Without them we lose our identity as people of God. These convictions must be developed consciously in the presence of God. Life is made up of small choices based on our convictions. That’s why Paul urged Christians not to “conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. If we are to speak and act rightly, we must think rightly. We see someone else’s need, we think about it, we feel it, we then act. We consider truth, accept it, and then act on it. Like Eve in the garden, and Achan in his tent (Gen. Some Christians think that they “accidentally” fall into a sin. What kept these young lads from losing their identity as people of God? Before they reached Babylon, they had made up their minds not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine (1:8). They were integrated fully into this new culture. They had a bright future in Judah, but it was now even brighter in the large and prosperous Babylonian Empire. Victory Begins In The Heart – Daniel 1ĭaniel and his three friends belonged to Jewish nobility they were young men “without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand” (1:3,4 NIV).

Many generations have come and gone, but the lessons penned by Daniel still hold true today. He was known as one who served his God continually (6:16,20). Although Daniel had varied administrative responsibilities he was not absorbed by them.

It is a matter of convictions and priorities. The life of Daniel shows that men and women can be used by God while in “secular” employment. He spent his adult life as a statesman, civil servant and government employee. 24:15), he was never a “full-time prophet” like Isaiah or Jeremiah. The first six chapters of his book are historic the remaining six are mainly prophetic.Īlthough the Lord Jesus referred to Daniel as a prophet (Mt. When Daniel got older he was inspired by the Lord to write of extraordinary events – some which he lived himself, others which happened later, and some yet to happen.

Your life, like theirs, can also influence others. In the years to come, the invading Babylonian Empire, and King Nebuchadnezzar himself, would be affected by the life and convictions of these young men. This stressful time marked the beginning of a radical change in the life of four bright Jewish lads – Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. About 2600 years ago, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem.

The book of daniel chapter 1