C. Daniel was a man of Excellence. Daniel 5:12-­‐14 Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Our source of excellence is from the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. “And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”” Daniel 6:20–22 D. Daniel was a Faithful man. Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel’s faithfulness gave him the ability to have faith in the time of difficulties. I. Qualities of Daniel During the Babylonian Captivity As a youth of about fifteen, Daniel was carried captive to Babylon. From then on his whole life was spent in exile. Daniel was exiled with King Jehoiachin. Selected for training to serve in the royal court of Babylon, Daniel rose to become head of the royal advisers. Later in the exile, he was put in charge of all the Empire's governors. He successfully occupied leading governmental posts under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius. Daniel was given the Babylonian name of Belteshazzar. E. Daniel was a man of Prayer. Daniel 6:10 Daniel knew that he was where he was, as a result of knowing God through prayer. He had the wisdom to stick with what he knew was right in the time when it was being tested. What works in your life will b e tested. Daniel’s prayer life worked. F. Daniel was a Servant of God. Daniel 6:16 A. Daniel was a man of Purpose. As a result of these qualities of Godly character in Daniel’s life, he was preserved and he prospered. Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies…” In the midst of the foreign land he was captive in, Daniel was willing to be different, in order to not be defiled. He knew putting God first would cause God’s favor to come upon him and his companions. He also was willing to be put to the test concerning what he believed. (Daniel 1:11-­‐16) Right decisions are a result of right character. II. Lessons We Learn From Daniel and His Companions A. The Importance of Making A Stand for God. Making a stand with God is the difference between seeing the purpose of God performed in your life or not. God always asks us to make a choice to cooperate with Him in order to see His best come to pass. B. Choosing God’s way will D istinguish you. Daniel 6:3 ...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. Daniel 11:32 B. Daniel was a man who sought Spiritual Insight. Daniel 2:17-­‐18 When it comes to the deeper things of God, our attitude should be one of seeking to discover the answers. As a result of seeking spiritual insight concerning the secrets of God, Daniel and his companions were delivered and promoted. (2:46-­‐49) Core Point: How we respond in difficult times is key to the outcome. When you don’t know what else to do; keep thinking right, living right and loving right. C. Keep an Excellent Spirit no matter what happens. When you find yourself in a difficult situation, keeping the right spirit will make the difference between victory and defeat. D. Remember you are greatly loved. Daniel 10:11-­‐12 Core Statement: I serve my, God Who is everything I need! I will make my stand for Him in the midst of many who reject Him. I have a certain hope of the coming of King Jesus, and He will rule and reign forever!