Daniel 1:8-21
1. Decide Now to Be Different
Read: Daniel 1:8–10
Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food, even though a name change was tolerable. His identity in God mattered more than cultural expectations.
Main Point: Decide ahead of time to live differently because you belong to God. You’ve been set apart. Your convictions are worth holding, even when it costs you.
🔑 Proverbs 16:7 – "When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."
Application Questions:
What convictions do you need to settle now, before pressure comes?
In what area of your life are you tempted to “blend in” instead of standing out?
2. Conviction Without Character Is Hollow
Text: Daniel 1:9–10
Daniel didn’t just take a stand—he had earned the respect of the king’s official through his consistent life of integrity. Like Joseph, Esther, and Jesus, he had both conviction and character.
Main Point: Your moral stance means little if your character doesn’t back it up. Influence isn’t granted by opinions—it’s earned by integrity.
Quote: "Your intellectual moral agreements and church attendance don’t make you a favorable and influential person. Your character does."
Application Questions:
Are there areas in your life where your convictions are loud, but your character is lacking?
How do others experience your presence at work, school, or home—do they see Christ in your behavior?
3. Wisdom with Respect
Text: Daniel 1:11–16
Daniel humbly offers an alternative plan to the attendant—not demanding, not defiant, but full of grace and wisdom. He embraces extra work to honor people while honoring God.
Main Point: True conviction doesn't have to be loud or disrespectful. It invites testing and offers solutions. Obedience often requires quiet strength and humility.
📌 Quote: “Count the cost—embrace the extra work and attention it takes to honor people, respect people, serve people, and have integrity.”
Application Questions:
When you disagree or object, are you more likely to be reactive or respectful?
How can you grow in offering thoughtful, Spirit-led responses instead of emotional ones?
4. God-Given Wisdom & Influence
Text: Daniel 1:17–21
God gives Daniel and his friends wisdom and understanding beyond human capability. The king finds them ten times better than others in wisdom and judgment.
Main Point: This kind of insight isn’t natural—it’s divine. The world needs people of wisdom, not just opinions. Your Spirit-led, prayerful input matters more than you think.
📖 James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously…”
Application Questions:
Are you depending more on your knowledge or on God’s wisdom?
Where in your life do you need to invite God’s insight rather than trusting your own?
🙏 Prayer Prompts (Wrap-up)
Invite participants to pray through these areas:
Courage to be set apart
Wisdom for areas of tension or compromise
Repentance for areas where you've blended in too much
Humility to repair relationships or make amends
Surrender of your influence and voice to God’s purposes