2. OT accounts aid us in serving God, Rom. 15:4 Disobedient: don’t follow Obedient: follow

3. One of the greatest accounts of faith Unlikely to face the same thing Draw inspiration for faithful service

4. Darius conquered Babylon, Dan. 5:30, 31 Nebuchadnezzar Belshazzar

5. 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

6. Christians need to be distinguished at work Do it heartily, Col. 3:22-24 Accused of “kissing up” Examples: Joseph, David

7. 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

8. Some show weakness when tested, Mt. 13:20, 21 John Mark, Acts 13:13 Peter & Barnabas, Gal. 2:11-13

9. 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. 119:109-112 Pray often, Mt. 6:13; 26:44

10. Christians subject to various trials Financial, 2 Cor. 8:1, 2 Personal, Philemon Physical, 2 Cor. 12:7

11. God watches over His children Sometimes delivered ­ David from Saul ­ Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego

12. God watches over His children Sometimes not delivered ­ John the immerser ­ James ­ Lazarus

13. The wicked will pay for their sins No escape, Num. 14:18 Brutal, Mt. 18:34; 22:7; 24:51

14. We can repent & avoid eternal punishment, Lk. 13:1-5 Leave the sin Obey God, Acts 8:12, 22