THE KING’S BUSINESS
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conditions on which God bestows wisdom are, first, as- illustrated here, unwavering obedience to His will (cf. John 14:15, 16, 26, R. V.) ; second, prayer (James 1:5-7; Col. 1 :9) ; third, the study of the Word (Ps. 119:98-100, 130). It is through His Spirit that wisdom is given (Luke 21:15; Acts 6:10). Wisdom was given to all the four youths, and skill in all branches of learning and wisdom, but Daniel had wis dom given to him in an especial direction “in all visions and dreams.” This was because Daniel had an especial work to per form in the purposes of God and an especial place to fill in the plan of God; therefore the special wisdom that he needed was given him for his special work. It illus trates the principle that holds in the church today, that while there is one Spirit, there are diversities of gifts, ministrations, work ings, and manifestations, and that the one and the selfsame Spirit “divideth to each one even as He will” (1 Cor. 12:11, R. V.) There is wisdom through the Spirit for every child of God, but whether there shall ( 1 ) Resolutions, v. 8. To what nation did Daniel and his com panions belong? 1:3. To what family did they belong? 1:3. What were their physical and intellect ual endowments ? 1:4. To what did Nebuchadnezzar destine them ? 1:4. What provision did he make for them during their cadetship? 1:5. What were their names ? 1 : 6 . What names were given them ? 1:7. What resolution did Daniel make ? 1 1 : 8 . Did his companions join him in this? vs. 11 , 12 . Did he probably influence them saying, Phil. 3:17? Would they thus naturally encourage one another? Prov. 27:17. Do you think they were prejudiced against fine food and wine? 1 Tim. 4:4. What did they wish to avoid? 1:8. -LESSON
be “understanding in all visions and dreams” depends entirely upon the sovereign will of the Holy Spirit and the work to which God in His wisdom and grace calls us. -To these four faithful ones it was given to stand before the- king. Their loyalty to God had certainly paid. Where did those Israel ites who had compromised and eaten the king”s defiled meat and drank his defiled wine stand ? It seemed three years back as if Daniel and his friends had sacrificed everything by their stern conscientiousness, but in reality they had gained everything. It always' comes dut that way in the long run. But those who are loyal today will stand some day before a far greater king than Nebuchadnezzar. Earth-born wisdom will never bear comparison with God-given wisdom. Would that we might never forget that. There is one more thing that mu.st be noted, “Daniel continued,” (v. 2 1 ), he had good staying qualities. What, was the secret of it ? Others came and went, even great kings and dynasties came and went, but Daniel continued (cf. 1 John 2:17). OUTLINE Did he think the Kingdom of God con sisted in meats and drink? Rom. 14:17. What would Daniel doubtless agree to ^ Prov. 23 :20, 21. What would he have advised? Eoh 5:18. (¿ ) Request, vs. 9-14. What did Daniel ask of Melzar? v. 8. How did Melzar feel toward him? v. 9. How did that come about? Prov. 16:7. Why did Melzar hesitate? v. 10. Did he fear to lose his head in the sense of Luke 16:2? Was Nebuchadnezzar a man liable to fly into a passion about it? 2 : 12 . Would he be likely to behead him lit erally? 3:19. What did Daniel propose? v. 12. What encouragement had he to make such a proposal? 1 Kings 17:4, 14; 19:8.
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