Middletown transcript., 1922-07-22

GOLDEN TEXT-who through faith
subdued kingdoms. wrought righteous
ness obtained promises. stopped the
mouths of lions.-Heb. 11:3s.
REFERENCE MATERIAL-Jer. 3s:
Dan. 8; Acts 12:1-1s: 23:12-5; Heb. II:
32-40
PRIMARY ToPIC-God Takes Care of
Daniel
JUNIOR ToPIc-Daniel in the Den Of
Lions.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Daniels Heroic Faith.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Trials and Triumphs Of Faith.
!. Daniel the Prime Minister of the
Medo-Persian Empire wv. 1-3).
Sterling worth brought him to the
front and kept him there. The new
king was keen to discern his worth and
to give it recognition.
u. An Occasion Sought Against
Daniel wv. 4-9).
IL. The reason for ". ~. No doubt
that which prompted this effort was
their envy and jealousy. The presence
of envy always shows inferiority. 1t
is hard for the human heart to forgive
those who excel.
2. Failure of ". ~. Daniels Off
cial record was blameless. They
could not even find an error. Envy is
| still in the world. Those who excel in
any line are sure to suffer in some
way for their excellencies. The busi-
ness man in relation to his competi-
tors, the pupil in school, even in the
home, the child of superior merit will
be envied by the others. In the church
Itself we find that ministers frequently
are jealous and envious Of their su-
periors.
). The wicked plot wv. SOY.
They trumped up charge on the
ground Of his foreign religion. They
were not careful about their method,
just so their end was attained. When
surrounded by such hatred only the
fear of God can save. Everyone needs
that help daily. In spite of Daniels
loyalty the decree was signed by the
king which would put him into the den
of lions
III. Daniels Noble Confession
wv. 1913.
Though Daniel knew that the wicked
decree was signed he knet before God
as usual. Note the silence of herosm.
Weak men buster; strong men havs
little to say.
l. He continued his usual habit
". 1O). Regular habitual prayer is
essential to right life. Habit has aD
important bearing upon life and espe-
cially upon our religious life. He
knew that the civil law had absolutely
nothing to do with his religion. Gods
law is first. When the laws of earth
conflict with Gods laws there is but
one thing to do. Laws forbdding to
read the Bible, to pray. or to meet
to worship God, have no authority over
men.
=. Daniel reported to the king
wv. 11-l3). These wicked men
watched to find out as to whether
Daniel would pray before his God,
and when they found that he continued
his worship of the true God they went
to the king and reported that Daniel
disregarded his decree.
". The Foolish Decree Executed
wv. HID.
l. The king displeased with HIM
self " lD. He labored till the going
down of the sun To deliver Daniel. He
was conscious that he had been ell
trapped.
=. The king helpless ". 15). The
proud ruler found that he was Il slave.
To enact laws which change not is the
height of folly. They are self-con-
demnatOry. They show that men are
either too foolish or too proud to
learn. To be weak for the fear of
others is to be wicked.
3. Daniel cast into the den of lions
". 16). The kings parting word to
Daniel was Il poor feeble excuse for
his guilty conscience.
/. The Double Seal ". 10. This
double act shows that one rascal will
not trust another.
v. Daniel Delivered wv. 1923.
l. Note the contrast between the
night spent in the lions den and the
one in the palace. In the palace there
was no sleep, no mirth. Daniels quiet
is us picture of the safety and peace
which are the portion of those who
trust God and do His will.
>. The kings question in the
morning (v. 2O).
,. Daniels answer ". 22). Gods
angel has done many wonderful works
The early Christians despised bonds
stripes and death.
4. Daniel delivered ". 23). nc
manner of hurt was found because
he believed in his God.
vi. The Doom of His Accusers
". 2D.
They were cast into the den of lions
, and before they even came to the bot
tom of the den their bones were broken
in pieces. This is an example of re.
tribute justice. Daniels enemies &c
into the same trap which they pre-.
pared for him.
VII. Darius Decree wv. 2J-oT).
Men We're to tremble and fear before
Daniels God. AS to whether Darius
had change of heart we do .ot know
Viii. Daniels Prosperity w. 2S).
Daniel goes higher into the king
-. dom and continues in his place OF