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................................................................................................. . 118 Proposition................................................................................................... 119 Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 119 Conclusion.................................................................................................. . 126 7. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 5...................................................... 128 Interpretive Outline: Belshazzar’s Banquet and Babylon’s Fall............................. 128 Belshazzar’s Banquet (5:1-4)...................................................................... 130 Handwriting on the Wall (5:5-9)................................................................. 133 The Advice of the Queen (5:10-17)............................................................ 136 Daniel Gives Belshazzar a History Lesson (5:18-23)................................. 140 Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall (5:24-29)........................... 142 Belshazzar’s Death and Babylon’s Fall (5:30-31)...................................... 144 Preaching Outline: Responding with Perspective in a Careless World.................. 146 Introduction................................................................................................. 146 Proposition.................................................................................................. 147 Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 147 Conclusion.................................................................................................. 156 8. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 6..................................................... 158 Interpretive Outline: Daniel in the Lion’s Den....................................................... 158 Daniel Is Exalted by Darius (6:1-3)............................................................ 159 The Plot Against Daniel (6:4-9).................................................................. 161 The Accusation and Condemnation of Daniel (6:10-18)............................ 164 The Deliverance from the Lion’s Den (6:19-25)........................................ 166 The King’s Decree (6:25-28)...................................................................... 169 Preaching Outline: Responding with Peace in the Midst of Chaos........................ 171 Introduction................................................................................................. 171 Proposition.................................................................................................. 172 Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 172 Conclusion.................................................................................................. 180 9. KEEPING YOUR COOL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED UP......................... 181 The Cohesive Principle: God Is In Control............................................................. 181 The Principle of Poise (Daniel 1)............................................................................ 182 The Principle of Prayer (Daniel 2).......................................................................... 182 The Principle of Perseverance (Daniel 3)................................................................ 183 The Principle of Praise (Daniel 4)........................................................................... 183 The Principle of Perspective (Daniel 5).................................................................. 184 The Principle of Peace (Daniel 6)........................................................................... 185 iii CONCLUSION............................................................................................................ 186 APPENDIX: HISTORICAL ISSUES IN DANIEL 1-6............................................... 187 BIBLIOGRAPHY....................................................................................................... 211 VITA........................................................................................................................... 226 iv LIST OF FIGURES Figures 1. INTERLOCKED CHIASTIC STRUCTURE OF DANIEL................................... 35 2. HEBREW BIBLE BOOK ARRANGEMENT....................................................... 36 3. NEW TESTAMENT QUOTATIONS AND APPEALS TO DANIEL.................. 39 4. DESCRIPTION OF OFFICIALS IN DANIEL 3................................................... 82 5. CHIASTIC STRUCTURE IN DANIEL 5:13-16................................................... 139 6. CALENDAR SYSTEMS OF DANIEL AND JEREMIAH................................... 188 v