Daniel Would Not Defile Himself

Dan. 1:8-16

Intro.

1. Dan. 1:1-5

2. Imagine growing up in the royal family. As a teenager a foreign power overtakes your country and you are taken away to serve this foreign king.

3. These four young men had everything going for them:

a. they were physically healthy

b. good looking

c. showing intelligence and wisdom

d. socially suitable for the king’s court

I. Nebuchadnezzar sought to change these four young men

1. The king wanted to make these Jewish boys Babylonians—Chaldeans, trained in the wisdom, language, and philosophies of Babylon

2. Christians today face the same kind of challenge. God wants us to conform to the world.

3. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

4. He sought to change them by changing their environment:

a. New home (no longer have the influence of godly parents and teachers—Jerusalem to Babylon)

b. New knowledge (the literature and language of the Chaldeans—idolatrous philosophies)

c. New names: (from Israelite to heathen)

Ø Daniel (“God is my judge”) to Belteshazzar (“Bel protect his life”)

Ø Hananiah (“The Lord is gracious”) to Shadrach (“the command of the moon god”)

Ø Mishael (“Who is like God?”) to Meshach (“Who is like Aku?”)

Ø Azariah (“The Lord is my helper”) to Abed-nego (“the servant of Nego”)

d. New diets (they were to eat the king’s food and drink his wine) this was objectionable to them for two reasons:

Ø The meat portions may have been offerings to idols, and to eat it meant blasphemy to God

Ø Some of the meats may have been unclean

II. The Daring Test of Daniel and his kinsmen (1:8-16)

1. The Babylonians could change Daniel’s home, textbooks, menu and his name, but they could not change his heart!

2. They could have made popular excuses:

Ø “Everybody’s doing it.”

Ø “We have to obey the king.”

Ø “We’ll obey on the outside and keep our faith privately.”

3. Daniel courageously asked for a ten-day test with food that would not violate their faith or their conscience.

a. The servant was afraid of any health problems and doing damage to them and to himself.

b. God granted favor to Daniel in the eyes of the servants

c. The boys ate vegetables (peas, beans) and drank water for ten days

d. In the end they were healthier and better looking than the Chaldeans

4. Prov. 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

III. Some Important Lessons

1. Daniel Made Up His Mind to Follow God (1:8)

a. What you believe matters—Daniel had no choice but to give up his country, his name, and his language; but he would not give up his faith in his God.

b. How you live your faith matters—some might think what food you eat is no big deal; but to Daniel it was a very big deal!

c. Whether you speak up matters—Daniel found a way to do right without embarrassing others

d. So often we say “Maybe” to sin instead of “no,” leaving the option open for us to say “yes” later on. Daniel did not say “maybe”; he closed the door on Satan at first opportunity.

2. God’s Way Brings Success

a. Prov. 3:3-7 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

b. You can stand the test when you have God with you and helping you.

c. 1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

3. God Helps Those who Serve Him

a. 2 Chron. 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

b. God gives us wisdom to handle the struggles we face. James 1:5 say, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

c. Daniel 1:17-20 God blessed the four Hebrews

4. Each Trial Helps Us to Grow Stronger

a. Dan. 1:21 And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king. (More than seventy years serving kings)

b. James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Conclusion:

When tempted, we need to learn the lesson of the dog. Anyone who has trained a dog knows this scene. A bit of bread or meat is placed on the floor near the dog and the master says, “No!” which the dog knows means that he must not touch it.

The dog will usually take his eyes off the food and put it on the master, because the temptation would be too great. But as long as the dog faces the master, he will not disobey.

Daniel and his friends looked to God, who gave them help and favor!

God will also be with you, if you determine to do His will!