1. A Strong Faith Lesson 9 Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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A Strong Faith
Lesson 9

2. Lesson Outline Introduction A. What Are the Odds? B. Lesson Background
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. What Are the Odds? B. Lesson Background

3. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Oddly Enough
When considering the likelihood of something happening, one might ask, “What are the odds?”
Insurance actuaries try to answer that very question.
See if you can guess what the odds are of certain things happening to a person.
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4. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Oddly Enough
1. What are the odds of your being hit by lightning this year? a) 1 in 36,000 b) 1 in 275,000 c) 1 in 960,000
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Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

5. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
1. What are the odds of your being hit by lightning this year? a) 1 in 36,000 b) 1 in 275,000 c) 1 in 960,000
Click to add notes
Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

6. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
2. What are the odds of your dying in a plane crash? a) 1 in 3,200 b) 1 in 5,600 c) 1 in 8,000
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7. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
2. What are the odds of your dying in a plane crash? a) 1 in 3,200 b) 1 in 5,600 c) 1 in 8,000
Click to add notes
Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

8. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
3. What are the odds of your being hit by lightning and winning the lottery? a) 1 in 3,000,000 b) 1 in 72,800,000 c) 1 in 2,600,000,000
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Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

9. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
3. What are the odds of your being hit by lightning and winning the lottery? a) 1 in 3,000,000 b) 1 in 72,800,000 c) 1 in 2,600,000,000
Click to add notes
Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

10. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
4. What are the odds of your dying from contact with a venomous plant or animal? a) 1 in 9,000 b) 1 in 42,000 c) 1 in 56,000
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11. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Oddly Enough
4. What are the odds of your dying from contact with a venomous plant or animal? a) 1 in 9,000 b) 1 in 42,000 c) 1 in 56,000
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Graphic: NatBasil / iStock / Thinkstock®

12. Oddly Enough Some odds are comforting.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Oddly Enough
Some odds are comforting.
But at other times the circumstances of life cause us to feel as if the odds are stacked against us and we can’t go on.
Daniel’s faith gave him strength in uncertain times for himself and for his nation.
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13. Horizontal Visual
Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask learners how the imperative statement relates to the picture above it.

14. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
I. Faith Relieves Fear (Daniel 10:10, 11) A. Touched by an Angel (v. 10) B. Commanded to Listen (v. 11)

15. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Angel Unawares
The Bible speaks of people encountering angels without being aware of who they are.
In Daniel 10, it is obvious that Daniel knows he is speaking to a supernatural being.
But try to imagine the message of the angel coming from people who appear to be quite ordinary.
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16. Angel Unawares Read Daniel 10:10, 11.
Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Angel Unawares
Read Daniel 10:10, 11.
How might the messages of these verses sound if spoken by a football coach?
Daniel! Get your head in the game!
Do you know how many people want to be in your shoes right now?
I’ve got something important to say, and you’d better pay attention!
Now stand up and listen up!
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17. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
What Do You Think?
What steps can you take to ensure that your memory of God’s love will be a source of strength during a difficult time?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In times of physical suffering
In times of spiritual suffering
Other 17

18. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
II. Faith Welcomes the Future (Daniel 10:12-14) A. God Reveals (v. 12) B. Powers Resist (vv. 13, 14)

19. Angel Unawares Read Daniel 10:12-14.
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Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Angel Unawares
Read Daniel 10:12-14.
How might the messages of these verses sound if spoken by a spy?
Psst! Daniel! You’ve been chosen by the Highest Power to receive this message.
Our enemies would love to keep this information from getting out. In fact, agent Michael had to come help me.
But despite the opposition, I have these words of hope for you and others who resist the dark powers in this world.
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20. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways we can help each other remain spiritually constant during hard times?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When plans are frustrated
When weariness threatens
When doubts arise
When escapism tempts 20

21. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What Do You Think?
In what ways can acknowledging spiritual warfare affect how we endure hard times?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding our perspective on purpose
Regarding our perspectives on friend and foe
Regarding our perspective on resources
Other 21

22. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
III. Faith Receives Strength (Daniel 10:15-19) A. No Strength Within (vv ) B. Strength from Above (vv. 18, 19)

23. Angel Unawares Read Daniel 10:15-19.
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Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Angel Unawares
Read Daniel 10:15-19.
How might the messages of these verses sound if spoken by a doctor?
So, Mr. Daniel. You say you are feeling weak and barely able to function?
Stress can sap your strength! Know that you don’t have to do what you’re called to do in your own power.
You are in the right place to get help. I will see that you get the strength you need.
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24. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
What Do You Think?
Can Daniel 8:18; 9:21; and 10:10, 16, 18 speak to the usefulness of human touch in counseling situations today? Why, or why not?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding potentially positive outcomes
Regarding potentially negative outcomes 24

25. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What has to happen to keep communication lines open with God in hard times?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When we are tempted to quit (compare Jeremiah 20:9)
When God seems distant and prayers go unanswered (Lamentations 3:44)
When we are angry at God (compare Jonah 4) 25

26. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Bible Complacency B. Bible Cost C. Prayer D. Thought to Remember

27. Strong Words God’s messenger gave words of strength to Daniel.
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Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Strong Words
God’s messenger gave words of strength to Daniel.
But we don’t have to wait for an angel to appear to get strength from God!
Words of strength from above are available to us at any time.
Look up the following Scriptures.
Choose one to memorize and meditate on this week.
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28. Strong Words 1 Chronicles 16:27 Psalm 31:24 Isaiah 12:2 Isaiah 40:29
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Strong Words
1 Chronicles 16:27
Psalm 31:24
Isaiah 12:2
Isaiah 40:29 
2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:13
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29. Thought to Remember Ministry success is a matter of faith.
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Thought to Remember
Ministry success is a matter of faith.

30. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Next Week’s Lesson
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD