Idea & Outline Borrowed taken from Ed Bragwell

Daniel (Daniel 1) Daniel was taken into captivity (1st group) – 606 BC Was a young man (perhaps 18-20 years old) Lived in Babylon for duration of the captivity Daniel’s Test As A Captive I. Daniel & Friends Selected for Special Training (vv. 1-7) II. Daniel Refuses to Defile Himself (vv. 8-16) III. God Rewards His Faithful Servants (vv. 17-21)

Daniel’s Example One can survive & thrive! One can live godly in an ungodly environment He was a man ready for life’s challenges He was ready because of his commitment to God!

A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges

A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges I. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early Dan 1:4 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

I. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early A. A Young Man Who Remember His Creator (Ecc. 12:1) 1. Like Joseph before him (Gen. 39) 2. Like Timothy after him (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15) B. A Young Man Who Stood By His Godly Convictions (vv. 8-16) 1. Did not leave God when left home 2. Did not try to blend in with Bab. lifestyle (cf. Rom. 12:1-2) C. A Young Man With A Decided Advantage Over Late Starters 1. Fewer wasted years to regret 2. More time to develop spiritual strength

A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges I. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early II. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete Dan 1:8 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

II. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete A. Reflected in All of His Outward Conduct (Prov. 4:23; 23:7) 1. Deeper motive than to merely impress other young men 2. Deeper motive than to merely show defiance to captors B. Reflected by Being Unmoved by Pomp & Power of Royal Palace 1. Never compromised for temporary advantage or ease 2. Always aware of a Greater Presence (cf. 2:28) C. Reflected by Accepting Risks of Not Conforming 1. Risked special treatment that select group had 2. Risked life (life was cheap to Pagan kings)

A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges I. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early II. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete III. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting Dan 1:21 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

III. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting A. As an Old Man (about 90) Still Faithful & Strong 1. Years of struggle had not worn him down 2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den (6)

Under The Medo-Persian Rule Test of the Lion’s Den (6) I. Jealousy of the wise men and the decree of Darius (vv. 1-9) II. Daniel gave thanks before his God (vv. 10- 15) III. Daniel is delivered from the mouth of the lions (vv. 16-24) IV. The decree of Darius praises the living God (vv. 25-28)

III. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting A. As an Old Man (about 90) Still Faithful & Strong 1. Years of struggle had not worn him down 2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den (6) B. As an Old Man He Could Look Back Over a Life of Spiritual Growth

Years of Spiritual Growth By the time needed to refuse king’s food - had the character needed By the time needed to interpret Neb. Dream – had the wisdom needed By the time needed to interpret handwriting on wall, had gained the reputation needed (5:10-12) By the time needed to face the lion’s den, he had the fortitude needed. By the time needed to help deliver the Jews (during Cyrus reign) – had the influence needed

A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges I. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early II. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete III. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting