As Daniel opens, four young men: Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah are taken WAY out of their comfort zone.
Verses 1-2
A Picture of God’s Sovereignty
One of the most comforting doctrines in Scripture is the doctrine of God’s Sovereignty.
We can rest easy, no matter the circumstances, because God is In Control
(Isaiah 45:7, Acts 4:28, Job 42:2, Daniel 4:35)
God, in His sovereignty, can accomplish all of His will and all of His purposes even while allowing men and women to make their own decisions. He is that powerful. He is that wise
Verses 3-7
The Conformity Challenge
The world always wants to press us into its mold. The whole concept of holiness is to be set apart, to be different, to have a special purpose
The name change is saying you were a servant of the Jewish God, now you’re with us and WE worship the Babylonian gods. The world is doing that very thing today on every conceivable level. Rather than call it sin, the world wants to call it a struggle, orientation, illness, right, choice, etc.
Verses 8-16
Daniel’s Resolve
The most important verse in Chapter 1 is verse 8
Daniel had a radical commitment to holiness.
The problem Daniel and his friends faced: the standards of Scripture are not compatible with the world.
In asking for different food, there’s a lesson in this for all of us. There’s godly wisdom here for us all.
Principles for disagreement
1. A Radical Commitment to Obedience
Daniel’s commitment was to God
Not to making himself look good or getting his own way.
2. Be Gracious and Humble
Daniel wasn’t arrogant, rude, obnoxious, or stubborn.
He didn’t demand, but made a humble request
3. Ask God for Wisdom
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…
Daniel, no doubt, asked God for wisdom. He demonstrated wisdom beyond his years.
Verses 17-21
God Blessed them with Ability and Success (verses 17-21)
They were blessed physically.
Daniel and friend honored God, and He honored them by giving them favor with the stewarding with healthy bodies
They were also blessed Mentally
God gave them learning and skill in literature and understanding
They were blessed Spiritually
Daniel was given the gift of being a seer or a prophet. This gift is going to prove very valuable and to Daniel’s benefit very soon in chapter 2.
They were blessed Socially
They were given key administrative posts. The king was confident in their abilities. He trusted them to serve and represent him. He sought their counsel in all areas. They were TEN times better than everyone else.
This story points us to Christ:
Jesus left His home and travelled to a foreign land to demonstrate and live out the truths of God’s Word.
He left his home
Entered a radically sinful world
Ddidn’t defile Himself - not even once
He found favor with God and man
He amazed others with His understanding
Remember: when Jesus was tempted by Satan - it started with food
A Call to Holiness
• Holiness is commanded
• Christ died so that we would be holy.
• Our holiness is actually evidence of our salvation
• Without holiness no one will see the Lord
• Holiness is a demonstration of our love for the Lord
And at the end of the day you’re either going to conform, or transform
1 Peter 1:13-15 – Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Holiness is not an option
Be holy in ALL your conduct
In the big things
In the little details
In every aspect of your conduct
In your attitude - toward everyone and everything
In your actions - things you do, places you go,
In your words - what you say to people and what you say about them as well.
In what you watch, listen to, read
You must train yourself to ask: is it holy?
Daniel was resolved toward holiness
And we must be too
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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