Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 46

Faithful Living in a Faithless World (2)

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

(1) Begins with a conviction (v8a)

The Bible tells us Daniel “purposed” in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s meat and wine. The word “purposed”, in the perfect tense, signifies completed action, means “set, determine, fix”.

Daniel’s conviction to be an obedient child of God was fixed and settled. He determined in his young heart to be dedicated, committed and devoted to his God.

Daniel made up his mind in advance he would be loyal to God. He would not defile or contaminate himself with the pollutions of the idolatrous Babylonian culture.

Daniel knew whom He was serving. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Daniel would not live his life as dictated by circumstances but by God’s Truth! He made a commitment to spiritual purity. It was a step of separation unto holiness.

Daniel kept his heart with diligence.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

(2) And the Courage to Do Right (8b)

Daniel “therefore requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself…” (Daniel 1:8b).

Daniel would not eat the king’s food. He kept to the special kosher diet. It protected him from defiling himself for the king’s food were possibly offered to idols.

Daniel knew the right thing to do as a worshipper of the living and true God. He was steadfast to do what was right according to God’s Word, leaving the outcome to God.

God granted him the courage to act out his conviction. Though young, God was pre-eminent in his life. Daniel put God first. He trusted God with all his heart.

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Daniel had the courage to live out God’s Word. He had the courage to say “no” to temptation.

(3) Begets God’s Blessings (v9 cf. 17, 20)

 Daniel, in not defiling himself, was a clean vessel for God to manifest His glory. God blessed him in the following ways.

(a) Daniel found favour with God and God gave him favour with men.

 Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

(b) Daniel was bestowed with godly wisdom.

Daniel 1:17, 20 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams…And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Expect God to be fighting for us when we stand with Him. God’s commandments are given for our protection and blessing. Trust God and act according to His Word, leaving the outcome to God. Live a life of faithfulness in a faithless world.

Like Daniel, we are to purpose in our hearts not to defile ourselves even when the pressures of external circumstances and influences pressed hard upon us.

The Lord help us to evaluate each area of our life – in school, at work, at home, in our leisure, that we keep our spiritual purity. May the blessings of spiritual purity be our portion till we meet our Lord.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee