First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - September 15, 2003
Daniel #9
Feast of 1000 nobles (Dan 5:1-4). Writing on the wall (Dan 5:5-9). Belshazzer offers royalty (robe of purple), authority (gold chain), rulership -- promises that won't give contentment (Dan 5:7, Pro 23:5). Natural man is enslaved to fear (Dan 5:9, Heb 2:14-15). Devil makes the natural man fearful. The curse is dependence on mankind or great men (Jer 17:5-6). Spiritual things are foolish to the natural man (1Co 2:14). Attitude of Belshazzer and 1000 nobles is analogous to ours today -- human viewpoint and solutions. Between Daniel chapters 4 to 5 is 23 years. The Queen mother mentions Daniel's wisdom (Dan 5:10-12). Daniel is evaluated five times in the book of Daniel. Ezekiel ranks Daniel with Noah and Job in wisdom and personal righteousness (Eze 14:14-20, Eze 28:3). Nebuchadnezzar mentions Daniel's spirituality (Dan 1:20, Dan 4:8, Dan 4:18). Daniel's enemies charged him as faithful and incorruptible (Dan 6:4-5). King Darius mentions integrity in service to God (Dan 6:16). Gabriel indicates divine approval (Dan 10:11, Dan 10:19). Daniel was demoted and probably 88 years old. Daniel chapters 7 and 8 come before chapter 5 historically. These things are written for our instruction (1Co 10:6-11). Daniel rejects the king's gifts (Dan 5:17). The Lord's parable of a rich man applies (Luk 12:16-21, Pro 23:4-5, 1Ti 6:1-21). True contentment with godliness is the greatest wealth we can have (Heb 13:5-6).
Scripture References: Daniel 4:8, Daniel 5:17, Daniel 5:9, Daniel 1:20, Daniel 10:19, Proverbs 23:5, Ezekiel 28:3, Daniel 10:11, Daniel 5:7, Ezekiel 14:14-20, Daniel 6:16, Daniel 5:5-9, Hebrews 13:5-6, Daniel 5:10-12, Daniel 6:4-5, Daniel 5:1-4, Proverbs 23:4-5, Jeremiah 17:5-6, Daniel 4:18, Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 2:14-15
From Series: "Daniel"
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