Daniel 1King Nebuchadnezzar given victory over Judah
Took sacred objects from the temple
Took young men to serve in the royal palace
Young men trained and cultivated in Babylonian culture
Daniel and Company were determined not to defile themselves with unacceptable foods
God gave unusual understanding in literature and wisdomDaniel able to interpret visions and dream
Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Called in Magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, astrologersTell me the dream and what it meansNo one could – ordered execution
Daniel is able – 2:27-30
Daniel and Company promoted – 2:46-49
II. Determined not to Bow to Idols
Daniel 3
Nebuchadnezzar sets up a gold statue to be worshipedHerald shouted out – Bow or Burn
The three young Hebrew men refuse
The King’s ultimatum Bow or BurnWhat God can save you from my power
The men’s reply – 3:16-18God will rescue usEven if he doesn’t – we will never serve your gods
Courage without condescension
The King’s wrath – 3:19-30furnace seven times hotter
The three men thrown inThe fourth man - Angel
Willing to die rather than worship any other godNo other god can rescue like thisThe three men promoted again
III. Determined to Stay Faithful
Daniel 6Administrators set up Daniel
King concedes to the law – 6:16-18
Daniel delivered – 6:19-28
IV. Living as Exiles
Philippians 3:20 (NLT) 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
1 Peter 2:11-12 (NLT) 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners”[NRSV - aliens and exiles] to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Live properly in the worldLive a life that points others to God