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A Cohesive Theology of Christian Living: Principles from the Book of Daniel

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A Cohesive Theology of Christian Living: Principles from the Book of Daniel LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A COHESIVE THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN LIVING: PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF DANIEL ____________________ A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY ____________________ By Jeremy C. Shaffer March 25, 2011 Copyright © 2011 Jeremy C. Shaffer All Rights Reserved LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET _________________GRADE _________________________________MENTOR _________________________________READER ABSTRACT A COHESIVE THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN LIVING: PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF DANIEL Jeremy C. Shaffer Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2011 Mentor: Dr. Charlie Davidson The propensity to force preconceived ideologies and theological systems upon the interpretation of the book of Daniel is evident. The purpose of this project is to provide a proper interpretation of Daniel 1-6 so that proper applications can be made for preaching and teaching, trying to eliminate any preconceptions along the way that are forced upon the text. A six-part theology of Christian living is developed from the preaching outlines of each chapter, all connected to the book’s theme of sovereignty and thereby forming a cohesive unit. Ultimately, a greater appreciation for the value of the Old Testament in Christian living is at the core of this project. Abstract length: 108 words DEDICATION To my wife Rebekah and my two children Grace and Luke, you are my pride and joy this side of heaven. God only knows how much I love you and appreciate you. You have encouraged me to stay on track even when I did not feel like it. You have been there for me and I could not have done it without you. To my parents, Charles and Linda Shaffer, who have raised me to be a servant of Christ. I am a product of your hard work, example, and prayers. To my editor, Lara Rodkey, who spent many hours reading, editing, and critiquing. Your suggestions and proficiency have been invaluable. Thank you. To those scholars and authors who believe that the book of Daniel is not just a collection of prophecies and predictions. You have the depth and insight to make theology relevant for Christian living. You challenge us to live in light of His coming! TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................................... v Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 1 Proper Interpretation that Leads to Proper Application........................................... 1 Relevance of the Old Testament.................................................................. 2 Power of the Narrative................................................................................. 4 Problem of Familiar Stories......................................................................... 5 A Clearer Picture of Christ.......................................................................... 7 Scope....................................................................................................................... 8 Statement of Limitations............................................................................. 8 Theoretical Basis......................................................................................... 9 Methodology........................................................................................................... 9 Review of the Literature.......................................................................................... 10 Commentaries.............................................................................................. 10 Topical Studies............................................................................................ 12 Book of Daniel Chapters............................................................................. 12 2. PUTTING DANIEL IN HIS CONTEXT................................................................ 16 Historical Background............................................................................................. 16 Setting.......................................................................................................... 16 Authorship................................................................................................... 18 Date of Writing............................................................................................ 22 Social Setting............................................................................................... 25 Composition and Reception..................................................................................... 29 Literary Genre.............................................................................................. 29 Structure and Language............................................................................... 32 Canonicity.................................................................................................... 35 Daniel and the New Testament................................................................................ 39 Theology and Purpose of Daniel............................................................................. 40 3. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 1..................................................... 44 Interpretive Outline: The Exile and Early Days in Babylon................................... 44 The Exile of Judah Begins (1:1-2)............................................................... 44 i Jewish Captives Enrolled in the University of Babylon (1:3-7).................. 46 Daniel and His Three Friends Avoid Defilement (1:8-16).......................... 48 God Blesses Daniel and His Three Friends (1:17-21)................................. 50 Preaching Outline: Responding with Poise in a Compromising Culture................ 52 Introduction.................................................................................................. 52 Proposition................................................................................................... 53 Preaching Manuscript.................................................................................. 53 Conclusion................................................................................................... 59 4. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 2..................................................... 61 Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s First Dream............................................. 61 Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream (2:1-4).............................................. 62 Nebuchadnezzar Tests the Wise Men (2:5-13)........................................... 63 Daniel’s Request for More Time (2:14-23)................................................. 66 Daniel Appears before the King (2:24-30).................................................. 67 Preaching Outline: Responding with Prayer When All Hope Seems Lost............. 69 Introduction................................................................................................. 69 Proposition................................................................................................... 69 Preaching Manuscript.................................................................................. 69 Conclusion................................................................................................... 76 5. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 3...................................................... 78 Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s Image of Gold.......................................... 78 The Image of Gold (3:1-7)........................................................................... 78 Chaldeans Accuse Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (3:8-12)....................... 82 Daniel’s Three Friends Refuse to Worship the Image (3:13-18)................. 84 The Fiery Furnace (3:19-27)........................................................................ 85 Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree (3:28-30)............................................................ 88 Preaching Outline: Responding with Perseverance When Your Faith is Tested..... 90 Introduction.................................................................................................. 90 Proposition................................................................................................... 90 Preaching Manuscript.................................................................................. 91 Conclusion................................................................................................... 97 6. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 4...................................................... 99 Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream.......................................... 99 Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation (4:1-3)...................................................... 100 The Search for an Interpreter (4:4-9)........................................................... 101 Nebuchadnezzar Describes His Dream (4:10-18)........................................ 104 Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (4:19-27)................................ 108 The Interpretation of the Dream Is Fulfilled (4:28-33)................................ 113 The Restoration of Nebuchadnezzar (4:34-37)............................................ 115 ii Preaching Outline: Responding with Praise When You’re Humbled..................... 118 Introduction.................................................................................................
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