Standing Alone Part 3

Daniel 1:17
—  Appendix: Additional information.  Something else we need to know.
—  Daniel and his friends faced pressure and persecution that we haven’t experienced. They not only survived,  but thrived.
—  If we are honest,  wouldn’t want to have God all over our lives like these guys did?  We don’t want to settle for the status quo.
—  These guys weren’t elite,  they were common guy just like us.

1 John 3:21-22
—  Key phrase: “… If our heart does not condemn us…”
a. It means that IF we have a clear conscience. No inner guilt or shame.
b.  Made everything right with God and man.
c.  David,  Daniel,  Moses etc. Weren’t perfect,  they got things right with God.

Daniel 9:4-11
—  Big list of sins that covered everything,  but the purpose was to make things right with God.

KEEPING A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

Review.
—  Lamentations 3:40.
a. An invitation. Take a fresh new look at your life.
b. Examine and probe.  Look deep.
c.  It won’t come naturally. We don’t usually want to examine our thoughts,  motivations,  and acts. But God anxiously wants us to be welcomed back through this kind of examination that leads to repentance and fellowship.
—  1 Corinthians 11:28,31.
a. God says let’s deal with those dark issues now. Not later under discipline later.

Repent.
1. Take responsibility.
2. Turn away from sin and turn to God.
—  Acts 3:19.
—  Psalm 23:3.
3. Trust God to be true to His word
—  but . Don’t fear,  but be grateful. 

Resolve. 
—  Luke 19:8. He had resolved to make things right.

Receive.
—  Hebrews 4:16 / 1 John 1:9

Repeat. It’s not a one time thing.
—  We’re prone to wander.
—  This is the difference maker. The great heroes of faith followed this procedure.

Reveal.
—  James 5:16a
a. There are strongholds in everyone’s lives. We can receive forgiveness,  but what we need is healing.
—  The secret is accountability.  A trustworthy partner who will partner to pray with us and hold us accountable. Look at the verse again: This is how we get lasting healing and victory