Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:1–7

Introduction

A. As a young man with a bright future, Daniel had everything taken away from him when he was taken into captivity.

B. In spite of all that happened to him, Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (1:8). Would you do the same?

Discussion

I. Our choice of purity doesn’t make sense to the world.

A. Daniel’s choices didn’t make sense to his captors, and when we choose to pursue purity today, the world around us still won’t understand (1 Peter 4:3–4).

B. The world should see a difference in us (John 15:18–19).

II. Our choice of purity will often be unpopular.

A. Daniel’s choices often made him unpopular with his peers (Daniel 6:1–5).

B. Our purity takes away others’ excuses (Hebrews 11:7).

C. As Christians we do not seek to please men, but God (Galatians 1:10; Acts 5:29).

III. Our choice of purity comes with God’s choicest blessings.

A. Daniel was blessed abundantly for his faithfulness to God (Daniel 1:9, 17–20; 2:48–49; 5:29; 6:1–3).

B. Those who seek to please God enjoy the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) and the crown of everlasting life (Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7; Revelation 2:10).

Conclusion

A. Even when Daniel could have lost everything he had gained, he was faithful to tell the whole truth (Daniel 2:39; 4:19–27; 5:18–28).

B. Have you purposed to pursue purity in body, soul, and mind as Daniel did, or will you defile yourself with the king’s meat?