Daniel 11:28

Evil prosperity.

I. TEMPORAL PROSPERITY MAY BE ATTAINED APART FROM MORAL GOODNESS . It is not found in experience that the old Jewish ideal is realizable in which the righteous all prosper, and the wicked are all in adversity ( Job 36:11 , Job 36:12 ). Bad men often grow rich and flourish in external success ( Psalms 73:3 ).

1 . This is no proof of the weakness of moral and spiritual forces in the economy of life,

2 . This should warn us from the erroneous conclusions

II. WHEN TEMPORAL PROSPERITY IS ENJOYED WITHOUT MORAL GOODNESS , IT IS LIKELY TO BE A CURSE TO THE OWNER OF IT .

1 . All the higher uses of prosperity will be neglected. These are to lift up our hearts to God and his love; to give leisure from care for the service of God; and to bestow talents for the good of mankind. If the higher uses of prosperity are neglected, the prosperity can only degrade us.

2 . We are likely to become unduly satisfied with ourselves. Dust glitters like gold in the sunlight; and worthless people are tempted to think themselves of great value when the sun of prosperity shines upon them. Hence groundless pride, vanity and blindness, poverty of soul, guilt of sin, and danger of ruin.

3 . We are inclined to set our heart on temporal comforts. This danger always follows prosperity. It may be mitigated by right spiritual thoughts of the wants of the soul which no earthly possessions can satisfy, and by the infinitely more precious heavenly treasures. Where such thoughts are not cherished the danger is great.

4 . We are inclined to over-estimate the capacities of earthly riches , to suppose that they can secure the future from harm.

5 . If we have begun to walk in evil ways we shall be hardened and hastened in them by the absence of needful checks, and under the influence of foolish feelings of triumphant success.

Daniel 11:32 (last clause )

Strength in the knowledge of God.

I. SPIRITUAL STRENGTH .

1 . Spiritual strength must be distinguished

2 . Spiritual strength is strength of the inner and higher nature. It is capacity of the character and will, raised to spiritual energy, to resist evil and to do good. It implies

II. THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL STRENGTH .

1 . It is derived from God. It is not innate, nor acquired by our own efforts, nor attained by any worldly means. It is given to us in our natural weakness ( Isaiah 40:29 ), when we are most conscious of this and distrustful of ourselves ( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ), and in response to prayer ( Psalms 138:3 ).

2 . The knowledge of God is a condition for the receiving of spiritual strength.

3 . Union with God in living sympathy is the direct means for receiving this strength. The people referred to in the text know God as their God. This appropriation of God secures to us his strength.

III. THE USE OF SPIRITUAL STRENGTH . It is the Divine aid for the needs of life. We often pray for relief of the burden and release from the task. God leaves the burden and task undiminished, but gives strength by which to do and bear. This method of help involves less disarrangement of the order of the outside world, and is for us a nobler and more fruitful blessing. Thus when we seek peace through relaxation and ease, God gives it in inspiration and energy ( 2 Corinthians 12:8 , 2 Corinthians 12:9 ).

1 . It is needed for the resistance of temptation. Temptation is too strong for our unaided powers. In God's strength we are conquerors ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ).

2 . It is useful for the endurance of trouble. The necessary trouble must be gone through in any case. But spiritual strength is essential to patient, calm, unmurmuring endurance ( Philippians 4:13 ).

3 . It is helpful for active service. We often fail in work for want of energy of soul. Divine strength brings zeal, capacity, and successful activity ( 2 Chronicles 15:7 ).

4 . It is needful for growth of the spiritual nature. As we are strong in soul we can know more of Divine truth, and enlarge and elevate the life of the inner man. This growth is the result of the working out of indwelling spiritual energy ( Luke 1:80 ).