Dare to be like Daniel

Speaker: Pastor Delroy Bryan (1.7.18)

Daniel 1:1-21

Introduction:

The biblical account of Daniel serves as inspiration to one and all. It demonstrates the power of our faith and the outcome of the testing of our faith. This story proves that God can deliver us from any circumstance thrown at us. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best of the best of the captives of Israel for service in his Babylonian empire. Daniel and his companions stood out among the best of the best. The name Daniel is a powerful one meaning “God is my judge” As we explore this inspiring story from the word of God may it inspire us to be faithful in this Christian walk.

1. Dare to have an unchanging character

- Our character is who we are, what we stand for. Many times one’s character is influenced by their upbringing. We can see that Daniel was from good stock, we even see where Daniel was of royal stock.

Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

- Daniel had to endure the first test of his faith by having his Jewish name stripped away and replaced with a Babylonian name which gave honour to the false gods of Babylon.

- Despite this challenge Daniel and his friends remained true to who they were in God, the Babylonians could not change Daniel’s love and faithfulness for God.

- As Christians we must never forget who we are and whose we are. We must not lose our identity.

- The Babylonians also offered the Jewish boys “the king’s meat” which likely was “unclean” by Jewish law or was likely offered to idols. The king’s food was refused by Daniel and his friends because it would defile them. Daniel did not bow to pressure to defile himself before God. He did not yield to the temptation, he stood his ground. Daniel did not compromise.

2. Dare to make a resolve

- Daniel made a resolve. He decided that come what may he would not bow to pressures in this foreign land. His one purpose what that he was going to please God no matter what.

- To have a resolve is to be devoted to a principle and committed to an action or a cause.

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

- Daniel made this resolve with a clear head and before the influence of the foreign land came.Daniel had a plan, he knew that in eating the king’s food, he would maybe soon drink the king’s wine, drinking the king’s wine may lead to drunkenness which could lead to getting involved with the Babylonian women and that could influence him to serve false gods.

- As Christians we must decide before hand what our resolve is and how we will stand up for righteousness.

- We must be wise and careful not to indulge so as to not fall prey to temptation.

3. Dare to stand out and demonstrate your faith

- Daniel and his friends were willing to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate the faith that they had in their God to sustain them despite turning from the Babylonian way.

- They trusted that God would come through for them and he definitely did so. Daniel was willing to obey God and as a result God blessed him richly.

Daniel 1:20

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm

- When we remain faithful to God, God’s favour will be poured out on our lives in ways we cannot imagine. We receive healing, divine protection and so much more.

- Daniel and his friends took a brave stand against the Babylonian institution and came out on top by the power of God.

Challenge: Will you Dare to be like Daniel? Dare to stand alone? Dare to have a purpose firm? Dare to make it known?

Scripture References

• Daniel 1:1-21

• Galatians 6:9

TM CSCOC2018