Determined to Walk in Wisdom
Who was Daniel?
Daniel 1:3-4 (NIV) Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
• He came from nobility, physically fit and good looking, well versed and educated, teachable and quick of mind.
• It’s obvious that Daniel and his friends had been discipled.
• Ultimately Daniel was exiled to Babylon with other friends – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Daniel 1: 8-14 (NIV) But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
Daniel was resolved (determined) to not defile himself.
Why did Daniel make a big deal over something so little as food?
Determination – firmness of purpose; resolute, confidence and conviction.
Daniel’s determination started with belief.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
• At 17 years old, Daniel had a real faith of his own.
• He had learned wisdom early in life.
Daniel’s determination came out of his conviction – Daniel’s mind was sent because he knew God and was obedient to Him.
Joshua 1:8 (ESV) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• Daniel was grounded in God’s word, he had a biblical worldview.
• He held on to his beliefs even when the immediate circumstances didn’t look promising.
• When things aren’t looking so good, we need God’s wisdom more than ever!
In Daniel’s determination, he acted in wisdom.
James 3:13 (NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
• Wisdom is the quality of discerning what is true, what is ethically right and what God’s perspective is.
• Daniel acted in humility, while figuring out another angle to solve the issue. He used wisdom and determination.
Think of a time when you come up against a challenge, did fight or respond in pride instead of seeking God’s wisdom?
Proverbs 15:1-2 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
• Daniel didn’t change his belief or lose his determination under fire, but his gentle response helped influence the outcome.
• When we are required to stand – let’s make sure it’s biblical and self-controlled.
Daniel was determined to save himself and the wise men of Babylon by going to the King to interpret his dream. (Daniel 2:14-16)
We see Daniels determination to pray when it was unlawful in Babylon. (Daniel 6:10)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were determined to not worship the golden image. (Daniel 3:16-18)
Are you determined ‘not to do something’ or determined ‘to do the right thing’?
We as people have a tendency to react with great zeal to what we don’t like instead of seeking wisdom and understanding from God to know what to stand for.
Romans 10:1-3 (ESV) Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
• Do you have zeal for God without knowing what he says about a situation?
A lot of us are trying to figure out where we stand on our current – COVID-19, masks, vaccine, corrupt politics…
James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
• Are you asking God or just reacting?
• Take the wisdom test.
James 3:17-18 (NIV) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Questions to think about this week:
1. Are you known for what you are standing against or known for what you stand for?
2. What beliefs drive your determination? Do you have a biblical worldview?
3. Are you going to be His person no matter what?
4. What will it take for you to walk in wisdom? After seeking God, is there someone you need to talk to that will make sure you’re not acting in your own zeal?
Life Group Questions:
1. Read Daniel 1:3-21. What stands out in this passage? What does this passage show you about Daniel interacting with the new culture he was now a part of? 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? 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? What wisdom have you learned about engaging the world you live in without conforming? Where do you need wisdom?