Daniel 1:4 Daniel, A Man Ready for Life’s Challenges – audio

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Text: Daniel 1:4

Introduction

A. Daniel

1. Daniel was taken into captivity (1st group) – 606 BC.

2. Was a young man (Perhaps 18-20 years old).

3. Lived in Babylon for duration of the captivity.

B. Daniel’s Test As A Captive.

1. Daniel and Friends Selected For Special Training – Daniel 1:1-7

2. Daniel Refuses To Defile Himself – Daniel 1:8-16

3. God Rewards His Faithful Servants – Daniel 1:17-21

C. One can survive and thrive! One can live godly in an ungodly environment. Daniel was a Man ready for life’s challenges. He was ready because of his commitment to God!

Body

I. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS EARLY – Daniel 1:4

A. A Young Man Who Remembered His Creator – Ecclesiastes 12:1

1. Like Joseph before him – Genesis 39

2. Like Timothy after him – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15

B. A Young Man Who Stood By His Godly Convictions – Daniel 1:8-16

1. Did not leave God when left home

2. Did not try to blend in with Babylonian lifestyle – Romans 12:1-2

C. A Young Man With A Decided Advantage Over Late Starters

1. Fewer wasted years to regret

2. More time to develop spiritual strength

II. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS COMPLETE – Daniel 1:8

A. Reflected in All of His Outward Conduct – Proverbs 4:23-27; 23:7

1. Deeper motive than to merely impress other young men

2. Deeper motive than to merely show defiance to captors

B. Reflected by Being Unmoved by Pomp and Power of Royal Palace

1. Never compromised for temporary advantage or ease

2. Always aware of a Greater Presence – Daniel 2:28

C. Reflected by Accepting Risks of Not Conforming

1. Risked special treatment that select group had

2. Risked life (Life was cheap to Pagan kings)

III. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS LASTING – Daniel 1:21

A. As an Old Man (About 90) Still Faithful & Strong

1. Years of struggle had not worn him down

2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den – Daniel 1:6

3. Test off the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6

a. Jealousy of the wise men and the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:1-9

b. Daniel gave thanks before his God – Daniel 6:10-15

c. Daniel is delivered from the mouth of the lions – Daniel 6:16-24

d. The decree of Darius praises the living God – Daniel 6:25-28

B. As an Old Man He Could Look Back Over a Life of Spiritual Growth

1. By the time needed to refuse king’s food – had the character needed.

2. By the time needed to interpret Neb. Dream – had the wisdom needed

3. By the time needed to interpret handwriting on wall – had gained the Reputation needed – Daniel 5:10-12

4. By the time needed to face the lion’s den – had the fortitude needed

5. By the time needed to help deliver the Jews (During Cyrus reign) – had the influence needed

Conclusion

A. Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges

1. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early

2. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete

3. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting

B. Are you ready for life’s challenges?