OT accounts aid us in serving God, Rom. 15:4 Disobedient: don’t follow Obedient: follow
One of the greatest accounts of faith Unlikely to face the same thing Draw inspiration for faithful service
Darius conquered Babylon, Dan. 5:30, 31 Nebuchadnezzar Belshazzar
Why do evil men rule? Chastise God’s sinful people, 2 Chron. 36:15-17 Destroy evil nations, Jer. 50:18 Man’s stubbornness, 1 Sam. 8:5; Rom. 1:21-24 Cause a desire for God, Ex. 2:23
Christians need to be distinguished at work Do it heartily, Col. 3:22-24 Accused of “kissing up” Examples: Joseph, David
Christians need to be distinguished from the world, 1 Pt. 4:3, 4 In morals: speech & deeds In religion: convictions & practice Hated for it, Mk. 13:13 Example: Jesus
Some show weakness when tested, Mt. 13:20, 21 John Mark, Acts 13:13 Peter & Barnabas, Gal. 2:11-13
Must trust & obey God, Heb. 13:5, 6 When threatened, Acts 4:19, 20 When beaten, Acts 5:29, 40, 41 Not to stray, Psa. 119: Pray often, Mt. 6:13; 26:44
Christians subject to various trials Financial, 2 Cor. 8:1, 2 Personal, Philemon Physical, 2 Cor. 12:7
God watches over His children Sometimes delivered David from Saul Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego
God watches over His children Sometimes not delivered John the immerser James Lazarus
The wicked will pay for their sins No escape, Num. 14:18 Brutal, Mt. 18:34; 22:7; 24:51
We can repent & avoid eternal punishment, Lk. 13:1-5 Leave the sin Obey God, Acts 8:12, 22