“Holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
Philippians 2:16
As we look back on the life of Daniel we can see why the angel told him he is a “man greatly loved”. He faced some mighty challenges for God during the course of his life and was faithful in each one. Yet
there is another part of his life that is a key to his faithfulness. In the life of Daniel he lives out many truths of the New Testament. This is amazing since these books will not be written for centuries. Listed below are some examples of Daniel’s life that show us how to live Godly in a wicked environment. There are other examples that could be included. Reread Daniel chapters 1-6 and see how many additional examples you can discover. 1. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 In Daniel 1 Daniel makes a commitment not to compromise God’s Word under any circumstances. The word “purposed” is also translated “laid”. Daniel laid his life on the altar for God like a sacrifice just as we are commanded to do in Romans 12:1 . He lived as a living sacrifice. 2. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 Daniel knew he could not serve God with a whole heart if his mind was under the control of wine. He chose to separate himself from what he knew violated God’s word despite many others yielding to that temptation. He yielded control of his life to God 3. “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 5:5-6 Daniel was a willing and cheerful servant, even to his Babylonian captors. He earned trust and confidence by his acceptance of their authority over him. We read this starting in Chapter 1 with the master of the Eunuchs. We read it in chapter 2 with Arioch, the captain of the guard when the Chaldeans are threatened with death. Being under authority was a consistent practice in Daniel’s life. 4. “Let your gentleness be known to all men” Philippians 4:6 Both with Ashpenhaz in Chapter 1 and Arioch in Chapter 2 we see Daniel treat his superiors with respect and gentleness even in the midst of crisis. He never uses threats or accusations but instead exemplifies a meek and quiet spirit. 5. “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 In chapter 2 Daniel is under intense time pressure to give the king an interpretation of his dream. When God answers his prayer and reveals both the dream and its meaning to Daniel, he takes time to pray and thank God for His mercy and blessing of an answer before he rushes off to tell the King what God has shared with him. Thankfulness is a priority.
6. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” Romans 11:36 Throughout Daniel’s life we see him give God the credit and glory when he reveals God’s truth to kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belteshazzar and Darius. We see in Daniel 2:27 Daniel go to great lengths to ensure that God alone gets the glory, not him. Daniel is always careful to give God the full credit – it is one
way to witness of the living and true God.