2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. Daniel 1:18-20(NIV) 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
1. Spirit of Excellence Vs 20 He found them ten times better
Daniel 6:3(NKJV) Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
“Excellence is your best in progress.”
Ephesians 1:17–19 (NIV) 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.
Wisdom & revelation are the Nuts and bolts of the knowledge of God
Daniel 2 Daniel 2:12–13 (NIV) 12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
God reveals the dream to Daniel. Daniel 2:19–28 (NIV) 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” 24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” 25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.” 26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” 27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…
Daniel reveals the dream to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 2:34-35 (NIV) 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.
Daniel 2:44 (NIV) 44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
2. Wisdom Daniel 2:14 (NIV) Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. Daniel 2:37 (NIV) 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory…
Be Winsome: Wisdom is Winsome. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT) Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
A. Be Understanding. Job 32:8 (NIV) But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
B. Don’t be reactive. Look beyond the urgency of the moment. James 1:19–20 (NLT) 19 You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
C. Don’t be quick to take a side. Proverbs 18:17 (NLT) The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins. Bing calculated builds credibility.
D. Don’t die on every hill.
E. Get timing right.
2. Revelation Daniel 1:17 (NIV) Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Growing in Revelation A. Encounter the Lord B. Spend time with the Lord. C. Meditate on the word. D. Steward, what revelation you have
