I. BECAUSE OF DANIEL’S CLEAN HEART
Vs 8 But Daniel purposed {made up his mind} 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.
A. DANIEL MADE UP HIS MIND WHAT HE WOULD DO
1. He would be an influence to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
2. Daniel Purposed to keep their hearts clean for the Lord
B. DECISION REQUIRED FAITH & COURAGE
Ps 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will
shew them his covenant.
1. That means the secrets of his promises
2. God Reveals His secrets to those who Trust Him.
C. DANIEL DESIRED A CLEAN HEART.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me.
1. Dan decision affected his choices in life.
2. He would refuse the King’s wine & meat.
3. He would live different than his captors.

II. DANIEL’S CONSISTENT LIFE
Vs 9-10 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking {looking worse} than the children {young men} which are of your sort {age}? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
A. NOT FAR FROM RESOLUTION TO REALITY
1. Testing is sure to follow Testimony.
2. Melzar arrived with king’s wine & meat.
B. DANIEL REQUESTED TO BE EXCUSED FROM TAKING THIS FOOD AND DRINK.
1. He respectfully stated his Convictions
2. His life affected Melzar and he agreed.
C. DANIEL’S EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND FAITH OVERCAME MELZAR’S FEARS.
Why did God share His Secrets with Daniel BECAUSE

III. DAN’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Vs 12-16 Prove thy servants…. ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
A. TEST OF FAITH “Prove Thy Servants”
1. Melzar – Go on and put us to the test.
2. Give us 10 day to prove this to you.
B. THE FOUR MEN WERE LIVING LEAN IN THE AND OF PLENTY
1. Bean soup tasted better than wine/meat
2. Obedience to God makes life sweeter.
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice”
C. MELZAR DID AS DANIEL ASKED HIM.
Vs 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
1. Took away rich food & the wine they were to drink, & gave them vegetables.
2. They were allowed to eat what God wanted them to eat
D. RESULTS OF THIS TEST OF FAITH.
Vs 15 At the end of ten days their countenances {features} appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.{delicacies}
1. Dan & friends healthier than the others
2. So much so that even the Unbelievers saw the difference.
Vs 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, {information and judgment} that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
CONCLUSION:
A. Those live close to God learn His secrets
1. God gave these 4 young men.- Knowledge – Skill in learning and Wisdom
2. Dan given an understanding of God’s secrets
B. How Close To God Are You?