Posted: 29 January 2024
From a sermon given on 27 January 2024:
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
(Daniel 1:8)
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.
"A holy person is not an odd person, but a different person. A holy person has a quality about their life that is unique. Their present lifestyle is not only changed from past lifestyles, but is set apart from the lifestyles of the unbelievers around them. A holy person takes Jesus Christ seriously" (Rick Ezell -Lifeway). We serve a Holy God and we should not allow ourselves to be defiled through ungodly lifestyles.
Daniel and his friends refused to be fed with the food and wine from the King of Babylon. While every other captive enjoyed the king's delicacies, they chose to be different. Daniel requested the chief of the eunuchs that they might not defile themselves. At the end, they were even looking better than the others who had partaken the delicacies. Daniel rejected the delicacies from the royal table for fear of defilement.
Instead of conforming to the world, we have been called to conform to the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit works in us changing our lives causing us to be different from those who are outside the kingdom of God. Our conduct and behavior should be a reflection of Christ. We should experience a progressive transformation. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Further readings:
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(Ephesians 5:2)
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
(Colossians 4:5)
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
(1 Peter 1:13)
