The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
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: Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 2:14-15, 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
From Series: "Daniel"
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