Begin With The End In Mind

Hope Unlimited Church

Philippians 1:6 NIV

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Daniel 2:47-49 NLT

The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”

48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

Key #1 - Stand Firm in Your Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Ephesians 6:13 NLT

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. 14 STAND firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.

Daniel 3:15 NLT

I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”

Key #2 - Obedience over Outcomes

Daniel 3:17-18 NLT

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Key #3 - God’s Present in the Fire

Daniel 3:25 NLT

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”

Key #4 - It’s My story, for His Glory

Daniel 3:29 NLT

There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

Daniel 3:30 NLT

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.