Living for JesusLiving for Jesus

Joseph Joseph

Key idea: Joseph’s character was tested before he was exalted.

1 COR 4:20

For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power.

Fancy talk… Fancy talk…

…idle, meaningless words.

power…power…

…real strength. Your words have actions behind them.

Is Jesus a figurehead or is he Lord?

And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king's delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names:

he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

ObservationsObservations

• Three years training = indoctrination. Teaching and converting them to Babylonian thought so they could serve before the King.

ObservationsObservations

• Their names:Daniel - meaning God is my judge. Hannaniah - meaning beloved of the

Lord. Mishael - meaning Who is as God. Azariah - meaning the Lord is my

help.

ObservationsObservations

Changed to:Belteshazzar - meaning Bel’s princeShadrach - meaning illumined by the

Sun God Meshach - meaning who is like VenusAbed-nego - meaning servant of

Nego.

ObservationsObservations

• The situation: appointed a daily provision of the king’s delicacies. But for some reason Daniel felt partaking would defile him.

ObservationsObservations

• Daniel’s response: Daniel purposed in his heart. Daniel was resolved to not defile himself

Be in relationship with Jesus. Be baptized. If he is your master, then BE RESOLVED.

• Be resolved in your moral decisions. • Be resolved in your political decisions. • Be resolved in your relationship decisions.