I. Men of Purpose (1:8)
A. This was not a half-hearted commitment – this was a strong determination to remain undefiled!II. Men with a Plan (1:8, 12)
B. These men assumed the risk of heavy punishment or even death. And they were willing to face either (as they DID twice in this book of Daniel).
C. Even away from the watchful eye of home – they were determined to stay away from that which defiles.
D. Same kind of determination – Ruth 1:7-18
A. This desire to stay pure was not just a strong feeling in their heart & mind… but, it was something they actually had a plan for!III. Men leaning on Providence (1:9)
B. You will not stay clean, holy, pure, undefiled by just winging it!
C. SEE – Pro. 4:14-15 & Pro. 5:8
A. Their purpose was a start, their plan was the next step… but, they needed help from above!IV. Men that were Predetermined (3:16-18)
B. We cannot have victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil by the power of our own strength, cunning and determination.
C. Jn. 15:5 – without me ye can do nothing * Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me * Matt. 6:13 – lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil * Matt. 26:41 – the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak
A. They already knew what their standards were… they already knew what their convictions were… they already knew where they stood… they knew right from wrong, good from bad, righteous from unrighteousV. Men of Prayer (6:10)
B. There was no praying about it… no reconsidering… no justifying… no compromise… no second guessing.
C. Isa. 51:7 – Hearken unto me, ye that KNOW righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law
A. The importance of prayer cannot be overemphasized. The man who does not pray will surely fail in every area, and certainly in the area of staying straight in a crocked nation.VI. Men of Personal Confession (9:3-5, 20)
B. Matt. 26:41 – Watch & pray that ye enter not into temptation * Lk. 22:40 – Pray that ye enter not into temptation * Eph. 6:18 (Christian’s armor) Praying always with all prayer & supplication
C. Daniel was not a haphazard prayer… he was not a part-time prayer… he was not a crisis prayer… he prayed as he did aforetime…
A. Someone has pointed out that we read nothing negative about Daniel. The Scriptures do not point out any of his sins or weights… but we know he was a man just as we are, and we know he was not sinless…. But, he WAS a man of confession
B. See – James 5:16
C. If you won’t confess yesterday’s crookedness, what hope is there that you will walk straight tomorrow?