To Be Greatly Used By God
Daniel 1
Intro: Flatfish--We often are tempted to conform to our surroundings; but if we want to be
greatly used by God, . . .
Main idea: We must learn how to stand out from the crowd, especially when facing temptations.
How does this look? Daniels shows us an example.
I. Remain True in Difficult Circumstances (v. 1-8).
A. The Demoralizing Situation (1-2).
--Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah in 605 BC. It appeared that
God had forsaken his people, even his temple had been sacked.
B. The Re-education Program (3-7).
Several factors entered into the program:
1. The students were the best and brightest.
2. They received the king's food--a new, non-kosher diet.
3. The program lasted 3 years time.
4. They received new names to obliterate their old identities.
Daniel = God my judge; Bleteshazzar = May Bel protect his life
Hananiah = YHWH is gracious; Shadrach = Command of Aku
Mishael = Who is like God?; Meshach = Who is like Aku?
Azariah = He whom YHWH helps; Abed-Nego = Servant of Nebo
II. Have a Purpose in Your Heart (8-14).
A. Daniel made a committed decision (8).
B. Daniel gained favor with the officials by his gracious spirit (9).
C. Daniel enlisted others to stand with him (11).
D. Daniel dispelled fear with a wise "step of faith" test (10, 12-14).
III. Trust God for the Results (15-21).
Some general principles:
A. God comes through on behalf of those who trust him (15-16).
B. God adds greater responsibility to those who have walked with him already (17-20).
C. God lets his message and messenger outlast the time of trial (21).
