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Daniel: Conviction vs. Compromise Daniel 1

Daniel: Conviction vs. Compromise Daniel 1. Tough Decisions: Convictions or Compromise? Next Old Testament Character: Daniel Teaches us about: standing for truth holding to our convictions setting ourselves apart from the crowd. Historical Background:

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Daniel: Conviction vs. Compromise Daniel 1

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  1. Daniel: Conviction vs. CompromiseDaniel 1 • Tough Decisions: • Convictions or Compromise? • Next Old Testament Character: Daniel • Teaches us about: • standing for truth • holding to our convictions • setting ourselves apart from the crowd

  2. Historical Background: • God judged the nation of Judah by sending the Babylonians to invade their land and take all the people captive. • The First Invasion - 605 BC. • The Second Invasion - 597 BC • The Third Invasion - 586 BC • Temple destroyed • Walls broken down • All the remaining people exiled to Babylon.

  3. The Babylonians would take the best and the brightest from each conquered nation and assimilate them into Babylonian culture. • Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a tough choice: Compromise or stick to their convictions? • 1 Peter 1:14–16 (NIV) 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

  4. 1. The Burden of Holy Living • Living a holy life comes with risks. • Daniel 1:8 (NIV) - But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. • Defiled by: • Eating unclean foods • Eating food & drink offered to idols

  5. The Risks of Holy Living: • Pastor in Kazakhstan arrested (Voice of the Martyrs) • Christians in Northern Africa. • What risks are we willing to take to live out God’s call: “Be holy, because I am holy?” • There is a heavy burden we carry when we decide to be a faithful follower of Christ. • John 16:33 (NIV) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

  6. 2. The Basis for Holy Living • Holy living is what God requires of us. • Facing the burden of holy living has purpose: • prepares us for future spiritual battles. • protects us from sinful influences and keeps us close to God. • Daniel’s holiness kept his heart close to God. • We want to look back on life and hear God say “Well done, good and faithful servant”

  7. 3. The Benefit of Holy Living • God rewards holy living. • Daniel: • God caused the king’s chief of staff to show favour to Daniel and his friends. • God also blessed Daniel and his friends with great gifts of wisdom and discernment • God protected Daniel’s life from danger • Daniel grew closer to God

  8. No formula: • Take a stand for God = problem free life. • God rewards faithfulness! • Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. • The benefits of holy living in this life may only come by way of God’s special peace, comfort, and strength to persevere • God promises even greater rewards in the life that awaits us in heaven.

  9. Romans 8:18 (NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. • The life of Daniel helps us face the risks of holy living with courage and conviction knowing that God protect us, provides for us, and rewards our faithfulness. • Are you ready to take a stand for God? • God uses people of conviction, like Daniel to do great things for his kingdom. • Will you choose today to be one of them?

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