DANIEL AND THE LIONS' DEN

We're prone to be intimidated by our culture and society. Schools have removed biblical standards, media promotes moral decline, and society tolerates everything except biblical Christianity. If we're not careful, we’ll keep our heads down, our mouths shut, and silence our convictions. The world loves censorship when it comes to biblical truth.

As we continue our series, Unshakable, studying the life of Daniel, we see how to stand firm in faith despite a corrupt culture. Daniel was a godly man living in a pagan society, and to say he was unshakable is an understatement.

By Daniel Chapter 6, he is around 80 years old and has served in Babylonian government for over 60 years. In the last message, we saw Babylon fall to the Medo-Persian Empire.

"Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability (some translations say he had an excellent spirit), the king made plans to place him over the entire empire." DANIEL 6:1-3 (NLT)

UNSHAKABLES ARE ALWAYS UP FOR PROMOTION

Even in harsh environments, we must maintain an excellent spirit. Many people say, “They treat me terribly, so I’ll work terribly.” But Daniel remained excellent despite attacks. He knew promotion comes from God, not man.

When God is ready to promote you, He doesn’t put it up for a vote. It’s a divine appointment, not dependent on popularity or human approval. Since Daniel and his friends arrived in Babylon, promotion followed them. But promotion also attracts enemies.

"Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”" DANIEL 6:4-5 (NLT)

What if we lived in such a way that the only accusation against us was our faithfulness to God? That’s what landed Daniel in the lion’s den.

"The administrators and high officers tricked the king into signing a decree forbidding prayer to anyone except the king for 30 days. Once signed, even the king could not revoke it. But when Daniel learned of the law, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to God." DANIEL 6:6-11 (NLT)

UNSHAKABLES ARE CONSISTENT AND PERSISTENT

Unshakable faith means daily commitment to God, regardless of circumstances. Daniel didn’t change his routine—he remained faithful.

Jesus is our greatest example of persistence. Even with pressures around Him, He prioritized time with the Father. When Jesus is our priority, distractions fade, attacks lose their power, and godly habits form.

WHAT IS YOUR LION’S DEN?

Your lion’s den isn’t just the difficulty—it’s the choice: Will you adjust your commitment to God to make life easier?

"The officials found Daniel praying and reported him to the king. The king, though troubled, could not change the law." DANIEL 6:11-13 (NLT)

Daniel’s unwavering faith led to the lion’s den, but notice his strong relationship with the king.

"The king, realizing he’d been deceived, tried to save Daniel but was bound by the law. Before Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, the king said, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was placed over the den and sealed. The king fasted and could not sleep. At dawn, he rushed to the den and called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God able to rescue you?”" DANIEL 6:14-20 (NLT)

If the sealed stone sounds familiar, wait till Easter!

"Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths. I have been found innocent in His sight, and I have not wronged you.”" DANIEL 6:21-22 (NLT)

UNSHAKABLES MOVE FROM TEST TO TESTIMONY

Trials become testimonies. Like Daniel’s friends met Jesus in the fire, Daniel met God in the lion’s den. If you stand firm, you will meet God in ways you never imagined.

For God is pleased when you do what is right and patiently endure unfair treatment… If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 1 PETER 2:19-20 (NLT)

"Daniel was lifted from the den unharmed because he trusted God. The king then punished the accusers." DANIEL 6:23-24 (NLT)

CLOSING THOUGHT

Joel Osteen says, “Sometimes your enemies will do more to promote you than your friends.” What the enemy meant to destroy you, God will use to elevate you. Daniel’s faith led to his deliverance, and his testimony glorified God. Will you stand firm in your lion’s den?