Title: Saints in Persecution (Daniel 11:20-35)
Contents 32-33 of the verses that have already been read will be read again. “But the people who know their God will be strong and valiant, and the wise among the people will teach many.” In the apocryphal book of the Old Testament, the content of a book called the Book of Maccabees states that when the prophets were persecuted by Antiochus, they refused to bow down to the Syrian idols because they knew God clearly, and were strengthened by God's grace and became very brave do. Of course, they were subjected to indescribably difficult torture and even reached the point of martyrdom, but they did not give in the slightest, kept their faith until the end, and it is said that they did not break up with God. He said that such a work could only be done by those who knew and understood God, and those who did not know God did not. How important is the knowledge of God? That is why the apostles also exhorted, “Grow in the grace of Christ and in the knowledge of Him.” Of course, not all knowledge in the world is beneficial to us. But true knowledge is a great blessing to us.
2. How can we know our God? In a word, you must study the Bible. Please do not just read as much as you can or read without thinking, but with a heart of study. Please read on. When reading the Bible, be careful not to read it with common sense, and do not read it according to your own thoughts. Read with a determined attitude to seek God's will and listen to His Word with a prayerful attitude. If you do not understand quickly in your mind, please do not drop it, do not drop it, and stir. You must read both the Old and New Testaments. Please do not read the Bible and digest it alone, but testify. Then the Bible will taste more like a cluster of honey. Please spend a lot of time studying the Bible.
4. The Saints Are Persecuted and their Consequences
(1) As a result of being persecuted, your life becomes sanctified. The word “decline” in verse 33 means to be persecuted. In verse 35, “to be refined and purified and made white” refers to sanctification and burden. For believers, holiness is more precious than physical peace. The reason is that holiness allows us to worship God. Without holiness, we cannot see the Lord.
(2) Be strong, brave, and have strength to win. Those who know God can lead a powerful life even in the midst of persecution. Those who love God love the Lord even more in the midst of persecution. Love is the greatest of grace from God and is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. Love is the fulfillment of the law. Knowledge opens the door to our hearts. Then you will see my Lord through this open door.
(3) Those who know their God can also persevere in any circumstance. How do we know how important patience is before we learn and know the Bible? Chapter 1 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, knowing that the trial of your faith produces patience, so that you may be perfected, so that you may be complete and complete, lacking in anything. ” he said.
(4) Those who know God make them servants of God. Those who know God are used by God as His servants. The blessing of becoming a servant of God is the greatest blessing.