Text: Daniel 5

Dear Brethren,

"I HAVE HEARD OF YOU, THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS IN YOU…" Daniel 5:14
What does it really mean to have God's Spirit indwelling us? What would people see in us if we really have the Spirit of God filling us?

Let's take a look at what we read in this portion of the Scriptures.

"I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you,
and that light and understanding
and excellent wisdom are found in you."
Daniel 5:14

What an excellent description of what it means to be truly filled with the Spirit of God! If we seek to be filled with God's Spirit, let's look for these qualities!

1. Let us look for the light that God would bring into our life. The "light" spoken of here is really "enlightenment". The person who is truly Spirit-filled will walk in the light and not in darkness.

2. Let us look at how the Spirit of God will give us "understanding" as well. When a person is truly filled with God's Spirit, there will come greater maturity and depth of understanding.

3. Let us look at how the Spirit of God will give us "excellent wisdom". There is a difference between mere intelligence and wisdom. The natural person only has intelligence. The person who has the Spirit of God filling his life will have wisdom as well.

HOW WOULD GREAT HEAPS OF PRAISE AFFECT YOU?
None less than the King of Babylon heaped high sounding words of praise upon Daniel. Not only did Belshazzar speak in the highest tones of Daniel, he also promised him great rewards (Cf. Daniel. 5:14-16).
When people speak highly of you, how do you respond? When people use flattering words to describe you, would your head be turned in the wrong way?

UNMOVED AND UNAFFECTED
Daniel teaches us an important lesson in his response to the praises heaped upon him by King Belshazzar. He was quite frankly unmoved and unaffected by all the praises and promises offered him.
Daniel sought only to be God's messenger to Belshazzar. The inscription on the wall was indeed from the Lord. Daniel understood his task very well. He must not allow his heart to be tempted by the promise of great rewards. What are these earthly rewards, if he failed God as His faithful servant? How important it is that we learn to have Daniel's maturity of perspective.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 8th July 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore