Introduction!
The back drop and foundation for this study is the Book of Daniel. The book is about a man of unique integrity, influence, and strength. He influenced a people, kings, and religious leaders. He was a man of conviction, with a loyalty to God that was unwavering even when confronted by death.
I would like to review four (4) key points of his life, not from his view, or even from Gods view, but from his contemporizes view.
A friend of mine told me all the time! There is only two types of men in the world. They are not rich and poor, nor are they black and white, nor are democrats and republicans, nor are Baptist and Methodist. But they are!
- Those that need a personal Relationship with Jesus (Salvation experience)
- And those that need more of a Relationship with Jesus (Closer walk with HIM)
1 His integrity preceded him.
· “Definition of INTEGRITY … firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility”[1]
1st. … Man of Honesty
2nd. … Man of Character
3rd. … Man of Consistence
Choose not to eat the Kings/Worlds food or drink the wine!
2. His relationship with God was visible
1st. … People saw him praying
2nd. … People heard him talk about God
3rd. … People seen him stand for righteousness
He choose to be faithful and pray, despite the knowledge that there was a law stating, if you pray to any God besides the King you will be thrown in the Lions Den.
He said … “I don’t about you, but I’m going to pray anyways”
3. His wisdom was admired
1st. … He stood with wisdom & interpretation of the Kings dream.
2nd. … He an awesome student of Gods Word
3rd. … He was not scared to learn
4. His vision was contagious.
1st. … Kings/rulers wanted to learn more
2nd. … People where willing to be like him
He had friends that stood up to the King … They would not bend, would not bow, and they would not burn … I know if Daniel was there it would have been 5 men in the furnace not 4…
5. He continued in his faith (Christian walk)!
1st. … With his family
2nd. … With his church
3rd. … Within him community
