We were blessed with our SSLesson in the past weeks. Now, we will be focusing on God’s intervention when Satan’s assails a fierce dart against us. Daniel had been a victim but victorious! Our SSLeson this week Feb. 9-15, 2020, entitled, “From Lion’s Den to Angel’s Den”. This week we will learn 5 Points from Daniel 6.

1. A Perfect Man - Daniel 6:1-5:

"The Lord would have us learn a lesson also from the experience of Daniel. Daniel manifested the most perfect courtesy, both toward his elders and toward the youth. He stood as a witness for God and sought to take such a course that he might not be ashamed for Heaven to hear his words or to behold his works. Inspiration says, “The world is in urgent need at this time of men like the three Hebrews, who would rather yield this present life than to offend their God -- men like Daniel, who looked with strong faith to the Lord and was without fault in his religious and secular duties. By such men as these the world has been blessed with everlasting benefits and rewards that no human lips can describe. “ 2SR 62

We read in Great Controversy, page 397: "The spirit of error will lead us from the truth, and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in an error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and word agree. If a man judges himself by the word of God, and finds a perfect harmony through the whole word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil."

How can we be perfect like Daniel? The Bible says, -- "All scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2Tim. 3:16, 17

2. A Persecuted Man - Daniel 6:6-9:

When "the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom;...they could find none occasion nor fault." Dan. 6:4. Finding him thus faultless, his enemies "consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, "save of" the king, should "be cast into the den of lions." Dan. 6:7. (13Tr 32).

Our loyalty will be tested not only for our friends but most of all our loyalty to God. Will you and I stand firm and tell the truth when it is called for? Are we ready to be persecuted because we stand for the truth we believe? Like Daniel he was found faithful and his faithfulness had been used to plot him and caught him in surprise but didn’t discourage nor weakened. He remain true and faithful still!

Our faithfulness to God will be used against us by the enemy of souls as what they did to Daniel. The accusers in his times knew that he would not fail his God by standing firm and remain faithful. The same kind of people God is waiting to be manifested,, but it will not be easy for those who are arrogant and self-conceited. God cannot use them!

3. A man of prayer - Daniel 6:10:

Despite the royal decree, Daniel didn’t try to hide his prayer habits. He just continued praying towards Jerusalem as he had always done (2 Chr. 6:20-40). Our lifestyle or custom should not be changed by any circumstances, situation or condition. Worship is an integral part of our being that will be put into trial and conflict in these last days. Will we stand when the test comes?

The opening of our hearts to our heavenly Father, the acknowledgment of our entire dependence, the expression of our wants, the homage of grateful love --this is true prayer. {CG 518.3}

The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan's host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received. {1T 296.1}

Power to Be Obtained Through Prayer--My mind has been dwelling upon the subject of prayer. Little groups should gather and seek the Lord earnestly. We are, as a people, sadly neglecting this means of grace. Christ declares--and the words were spoken after His resurrection--"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." And because of this power, He adds the great gospel commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" [Matthew 28:18-20]. --Letter 320, 1906.--(To S. N. Haskell, Oct. 4, 1906.)

Many prayers are offered without faith. A set form of words is used, but there is no real importunity. It’s a challenge for each one to consider. Be a man and woman of prayer in these days where our faith will be tested!

4. A protected man - Daniel 6:11-23:

When people accused God’s servant they will omit the good and great qualities you may have, like Daniel the governors introduced Daniel as a captive foreigner who is disobeying the king’s orders. The king tried to find a way to deliver Daniel from death, but he couldn’t (John 19:12). But God is in control, even so, through Daniel’s faithfulness, the king exclaimed: “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you verse 16). The Lion's den didn't prevail for Daniel had been in ANGEL'S DEN protected

Early the next morning King Darius hastened to the den and "cried with a lamentable voice," "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" {CC 255.5}

The voice of the prophet replied: "O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." . . . {CC 255.6}

The den of lions did not deter Daniel from a steady adherence to duty. He did not hide his purpose or lower his colors because death threatened him if he stood faithful to his God. Three times a day, in the face of the king's decree, he sought his Lord in his chamber, with his window open toward Jerusalem. He was cast into the den of lions, but God delivered him. {PH133 13.2}

5. A Vindicated Man - Daniel 6:24-28:

Darius vindicated Daniel and confirmed his position. Daniel served at this position until the third year of Cyrus at least. He also vindicated the God of Daniel. This was a symbol of the final vindication, when every knee will bow before the King of kings.

Men are now passing the boundary line, and the Lord is permitting the enemy to do his will. We hear of floods, of earthquakes, of storms by land and on the sea, blotting out hundreds of lives in a moment of time; but the end is not yet. The tread of the Lord will be heard upon the land and upon the water. For his own honor's sake, God is now about to repress iniquity. He will soon, very soon, vindicate the claims of his law. {RH, November 23, 1905 par. 2}

The final overthrow of all earthly dominions is plainly foretold in the Word of truth. In the prophecy uttered when sentence from God was pronounced upon the last king of Israel, is given the message:-- {RH, November 23, 1905 par. 3}

That time is at hand. Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour's prophecy of the events to precede his coming: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." {RH, November 23, 1905 par. 6}

God will vindicate His people at last, His church will be glorified (Eph. 5:27; Dan. 2:44; PK 713-25). For more study please visit this site. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/6-the-establishment-of-the-kingdom-of-glory?fbclid=IwAR37XHET9N_eH_n833Pao_IKyvKkV9bwFuQPUQpJdjI48p4AbKkbNo5fWbY