it that as Christians we realize the need to trust in
our God, yet have difficulty practicing it? 1.
God’s written word provides ample illustrations (both
good and bad) that serve examples for our faith today. 1
Cor. 10:11 2.
Let’s see how the Book of Daniel reveals the virtue of
trusting in the Lord in various situations. Discussion: I.
God is so Real (and close to me) I cannot help but trust in
Him A.
God is Faithful 1.
At a young age Daniel (and friends) learned all about God,
His relationship with Israel, and His faithful promises to all who
cling to Him. 2.
So, even though their world changed dramatically (taken
into Babylonian captivity) their convictions would not waver as a
young man. 1:1-4 3.
They were convicted that God is faithful, which
demonstrated their real trust in Him. B.
Trusting in God’s Faithfulness 1.
Daniel (and friends) did not defile themselves with food or
drink. Ch.
1 2.
Daniel provided Nebuchadnezzar’s request to interpret his
dream (and thus, save the lives of himself and fellow “wise
men”). Ch.
2 3.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego trusted God to deliver them
from Nebuchadnezzar’s decree. Ch.
3 (vss.
19-30) 4.
Daniel boldly interpreted Belshazzar’s “writing on the
wall”. Ch.
5 5.
Late in life Daniel still trusted in God to deliver him
(even from the lion’s den). Ch.
6 II.
Growing In Our Trust A.
Drawing Near to God 1.
You cannot trust in the Lord without really, really
believing in Him (existence, providence, and promises). 2.
This genuine belief will move us to act in accordance with
our faith/trust in Him. B.
Life’s Worries 1.
Letting go of the things we cannot control. Cp. Matt.
6:25-34 a.
This passage is only “Scripture” to those who read but
do not truly trust in the Lord. b.
This Scripture breathes a confident hope to all who truly
trust in Him. Conclusion: A. God (and His word) has revealed Himself faithful in all He has EVER done for those who love Him.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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