The prophet Daniel
Daniel obtained prominence and power – Daniel 1:3-6Preeminence among the wise men of Babylon – Daniel 1:17-20Power over all of Babylon – Daniel 2:48-49; 5:29Power over Medo-Persian empire – Daniel 6:1-3, 28How could he do this as a Jew in a pagan kingdom?Retaining his faithDoing so without compromiseFour qualities of Daniel
A man of purpose
“Daniel purposed in heart” – Daniel 1:8Young boy in a strange landChallenged to violate God’s lawHis purpose was to remain faithful to GodGod rewarded him with favor in sight of others – Daniel 1:9Much like He did for Joseph – Genesis 39:1-4, 21We all need to be people of purpose – Matthew 6:33Seek God’s will and live it in our livesWe will have sufficiency in all thingsA man of principle
Refused to compromise his convictionsYoung man – Daniel 1:8Refused to eat king’s meatRefused to drink his wineOlder man, refused Belshazzar’s gifts – Daniel 5:13-17Refused to obey decree of Darius against God – Daniel 6:10Such people usually admiredOutwardly admireKnow who they can trustGod accepts such people – Psalms 15:1-5A man of purity
No fault found in him by his opponentsLooked at his governmental affairsFound to be faithful, without negligence or corruption – Daniel 6:1-4Christians also must maintain purity of conductI Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:6-8Young or oldMust be examples of believersRegardless of status – Titus 2:9-10A man of prayer
Devotion was well known – Daniel 6:5Its hallmark was his continued praying – Daniel 6:10Demonstrated humility – took to his kneesGave thanks – in face of persecutionWas his custom over timeContinued along with his successChristians should follow his exampleAlways and with thanks – I Thessalonians 5:17-18Devotedly with thanks – Colossians 4:2Daniel – an example for us
Do we live lives of:PurposePrinciplePurityPrayer
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