Text: Daniel 6
Some Will Want to Harm Us
- Do not be surprised if the world hates you (1 John 3:13)
- Persecution will be a reality (2 Timothy 3:12)
Keep Your Behavior Excellent
- Keep behavior excellent because some will try to slander you (1 Peter 2:12)
- We must not suffer as an evildoer, but as a Christian (1 Peter 4:15-16)
Legislation Can Be Used to Target God’s People
- God has ordained a specific role for civil government (Romans 13:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:2)
- When governments assume the role of the people’s god, they will see God as their competition and target His people
A Time for Deliberate Disobedience
- Christians are under no obligation to submit to laws that violate God’s law (Acts 5:29)
- When persecuted, rejoice and keep going (Acts 5:40-42)
Laws Have Consequences
- Ungodly laws, even when recognized as such, can be slow to change, if at all (v. 14-15, 18-19)
- If ungodly laws are passed, regardless of who later comes to power, be prepared for suffering
Put Complete Trust in God
- God delivered Daniel (v. 23-24)
- God will not miraculously deliver us from persecution today — but trust Him (1 Peter 4:19)
- Ultimately, He will save us (Revelation 2:10)
