Daniel the Prophet – Daniel 1 part 2
The Importance of Early Training
In part 2 we will continue looking at Daniel 1 and analyze the reasons why Daniel and his three companions had the power to stand for the right amidst so much temptation.
Let us begin by recapping a few points from our previous lesson.
1. What were the three primary things Nebuchadnezzar used to influence Daniel and the three Hebrew boys to become like the Babylonians?
a) Daniel 1:3, 4
b) Daniel 1:5
c) Daniel 1:6-7
Note: Just as ancient Babylon used education, diet, and a name change to influence the Hebrew captives to adopt their customs, so modern-day Babylon will use the same three things to prepare people to be lost, namely: the worldly, secular education, a meat-based diet, and any medium that strengthens the character of Satan (the name of the beast) to be engraved in our hearts.
2. What things defile a person and will keep them out of heaven if they knowingly rebel against God’s Word (see Revelation 21:27 & 1 Corinthians 3:16-17)?
Daniel 1:8
a) Titus 1:15, 16
b) James 3:6
3. What did Daniel do which kept him and his companions safe from falling into sin? Daniel 1:8
4. What did God do for Daniel because of his faithfulness? Daniel 1:9
5. What other Bible characters can we learn from, which were brought into favor with God and with man?
a) 1 Samuel 2:26
b) Genesis 39:2-4
c) Luke 2:52
d) Matthew 3:17
Note: The spiritual success that these individuals had was largely due to the training and influence of their godly parents. Let us now discover what principles they learned from their parents and the importance of educating our children in the ways of God from their youth.
6. What was Hannah known for, which she also instilled in Samuel? 1 Samuel 1:9-11
7. Where did Hannah place Samuel, which prepared him for faithfulness later in life? 1 Samuel 1:22, 28; 2:11
The Great Controversy 197: Opportunities of inestimable worth, interests infinitely precious, are committed to every mother. During the first three years of the life of Samuel the prophet, his mother carefully taught him to distinguish between good and evil. By every familiar object surrounding him she sought to lead his thoughts up to the Creator. In fulfillment of her vow to give her son to the Lord, with great self-denial she placed him under the care of Eli the high priest, to be trained for service in the house of God … His early training led him to choose to maintain his Christian integrity. What a reward was Hannah’s! And what an encouragement to faithfulness is her example! {CG 197.1}
Note: Inspiration lets us know that the reason why so many are dying spiritually is because their talents are unimproved, and their opportunities to serve God are wasted. If we profess to be followers of Christ, then just like Daniel, Samuel and Jesus Christ, we must make the best use of the talents and opportunities given us to do God’s work. A church or individual that is not working for the salvation of perishing souls around them is dying spiritually.
8. In Joseph’s life, what spiritual lessons did he learn from his father?
a) Genesis 37:2; Job 1:1 (latter part)
b) Genesis 37:2 with Genesis 28:10, 13, 15
Answer: Joseph had a good relationship with his father Jacob. Jacob had a good relationship with God and Joseph learned to trust God as well for himself.
c) Genesis 37:4, 11; Matthew 5:44; Genesis 33:1-4
d) Genesis 37:13-14; Isaiah 6:8; Genesis 29:18, 20
9. What was Jesus taught by Mary, which set the foundation of His powerful life of ministry on earth? Luke 2:42, 46-47; John 7:15; Psalm 119:100
Steps to Jesus (adapted from SC) or Story of Jesus 30: God Himself by His Holy Spirit instructed Mary how to bring up His Son. Mary taught Jesus from the Holy Scriptures, and He learned to read and study them for Himself. {SJ 30.5}
10. Timothy was another young man who was raised in the fear of God. What do Daniel, Samuel, Joseph, and Jesus all have in common with Timothy? 2 Timothy 3:15
11. In order for Timothy to be trained in the principles of the scriptures, he must have had godly examples around him to teach him the ways of God. What was the spiritual condition of Timothy’s mother and grandmother? 2 Timothy 1:5
SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 7, 918: Timothy’s mother and grandmother were united in their efforts to train him for God. What was his lesson book?— the Bible. Paul, his father in the gospel, declares, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.” The faith of the mother and grandmother in the oracles of God was a constant illustration to Timothy of the blessing of doing God’s will. {7BC 918.7}
SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 7, 918: Paul loved Timothy because Timothy loved God. His intelligent knowledge of experimental piety and of the truth gave him distinction and influence. The piety and influence of his home life was not of a cheap order, but pure, sensible, and uncorrupted by false sentiments. The moral influence of his home was substantial, not fitful, not impulsive, not changeable. The Word of God was the rule which guided Timothy. He received his instruction line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Impressions of the highest possible order were kept before his mind. His home instructors cooperated with God in educating this young man to bear the burdens that were to come upon him at an early age….” {7BC 918.9}
Note: As we close, let us identify the secret of success and growth in the spiritual life for children, youth, and adults.
12. Read Daniel 1:12. What words did Daniel say to Melzar?
Why were Daniel and his companions so confident that God would come through for them as they followed His way? Judges 6:39; Malachi 3:10
Note: The number for the word “prove” in the Hebrew portion of the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is 5254: it means “to test, to try.” Daniel and his companions learned first hand of God’s power and faithfulness because they had put Him to the test and had seen Him work in their lives, prior to this trial in Daniel 1.
13. Why are many youth today compromising in their faith and failing the trials that come their way? 1 Samuel 17:38, 39
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 1, 504: The young want just what they have not; namely, religion. Nothing can take the place of this. Profession alone is nothing. Names are registered upon the church books upon earth, but not in the book of life. I saw that there is not one in twenty of the youth who knows what experimental religion is. They serve themselves and yet profess to be servants of Christ; but unless the spell which is upon them be broken, they will soon realize that the portion of the transgressor is theirs. As for self-denial or sacrifice for the truth’s sake, they have found an easier way above it all. As for the earnest pleading with tears and strong cries to God for His pardoning grace and for strength from Him to resist the temptations of Satan, they have found it unnecessary to be so earnest and zealous; they can get along well without it. Christ, the King of glory, went often alone to the mountains and desert places to pour out His soul’s request to His Father; but sinful man, in whom is no strength, thinks he can live without so much prayer.” {1T 504.2}