“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

In the preceding studies on the Book of Daniel in Courage Abounding in Conviction, we have seen two aspects of walking out a life of conviction and restraint by the Presence of God. First, the positive: with Daniel purposing in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat and drink. In Daniel holding to his conviction, we saw the integrity, influence, and initiation of a man of conviction. Secondly, we saw the negative aspect in Part Two within the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as their lives were tried by the fire for holding to the truth. In Part Three, we’re going to turn our focus off the persecuted, and study the persecutors.

As inmates held captive in a Babylonian Environment, you want to become thoroughly learned in the strategic opposition of the enemy. This World System, in which we as children of God must live, is in vehement opposition with God, His people, and His purpose for our lives. As a matter of fact, when you do a study on the entire Book of Daniel, you’ll see this opposition over and over again.

As we have noted already, the Book of Daniel was written at a time of great trial for the Nation of Israel. They were under the chastening hand of God; and God had literally unleashed Satan’s forces against God’s chosen people. The kingdom of darkness is a very real reality; and as we shall see, in his system, he’ll change laws to stop us from serving the one true God, Jehovah. America’s legal system is perverted now more than ever; killing babies by the millions; and marrying homosexuals and lesbians; which are abominations to God. God’s Kingdom must always be alert to the devices of Satan; and stand with its loins girt about with truth. Though this system may prevail for a time, as it did in the days of Daniel, we must always hold to the hope set before us, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

In the text, we see the faithful servant of God breaking a law to hold to his firm convictions. He knew the writing had been signed, but he refused to heed this antagonistic legal declaration. Take notice, this World System went against not just a man, but a Kingdom of Conviction.

First, I want us to take notice to the Unity of the opposition. In verses 4-9, we see this working of the enemy against God’s people. Verse 7 states, “All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together…” In the Gospels, our Lord teaches us that Satan’s kingdom moves in unity. You cannot cast out Beelzebub by Beelzebub, for then his kingdom would be divided. Satan’s opposition against God’s Kingdom has unity; and we must be able to see that unity for what it is, and stand against it – as did God’s people in the Book of Daniel. In Psalms 2:1-2, King David prophesies of the unity of the opposition against our Lord stating, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together…” When we stand for truth, as we should, we can always expect a unified opposition. And with that understanding, we must make preparation to stand for the Truth of God with a battle plan in hand. That plan is the Word of God.

Secondly, I want us to recognize the prevailing Influence of the opposition. These positions of influence had clout, and prevailed through a legal system. Although the latter end of the story was filled with the favor of God, as God kept his servant – we can still see how the enemy used this world system to try and annihilate God’s anointed, through influence in the governmental affairs of the world system. Today, our moral decadence in America is due to a prevailing legal system that is being perverted because positions of influence should be administrated by God-fearing men, rather than jealous and envious, power-hungry, pompous individuals. If we want to know how Satan plans to destroy God’s people and change God’s moral laws in the culture in which we live, we must see that he will work through a unified opposing force of morally decadent vessels. In this understanding, we will be able to identify his work and strategize our work against his pride, rebellion, and arrogance.

Finally, and most importantly, I want us to look at the Judgment of the opposition. Verse 24 says, “And the King commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions…” Though the system of the world may be in vehement opposition to the things of God, we can always be confident that all things are to the Glory of God. Sometimes God will allow the enemy to prevail for the express purpose of showing His Glory. God delights in making the mighty power of His Name known. And I am sure that if we, as children of God, will stand with the Lord; He will always stand for us, for His Name’s Sake. With this wisdom may we Abound in Courage Standing for Conviction.