1. How to Stop Making Excuses
A Study of Daniel

2. Temptation to Indulge in Sin
Daniel 1:1-16
Huge changes for these young men
Many potential excuses
New place and new king
God has abandoned us in this foreign land
Need to avoid death or disgrace so we can have an impact

3. Temptation to Become Arrogant With Success
Daniel 2:24-30
A time of great crisis that some wanted to take advantage of for personal gain
Possible excuses
God has revealed this to me for a reason
Take any opportunity for advancement
Need to come up with something to save my life

4. Temptation to Give in to Persecution
Daniel 3:9-18
Nebuchadnezzar had built a golden statue for the people to worship
Some excuses
All we have to do is bow (it’s not real)
Must preserve our lives because of our positions
Temporary situation, so God will understand

5. Temptation to Hide His Faith
Daniel 6:1-28
A devious plot forces Daniel to choose between serving God and obeying the king
Excuses to try to make both work
Shut the windows
Wait 30 days
Leave town for a month

6. How Do We Stop Making Excuses?
“Purposed in their hearts”
Make our decisions ahead of time
Growth requires a single focus
When we are ruled by God and His word, we won’t make excuses