Daniel, A Lesson in Survival Daniel 6:28 I. Introduction. A. There are two types of people in the world: those survive and those who do not. B. Two examples of people who survived in the Old Testament: Joseph and Daniel. C. They also give meaning to the providence of God. D. Background of Daniel's survival. 1. Babylonian captivity of Hebrews. 2. The royal youths chosen from among Jews. 3. Selected for service of king. a. Trained for 3 years. b. Unlike others, did not keep diet of the heathen. c. Result was "ten times better." 4. Wisdom used in dealing with various rulers. a. Interpretation of dreams. b. Explaining handwriting on wall. 5. The opponents plotted against Daniel. II.Body. A. Early in life, Daniel purposed to survive in spite of his circumstances: Daniel 1:8. 1. Daniel would serve God regardless of his situation. a. Even the king recognized: Daniel 6:16. b. Of Daniel's friends: Daniel 3:18. 2. He determined not to defile himself with the offerings of idolatry(the world). a. Refused to violate his conscience or God's law. b. He used his courage: Acts 5:29. c. Realized the value of God's service. 3. Imagine what would have been at Daniel's fingertips: honor, wealth, power, prestige, influence, approval of king, etc. B. Daniel survived because he was willing to stand as an individual. 1. In a foreign country, serving a heathen king. 2. Even the law commanded: Exodus 23:2. 3. Did his own thinking-found his own answers. 4. And acted upon his conclusions! 5. Also realized: I Corinthians 15:33. 6. A righteous man often shines brightest at what seems to be his lowest point. C. Daniel had an unwavering respect for God and His will. 1. In the midst of rampant idolatry & evil. 2. Did he remember Exodus 20:3? 3. Confidence in Jehovah: Daniel 2:27-28. 4. Could have reasoned that government said he had to do it... 5. Does a conflict between: a. God's law and government decrees... b. Job responsibilities and Jesus commands... c. Family ties and the New Testament... d. Personal ambitions and Christ's way... relieve one of spiritual obligations? D. The convictions of Daniel aided him in surviving every test...every problem...every circumstance he had to face. 1. Only a man of principle could have survived! 2. Must have something to believe in and someone to trust to endure this world! 3. Only the courage of Daniel(with God's help) enabled him to perform what he believed. E. Daniel survived because he dared to do right. 1. In spite of king's decrees, condemnation of leaders, plots of peers, etc. 2. As Paul must have felt: II Timothy 4:16. 3. Was steadfast in his determination, as all God's people should: I Corinthians 15:33. 4. Recognized higher obligations cancel lower obligations. III. Conclusion. A. Daniel survived at least four heathen kings and the demands of each reign. B. You can survive...you can overcome your problems... you can prepare...but it is up to you! C. Note: I Peter 1:9.-jy