Daniel is a man we know who being a foreigner became a person second in Babylon. His life can be a valuable encouragement to many of us living with difficult situation and facing hard decision like him.
Daniel was a man of strong character, and had a deep love to pleased God in every way. Lets study what made Daniel the person he was.
a.His Discipline
Definition-To instruct or educate; to inform the mind; to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits; as, to discipline youth for a profession, or for future usefulness.
Dan 1:4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as
had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Daniels character was evident in the selection.
A. Healthy- he did not abuse self
B. Skillful-he was deligent to master things
C. Knowledgeable-serious , not letting meaningless time come his way
We want a discipline person taking care of our love one if they are in
hospital ,who process your paper, who is taking care of things you
entrust,you don’t entrust important things to undisciplined people.
Mostly undisciplined people are people you cant trust.
Daniel was a disciplined person, and that character landed him selection
when it is needed.
b.His Desire-Daniel’s desire is to please God, which was evident in all his confessions and actions
Dan 1:8 (CEV) Daniel made up his mind to eat and drink only what God had approved for his people to eat. And he asked the king’s chief official for permission not to eat the food and wine served in the royal palace.
Definition- a passion excited by the love of an object
Godly desire or fire in the Lord is sometimes tested by time, since it is an emotion,it can die along the way.
But Daniels desire to please God was not limited when he was in comfort,he desired to please God, even though they were subject and slaves.
c.His Decision-Daniels desire to please God was not limited by situation. Even in difficult situation ,his godly desire can be seen fulfilled. Against all reason , his desire to please God would not end with just emotion by by an act of the will.
Dan 1:8 Daniel made up his mind (CEV) ,or
he come to the decision Daniel had come to the decision that he would not make himself unclean with the king’s food or wine(BBE)
When Daniel decided to please God he put his life ,reputation, and others at risk.
A.He is a foreigner – he cant demand since he was a captive foreigner. No right, no freedom
B.He was not accepting a blessing he should be thankful V8. He was one of the privilege out of many, if that happen to everyone,you will almost hear “ what a blessing”-but not to Daniel , it is a blessing but its ways are contrary to Gods way.
C.He was coming against a proposal of a king. V10-king decided them to eat it.
When his name was changed , no problem but when told what food to take, He objected. Because for him,he will be displeasing God if he took some of it.
D.He was endangering the very person who became a friend. V.10
It was a decision to trust God whatever will come. A hard, firm , visionary , real life decision.
d.His Determination-
In your decision, when there are people going to be affected , especially those caught in middle, what will you do? Will you abandon your decision.
Dan 1:12 "For the next ten days, let us have only vegetables and water at mealtime.
Definition -The act of determining or deciding, in my definition –action on the decision
A. determination can find a way
B. determination can open a close door
C. determination can unlock a secret
Not all are familiar with fasting , but it takes determination to do it.
Determination as desire has a negative effect. But Daniel determination was an acted with wisdom. Because he was determined ,he was unstoppable.
e.His Destiny- State or condition appointed or predetermined
Dan 1:21 Daniel served there until the first year of King Cyrus.Daniel served before kings throughout his life because of his character.
And throughout his life ,he was;
A. a person admired by his fellowman Eze14:14,20
B. admired by kings Dan 6:14,18
C. admired by new testament people Heb 11:33
D. admired by us
E. admired by angels
F. admired by God Dan 9:23, Dan 10:11
It is character that made Daniel the person we know today. A man who transformed his destiny from slavery to prince.
