SERMON NOTES

Subject: Daniel’s Dilemma

Speaker: Dr. A. Burge Troxel

Date: October 22, 2006

Scripture: Daniel 1

Introduction:

“Dare to be a Daniel”

Most of you would like to have a good life. A more secure life, a more significant life. Most people don’t set out to ruin their lives. But, many do. Even Christians who live in an hostile spiritually dangerous environment, make shipwreck of their faith.

This morning we get to see a wonderful example of how to get and stay on a path that leads to a great life. We are going to learn from a teenager named Daniel. He is an example for us to follow. Let’s learn from Daniel’s story. Let’s Dare to be a Daniel.

Dare to be a Daniel. If so, great life. If not, miserable life.

I. Daniel remained true to his biblical convictions and God gave him a very meaningful life

A. The Babylonians pressured Daniel to compromise his convictions– Dan. 1:5

Daniel 1:5

“The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.”

Remember kidnapped – 3 waves, 605, 597, 586 (Jerusalem & Temple destroyed)

Not malicious but produce some excellent slaves or servants

Just like today – WFD

Daniel – Godly Josiah

Selected like Joseph

Names – Conform

Three years

B. Daniel’s refused to compromise his convictions even on a relatively minor issue – Dan. 1:8

Daniel 1:8

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, . . .”

Relatively minor – Eating Food

Violated Mosaic Law – Dietary Regulations

Also, offered to idols – Trafficking in idolatry

He had a conviction and it was not negotiable.

Not react to names????

Courteous

Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

C. Daniel’s creative test depended upon the rightness of God’s laws and His providential care – Dan. 1:12-13, 15

Daniel 1:12-13

12“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”

Blue plate special vs. Salad

Jewish diet was more nutritious

God would providentially see to it that the Jewish teenagers were healthier

Daniel was trusting that God’s ways are best and put himself in God’s hands either way.

Notice that if the test did not work he was willing to receive the punishment for refusing to honor the wishes of the king. Did not rebel. Never appropriate to rebel. If appeal does not work – suffer the consequences.

Results positive

Daniel 1:15

“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.”

D. Daniel’s commitment to biblical convictions led to a very meaningful life – Dan. 1:17, 19-21

Daniel 1:17

“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

Daniel 1:19

“The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.”

Daniel 1:20

“In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

Daniel 1:21

“And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.”

Because of holding to his convictions, God was pleased to allow him to experience a wonderful and meaningful life. Prophecy, worked for king even though in a hostile environment.

II. Will you remain true to your biblical convictions?

A. In order to succeed in life, we must develop biblical convictions, not just preferences

“Make Up Your Mind!

If you don’t make up your mind, your unmade mind will unmake you.”

E. Stanley Jones

Joshua 24:15

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Ten Things You Will Never Regret

1. Showing kindness.

2. Destroying a letter written in anger.

3. Offering an apology.

4. Stopping a scandal

5. Helping a boy or girl.

6. Show consideration to someone.

7. Refraining from gossip.

8. Refusing to do something wrong.

9. Living according to your convictions.

10. Accepting the judgment of God on any issue.

Convictions

A conviction is a basic biblical principle which we purpose to follow, no matter what the cost!

Difference: Preference is a strong belief that you will change under the right circumstances. [Peer pressure, threats of death (would you die for your beliefs?)

2 Timothy 3:16

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”

Conviction #1

“The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for my life.”

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Conviction #2

“My purpose in life is to build my life around God’s priorities.”

1 Peter 2:11

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”

Conviction #3

“My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and must not be defiled by the lusts of the world.”

Matthew 19:5-6

“5‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Conviction #4

“My marriage is a life-long commitment to God and to my spouse.”

Luke 16:11

“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”

Conviction #5

“My money is a trust from God and must earned and managed according to biblical principles.”

Ephesians 6:1-3

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Conviction #6

“I will follow my parents wishes even when it is hard.”

B. When anyone even those in authority over us ask us to violate our convictions, we must refuse with respect and creativity

Example from BG Material

Example from 1 Peter - Employers

1 Peter 2:18

“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.”

1 Peter 2:19

“For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”

1 Peter 2:20

“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

1 Peter 2:21

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

C. Following biblical convictions will lead to a meaningful life. – 1 John 2:17

Conclusion:

“Dare to be like Daniel”

Daniel 3 Convictions Notes