s20061105m_How To Excel Without Compromise

How To Excel Without Compromise—Daniel 1:1-17

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some

of you  into prison  so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction.

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

TWO HARD TRUTHS

First: [YOU DO NOT ALWAYS CONTROL EVENTS]

3 Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. Verses 3-4

Second: [YOU ARE TO SERVE WHEREVER YOU ARE]

5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. 6 Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. 7 The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. Verses 5-7

How To Excel Without Compromise

·         Resolve [TO BE FAITHFUL]

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. 9 Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. 10 The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.” Verses 8-10

·         Seek [FOR WIN/WIN SOLUTIONS]

11 Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.” 14 So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. Verses 11-14

·         Trust [GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS]

15 At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. 16 So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams. Vs 15-17

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