Freedom from Sin
Salvation from Sin
He has a new life. No longer does he live upon the low level of sin; he lives the higher life.
2. He has a new loyalty. No longer is he loyal to evil, but to the higher things.
3. He has a new love. Once he loved the things of Satan and hated the things of God, but now he loves the things of God and hates the things of Satan.
Author, pastor, and onetime atheist Lee Strobel says in one sermon:
How can I tell you the difference God has made in my life? My daughter Allison was 5 years old when I became a follower of Jesus, and all she had known in those 5 years was a dad who was profane and angry. I remember I came home one night and kicked a hole in the living-room wall just out of anger with life. I am ashamed to think of the times Allison hid in her room to get away from me.
Five months after I gave my life to Jesus Christ, that little girl went to my wife and said, “Mommy, I want God to do for me what he’s done for Daddy.” At age 5! What was she saying? She’d never studied the archaeological evidence [regarding the truth of the Bible]. All she knew was her dad used to be this way: hard to live with. But more and more her dad is becoming different. And if that is what God does to people, then sign her up. At age 5 she gave her life to Jesus.
God changed my family. He changed my world. He changed my eternity.
Citation: Lee Strobel, author and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church; Lake Forest, California, from sermon “The Case for Christ”
Separation from Sin
Sanctification from Sin
A new year often means resolutions. Daniel was take captive by the Babylonians and elevated to a high place of service This prompted Daniel’s high and holy resolve which gives us a great pattern for our New Year’s resolutions. Daniel had a purpose, many do not, they drift with the current trend of the day. Not Daniel. He had a holy resolve.
FIRST—THE POPULARITY OF THE PURPOSE
“But Daniel.” Daniel was a loner in that he alone made the purpose. The other men with him who were also being prepared for the king’s service did not make any purpose. If you determine to live a godly life, you will be a loner. There is a saying that an “A” student walks the halls (of school) alone. That is often true but also true is the fact that those who would live a holy life will walk alone.
SECOND—THE PERIOD OF THE PURPOSE
“Daniel.” Daniel was a teenager at best here. Some say he was even younger. You do not have to be a veteran saint to make holy vows of consecration. You do not have to be up in years before you start living for God. You can start when you are young. In fact the younger you start the fewer wasted years in your life and the fewer sin-scars upon your life.
THIRD—THE PLACE OF THE PURPOSE
“In his heart.” This meant he was sincere, not just mouthing high sounding words as many do. Daniel meant what he said. His convictions of holiness were heart convictions. He was not going along with a crowd (he was a loner), but his purpose reflected the holiness that was in his heart.
FOURTH—THE PURITY OF THE PURPOSE
“That he might not defile himself.” Daniel wanted to live a holy life. This is a great purpose. If you do not purpose to not defile yourself early in life you will corrupt your life, your body and your mind for many years. Defilement will dog you to the day of your death.
FIFTH—THE PORTION IN THE PURPOSE
“Would not defile himself with a portion.” This purpose would not dabble in sin. Daniel recognized that “just once” is a trick of the devil to get you hooked and that “just once” does not occur. Daniel would be called a fanatic but he saw the peril of the “portion.”
SIXTH—THE PROBLEMS FOR THE PURPOSE
“The prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel had two problems here.
• The food problem. “King’s meat.” A different diet meant Daniel was defying the king no less. But God is higher authority.
• The friend problem. The “prince of the eunuchs” had become friends with Daniel. Friends are often a big hindrance to dedication.