Introduction

The Book of Daniel presents one of the most compelling figures in the Bible - a man of unwavering faith and courage, exemplary character, and profound wisdom. Daniel’s life offers men pursuing godly manhood encouraging and helpful lessons in virtuous leadership and personal integrity.

Highlights of Daniel’s Life and Ministry

1. Faithfulness and Integrity: From his youth, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine (Daniel 1:8). His commitment to God’s commandments remained steadfast despite the allurements and pressures of Babylonian culture.
2. Courage and Boldness: Daniel’s refusal to cease praying to God, even when it meant facing the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10), exemplifies his courage and unwavering faith.
3. Wisdom and Discernment: God endowed Daniel with the ability to interpret dreams and visions (Daniel 2:19-23, 5:12), showcasing his profound spiritual insight.
4. Humility and Dependence on God: Daniel consistently gave credit to God for his wisdom and abilities (Daniel 2:27-28, 6:22). His humility was evident in his prayer life and his reliance on God’s guidance.

Ways Daniel Pleased God

Daniel’s actions were pleasing to God in several ways:

1. Obedience: His steady commitment to God’s laws, even in a foreign land, pleased God (Daniel 1:8).
2. Prayerfulness: Daniel’s regular prayer life demonstrated his devotion and dependence on God (Daniel 6:10-11).
3. Faith in God’s Power: Daniel’s faith in God to deliver him from the lions’ den and his friends from the fiery furnace pleased God, showcasing his trust in divine protection and power (Daniel 6:22, 3:17-18).

Key Principles

1. Commitment to Integrity: Godly men must emulate Daniel’s unwavering commitment to live a life of integrity, regardless of external pressures (Daniel 1:8). This involves making ethical choices and staying true to God’s commandments, even in (especially in) difficult circumstances.
2. Courage in Faith: Stand firm in your faith and convictions, even in the face of adversity. Like Daniel, trust in God’s protection and remain steadfast in your devotion (Daniel 6:10). He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you.
3. Prayer and Dependence on God: Develop a consistent prayer life and maintain a heart of humility, recognizing that all wisdom and success come from God (Daniel 6:10-11, 2:27-28). Make this holy habit a priority in your life.

Bible Study Questions

1. What was Daniel’s response to the king’s food and drink, and why? (Daniel 1:8)
2. How did God reward Daniel and his friends for their faithfulness in their dietary choices? (Daniel 1:15-17)
3. What qualities did Daniel exhibit when interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? (Daniel 2:19-23)
4. How did Daniel demonstrate his reliance on God when interpreting the writing on the wall? (Daniel 5:12)
5. What was Daniel’s reaction to the decree against prayer, and what does it reveal about his character? (Daniel 6:10)
6. How did Daniel’s faith influence King Darius after the lions’ den incident? (Daniel 6:25-27)
7. In what ways did Daniel show humility throughout his life? (Daniel 2:27-28, 6:22)
8. What role did prayer play in Daniel’s life, especially in critical moments? (Daniel 9:3-19)
9. How did Daniel’s interpretation of dreams and visions reflect his wisdom and insight? (Daniel 2:19-23, 7:15-28)
10. What was the significance of Daniel’s vision of the four beasts? (Daniel 7:1-28)
11. How did Daniel’s understanding of Jeremiah’s prophecy influence his actions? (Daniel 9:2-3)
12. What do Daniel’s experiences teach us about God’s sovereignty and faithfulness? (Daniel 6:26-27, 4:34-37)

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. How do you handle situations where your faith is tested, as Daniel’s was?
2. In what practical, yet important ways can you show integrity in your daily life?
3. How vital is prayer in your daily life, and how can you make it more central?
4. What are some ways you can demonstrate courage in your faith today? In what ways is it difficult to do so?
5. How can you seek wisdom and discernment from God in your decisions? Why is wisdom and discernment from God so important in our daily lives?
6. What steps can you take to remain humble and dependent on God? Why does it matter?
7. What does it mean to you to live a life pleasing to God? What is the standard by which you measure how you are doing with this?
8. How can you support others in their walk with Christ, as Daniel supported his friends?
9. What lessons from Daniel’s life could you start applying today to help you with your current challenges?
10. How can you be a godly leader in your family, workplace, or community?
11. What significant and practical actions can you take to deepen your understanding of God’s word and his will for your life? Think beyond your usual “go to” answers.

Action Steps

1. Develop a Daily Prayer Routine: Set aside specific times each day for prayer, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom, following Daniel’s example of consistent prayer (Daniel 6:10).
2. Cultivate Integrity: Make a conscious and intentional effort to act ethically and honorably in all aspects of your life, reflecting Daniel’s commitment to purity and righteousness (Daniel 1:8).
3. Embrace Courage: Identify areas where you need to stand firm in your faith and take bold steps to uphold your Christian values, even in the face of opposition (Daniel 6:10).
4. Seek God’s Wisdom: Regularly study the Bible and classic Christian books and pray for discernment to navigate life’s turbulent times, following Daniel’s good example of depending upon God’s wisdom (Daniel 2:19-23).

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Daniel, a godly man of unwavering faith, integrity, and wisdom. Help us to follow his commitment to you, his courage in the face of adversity, and his devotion to prayer. Grant us the strength to live lives of integrity, the boldness to stand firm in our faith, and the humility to depend on your guidance in all things. When we find ourselves in positions of leadership, please fill us with your Holy Spirit and guide our thoughts, words, decisions, and actions so that we may be faithful witnesses to you. May we honor you in every aspect of our lives and lead others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.