Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: Continue in our series on Biblical characters with one of the prophets of Israel, Daniel.

His background was of royalty – 1:3 – which is not usually a good sign – ; ; – also he was taught in the wisdom of this world – vs.4 – which also is not usually good sign – .

I) Uncompromising trust in God

Even though Jerusalem has been conquered and he is a captive, as a youth he did not accept the king’s choice food – – which would have been a defilement (personal integrity)

Spoke truth even when it was dangerous or difficult – – did not soften the message to Belshazzar – – or make up something pleasant for Nebuchadnezzar – the worse thing to do to a child or neighbor is to care more about tact than truth

Daniel would not compromise his worship to God even when it might mean death – , – our physical good (if we are qualified to know what is truly good) is never as important as spiritual health

II) Cared for those who were close to him

Made request for his friends – – love is caring more for others than self

Showed this loyalty even to the king – , – even though Daniel would never consider the king to be one of God’s people

III) Cared for God’s people

When the 70 years were nearly complete, he was in prayer and fasting – – to learn when God would restore the blessings of Israel

He was in mourning for Israel when he saw a vision concerning the future of Israel – 10:1-3 – his fasting/mourning is a reflection of his desire for good for God’s people

This attitude of Daniel personified the whole law –

Concl: In all of this, Daniel always gave glory to God – ; ; .