Westhill Episcopal Church

Sunday 31 January 1999

God - Our Powerful Helper (the Blazing Furnace)

 

Reading:       Daniel 2:48,49;3:1,8-30

Introduction

 

1.      the place we inhabit

In the world, but not of it.

The Jewish exile in Babylon a picture of the Church being in the world. Jn 17:16.

There is a purpose: (i) that we might grow to be like Jesus (Jn 17:19) (ii) that we might witness to the world (Jn 17:21).

The world respects God’s people (Dan 2:48,49; Matt 5:16)

2.      the peril we encounter

The world hates the people of God (Jn 15:18-16:4)

It hates us because we belong to Him, not the world (Dan 3:12; Jn 15:19,21)

God sends us into the world, and protects us (Jn 17:14-19)

3.      the pressure we endure

Pressure to conform and compromise

The demand for allegiance (Dan 3:5)

The threat of retribution (Dan 3:6)

The world tries to mould us in its pattern (Rom 12:2)

In Christ we are made anew (Col 3:10) - example of a coin.

4.      the protection we enjoy

God provides His power and protection

He provides faith to stand firm (Heb 11:32-39). Not for temporary relief from trouble, but to see God’s purposes fulfilled. (Dan 3:16-18)

His presence is with us in trouble (Dan 3:25)

His protection guarantees our salvation (Jn 17:15; 1 Pet 1:5-9)