The prophet Daniel
- Daniel obtained prominence and power – Daniel 1:3-6
- Preeminence among the wise men of Babylon – Daniel 1:17-20
- Power over all of Babylon – Daniel 2:48-49; 5:29
- Power over Medo-Persian empire – Daniel 6:1-3, 28
- How could he do this as a Jew in a pagan kingdom?
- Retaining his faith
- Doing so without compromise
Four qualities of Daniel
A man of purpose
- “Daniel purposed in heart” – Daniel 1:8
- Young boy in a strange land
- Challenged to violate God’s law
- His purpose was to remain faithful to God
- God rewarded him with favor in sight of others – Daniel 1:9
- Much like He did for Joseph – Genesis 39:1-4, 21
- We all need to be people of purpose – Matthew 6:33
- Seek God’s will and live it in our lives
- We will have sufficiency in all things
A man of principle
- Refused to compromise his convictions
- Young man – Daniel 1:8
- Refused to eat king’s meat
- Refused to drink his wine
- Older man, refused Belshazzar’s gifts – Daniel 5:13-17
- Refused to obey decree of Darius against God – Daniel 6:10
- Young man – Daniel 1:8
- Such people usually admired
- Outwardly admire
- Know who they can trust
- God accepts such people – Psalms 15:1-5
A man of purity
- No fault found in him by his opponents
- Looked at his governmental affairs
- Found to be faithful, without negligence or corruption – Daniel 6:1-4
- Christians also must maintain purity of conduct
- I Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:6-8
- Young or old
- Must be examples of believers
- Regardless of status – Titus 2:9-10
A man of prayer
- Devotion was well known – Daniel 6:5
- Its hallmark was his continued praying – Daniel 6:10
- Demonstrated humility – took to his knees
- Gave thanks – in face of persecution
- Was his custom over time
- Continued along with his success
- Christians should follow his example
- Always and with thanks – I Thessalonians 5:17-18
- Devotedly with thanks – Colossians 4:2
Daniel – an example for us
- Do we live lives of:
- Purpose
- Principle
- Purity
- Prayer