A Daniel-Ministry and a Lucifer-Ministry
The sermon emphasizes the need for a Daniel-ministry in our land today, standing 100% for the Word of God, and the role of the Lucifer-ministry in purifying the church.
Zac Poonen emphasizes the need for a 'Daniel-ministry' in today's world, highlighting how Daniel's unwavering commitment to God inspired others like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to stand firm in their faith. He contrasts this with the 'Lucifer-ministry,' which leads to rebellion and division within the church, allowing God to expose and purify the Body of Christ. Poonen calls for individuals to take a stand for righteousness, encouraging believers to lead by example rather than merely preaching. He stresses that true leadership in faith involves guiding others towards righteousness through both words and actions. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to choose which ministry they will embody in their lives.
Text
Daniel (who wrote this prophecy) was one of those men whom God could use in his generation. When he was a 17-year old young man, "he determined in his heart not to defile himself" (Dan.1:8). And when Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah saw young Daniel taking a stand for the Lord, they too got the boldness to stand for the Lord themselves (Dan.1:11). They did not have the courage to stand on their own. But they became bold when they saw Daniel's stand. There are many people like that today, who do not have the boldness to stand for the Lord alone, but who are waiting for a Daniel to take a stand. Then they will join him. Will you be such a Daniel? Will you say, "I will not defile myself. I will not seek to please the king, or the commander, or any backslidden elder, or anyone. I shall stand 100% for what the Word of God says."
There is a great need for a Daniel-ministry in our land today - men and women who will "lead many to righteousness" (Dan.12:4). That verse does not refer to preachers who preach about righteousness, but to those who lead others to righteousness - by word and example.
We read in Scripture of yet another ministry - and this is the exact opposite of this "Daniel-ministry" - a "Lucifer-ministry". In Revelation 12:4, we read that Lucifer succeeded in getting millions of angels to follow him in his rebellion against God. Why did God permit Lucifer to lead so many angels astray? So that heaven could be purged of all the disgruntled and rebellious angels. Their evil hearts would not have been exposed, had not a Lucifer arisen in their midst to lead them in their rebellion against God. And so, even today, God will allow brothers and sisters to have a Lucifer-ministry in the church. They will be permitted by God to go around from house to house backbiting, accusing, telling lies and speaking evil, so that all the disgruntled, rebellious and worldly believers in the church can be identified, exposed, gathered together and taken out of the church - so that the Body of Christ can be purified.
God will not stop those who are engaged in such a Lucifer-ministry from moving around the church, any more than He stopped the original Lucifer in heaven, millions of years ago. That is Divine wisdom.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Daniel-Ministry
- A. Daniel's determination to stand for the Lord
- B. The need for a Daniel-ministry in our land today
- II. Characteristics of the Daniel-Ministry
- A. Leading many to righteousness
- B. Standing 100% for the Word of God
- III. The Lucifer-Ministry
- A. The opposite of the Daniel-ministry
- B. Leading others astray through rebellion against God
- IV. God's Permissive Will
- A. Purging the church of disgruntled and rebellious believers
- B. Exposing evil hearts through the Lucifer-ministry
Key Quotes
“Will you be such a Daniel? Will you say, 'I will not defile myself. I will not seek to please the king, or the commander, or any backslidden elder, or anyone. I shall stand 100% for what the Word of God says.'” — Zac Poonen
“God will not stop those who are engaged in such a Lucifer-ministry from moving around the church, any more than He stopped the original Lucifer in heaven, millions of years ago.” — Zac Poonen
“That is Divine wisdom.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We should strive to be a Daniel, standing 100% for the Word of God and leading many to righteousness.
- We should be aware of the Lucifer-ministry in our church, which exposes evil hearts and purifies the church.
- We should not be afraid to take a stand for the Lord, even if it means standing alone, like Daniel.