"The Spirit of Excellence in Daniel"

Sermon Title: "The Spirit of Excellence in Daniel"

Text: Daniel 5:12 (NKJV) "Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

Introduction

Daniel stood out in a corrupt and idolatrous culture because of his excellent spirit and God-given gifts. How can we, like Daniel, live in such a way that we shine for God's glory, excel in our calling, and make a godly impact on those around us? Let’s explore seven key characteristics found in Daniel’s life.

Point 1: An Excellent Spirit

Key Scripture: Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” Scripture Reference:

Daniel 6:3 – "Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm." Ecclesiastes 9:10 – "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, or device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Illustration: Think of Olympic athletes. Their dedication, discipline, and drive to excel make them stand out on a global stage. Daniel had spiritual and moral excellence that distinguished him. Application: Strive for excellence in all you do, not for human praise but for God's glory (Colossians 3:23).

Point 2: Knowledge and Wisdom

Key Scripture: Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Scripture Reference:

Proverbs 2:6 – "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." James 1:5 – "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Psalm 119:99 – "I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation." Isaiah 11:2 – “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Illustration: Solomon, when faced with ruling a nation, prayed for wisdom rather than riches or power. Like Solomon, Daniel sought God for insight, and it was given to him. Application: Pray for wisdom and knowledge daily. Invest in studying God’s Word and seeking His direction (James 1:5).

Point 3: Understanding Dreams

Key Scripture: Genesis 41:16 – Joseph said, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Scripture Reference:

Daniel 2:22 – “He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Acts 2:17 – "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams." Joel 2:28 – "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." 1 Corinthians 14:6 – “Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?” Illustration: Daniel and Joseph both interpreted dreams because they relied on God for revelation, not their own intellect. Application: Trust God for spiritual discernment. Be sensitive to His voice in prayer and His Word to interpret life’s challenges.

Point 4: Solving Riddles and Explaining Mysteries

Key Scripture: Colossians 2:2-3 – “...the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Scripture Reference:

Matthew 13:11 – "He answered and said to them, 'Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.'" 1 Corinthians 2:7 – "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory." Colossians 1:26 – “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.” Proverbs 25:2 – "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Illustration: Imagine a detective solving a complex case. God equips His people to solve spiritual and practical problems for His glory. Application: Be a problem-solver in your workplace, community, and church. Let God's wisdom guide you to clarity where others see confusion.

Point 5: A Reputation for Integrity

Key Scripture: Daniel 6:4 – "So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel...but they could find no charge or fault because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.”

Psalm 15:1-2 – "Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart." Proverbs 4:25-27 – “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.” Matthew 5:37 – "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Proverbs 12:1 – "Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Illustration: Like a spotless white garment, Daniel's life was free from corruption. He honored God in private and public. Application: Guard your integrity fiercely. Live transparently before God and others. Your testimony matters (Matthew 5:16).

Point 6: Boldness in Faith

Key Scripture: Daniel 6:10 – “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home...and he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” Scripture Reference:

Acts 4:29 – "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word." Ephesians 6:19 – "And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel." Hebrews 13:6 – "So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" Philippians 1:20 – "According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." Illustration: Daniel continued to pray even when it meant facing the lions' den. This boldness inspired kings and glorified God. Application: Be courageous in standing for your faith, even when it’s unpopular or risky (2 Timothy 1:7).

Point 7: A Vessel for God's Glory

Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:21 – “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” Scripture Reference:

Romans 9:23 – "And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory." 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 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." 1 Timothy 2:21 – "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Illustration: Like a clean, polished lamp that lets light shine through, Daniel’s life was a vessel that reflected God’s wisdom and power to pagan kings. Application: Dedicate yourself fully to God so He can work through you mightily. Make your life a beacon of His glory.

Conclusion

Daniel’s life teaches us that God blesses and uses those who walk with Him in excellence, wisdom, and integrity. In a world filled with darkness and confusion, we are called to be Daniels—people of light, clarity, and unshakable faith.

Call to Action: Which of these characteristics do you need to cultivate? Commit today to a life of excellence for God’s glory.

Closing Scripture:

Philippians 1:10 – “…that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”

Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established."

Romans 12:1 – "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

Matthew 25:21 – "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"