Determined to Walk in Wisdom

Daniel and His friends are determined not to defile themselves
• They were determined to do what had been commanded by God in scripture
• There was a repentance in Daniel –It’s one thing to turn away from the wrong direction but we don’t want to turn to a different kind of wrong
• They believed Moses spoke for God
• They knew the word and were willing to be obedient to what they had been taught
• Then God gave them wisdom
Daniel 1:8 NASB Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So, he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.

Daniel 1:17 NIV-To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Now let’s look at how that determination was acted out.
A. See above 1:8 –He resolved not to eat food that contradicted the law of God. We will look at another part of wisdom later in the series. The way they made the request mattered.
B. Look at the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Daniel 3:16-18

C. The story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
Daniel 6:10
• Abstaining from sin is part of the equation. James 4:17
• Being wise in the way we do right things that may be problematic for others is wisdom. Matthew 10:16
Daniel worked for the good of those who were his enemies
A. Daniel accepted his role as a counselor for Nebuchadnezzar.
B. Daniel pled for the lives of the other wise men who were unbelievers. Daniel 2:24
C. Daniel begged the King to repent, he even prayed for Him. Daniel 4:19-27
Daniel’s world view shaped his decision making
1. He understood God had a plan for the world – He brings Kings in and out.
2. He understood Gods overall objective –to save the whole world.
Genesis 26:4-I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,

Isaiah 42:5-7, Jeremiah 29:4-8

Wisdom in the new testament: James 1:19-20, James 3:13-17

The result of wisdom
Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Daniel 1:3-21, Romans 12:1,2; Jeremiah 1:8; Jeremiah 29:4-14
*Ice Breaker:* What is some of the best advice you have received? What is some of the worst?
• Share something from the sermon that you want to remember throughout the week.
Questions:
1. Read Daniel 1:3-21. What stands out in this passage? A) What does this passage show you about Daniel interacting with the new culture he was now a part of? B) What do you notice about God?
2. What have you ‘determined’ about how you will live as a Christ-follower in the time and place you live? A) What kinds of boundaries do you draw with the culture around you? What has inspired those boundaries?
3. Where do you go for wisdom or advice? A) What wisdom have you learned about engaging the world you live in without conforming? B) Where do you need wisdom?
4. In what situations do you feel pressure to conform? Explain a little. A) What would wisdom and respect look like in the situation you are thinking of? Is there an alternative suggestion could you make for the situation?
5. What would help you to see your job as a way to honor God while serving your employer or employees? If your responsibility is to care for a home or family, what helps you to see those responsibilities as a way of honoring God?)
6. Share something you have discovered through Daniel, the sermon and our discussion. What will be impacted by that in your thinking and living?