SERMON: “Standing Without Compromise” (Dan. 1:8–10)
“Standing Without Compromise” (Dan.
1:8–10)
Series: “Daniel:
God’s Sovereign Plans” #3 Text: Daniel 1:8–10
By: Shaun
Marksbury Date: June 22, 2025
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church Occasion: PM Service
I.
Introduction
This world calls us to conform. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it; as we
grow up, our friends pressure us into certain activities, and we may even want
to prove ourselves to them. Our
employers may require some unethical activity, such as to overlook a
questionable deal or fudge a report. We
listen to music, movies, and watch television shows, not realizing that there’s
another definition of programming, and how it subtly shapes our values. Those in the world may not always realize
what they are doing, but there is a god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4) that calls us
away from the Lord of Hosts.
Daniel and his friends were facing such pressures. Remember that Judah has been conquered by
Babylon, and many captives were taken, such as Daniel and his friends — Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah. This pagan culture
was intent on assimilating them (vv. 1–7), so they’re given new names, new
education, and new food to erase their identity.
Yet, Daniel takes a stand despite the dangers to himself and
encourages his companions to do the same.
They represent the remnant, which God always preserves (Rom. 11:5). They drew a line where God did, choosing to
“obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
So, this section challenges us to rise above lukewarm living
like that of the Laodicean church (Rev. 3:15–16). As believers, we should want to live a life
of conviction over compromise, by God’s grace.
Our text shows three points in living uncompromisingly in a world that
pressures us to conform. First, we’ll
consider the need for a resolve for God (v. 8).
Second, we’ll consider how to rest in God’s sovereignty (v. 9). Third, we’ll see a risk for God (v. 10). Let’s consider the first of those:
II.
First, Have a Resolve for God (v. 8)
But Daniel made up
his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with
the wine which he drank;
so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not
defile himself.
Daniel’s uncompromising life begins with a resolute heart. The text says he “made up his mind.” This literally means he “set upon his heart.” The Hebrew verb here meaning “to set” or “place”
is the same one used twice in the previous verse — the Babylonians “set” new
names for them, and “set” on Daniel and his friends these redefinitions of
their identity.[1] But here, Daniel does his own “setting!”
He plants his heart firmly on God’s standards, refusing to
be reshaped by Babylon’s culture. This
resolve flows from two commitments: a commitment to God’s Word and a commitment
to God’s purposes, even in exile. Let’s
examine that.
A.
A Resolution for God is a Commitment to His Word
Maybe you’ve heard this account before, but have you ever
wondered why Daniel refused the king’s food and wine? The text doesn’t specify, but there are several
reasons why if we consider God’s Law. One commentary suggested that part of the
problem was that “it was prepared by Gentiles,”[2] but that doesn’t explain why
they would accept some food and not the rest.
Instead, it was more likely that the meat from the king’s table included
items forbidden by the Mosaic Law, such as pork or meat not properly drained of
blood (Lev. 11:7; 17:13–14).
Another issue would have been that the food, particularly
the meat, as well as the wine were likely offered to Babylonian idols before
being served.[3] This would violate Exodus 34:15, which
forbids eating food sacrificed to pagan gods. Partaking would have been an indirect act of
idolatry, as Daniel 5:4 later depicts Babylonians drinking wine while praising
their gods. That would explain why the wine
would also be “defiling,” because wine itself wasn’t forbidden in Scripture
(Ps. 104:15). Daniel knew God’s
requirements and refused to compromise God’s Word, even in a foreign land.
So, this wasn’t about legalism or fasting for its own sake,
as some might misinterpret. Daniel’s
resolve wasn’t a rejection of rich food but a rejection of what it represented:
assimilation into a culture opposed to God. As Psalm 141:4 prays, “Do not incline my heart
to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who do iniquity;
and do not let me eat of their delicacies.”
Daniel’s heart echoed this, desiring to remain distinct as an exile, a
captive from Abraham’s sacred family.[4] His abstinence was a daily reminder of his
true identity in God.
Like Daniel, we face pressures to conform. Maybe it’s at work, where you’re tempted to
cut corners to get ahead. Maybe it’s in
media, where unbiblical values are normalized. Resolve to set your heart on God’s Word. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Watch over your heart
with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Commit to obeying God’s Word — whether it’s
honesty, purity, or generosity.
If you face this, though, you may wonder how to apply
it. That brings us to the next point:
B.
A Resolution for God is an Honoring of God-Given
Authority
Daniel’s resolve could have led him to a sense of righteous rebellion.
However, he knew God had also said that
his people were to be in Babylonian captivity.
So, he “sought permission” from the commander, Ashpenaz. The verb implies a polite request, not a
demand. Daniel honored the authority God
placed over him, even in a pagan context.
As one commentator notes, “They had changed his name, but they could not
change his nature. Whatever they pleased
to call him, he still retained the spirit of an Israelite indeed.”[5]
So, he requested this change. As another commentary observes, “Daniel is
respectful of authority and follows protocol in seeking a new diet.”[6] This aligns with biblical principles of
submission to authority, as seen in Romans 13:1: “Every person is to be in
subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from
God.” Daniel’s tactful request shows
wisdom in navigating a hostile culture without compromising his faith.
This wasn’t a small act. Refusing the king’s food could have been seen
as an insult to Nebuchadnezzar, risking punishment. Yet, Daniel’s politeness opened a door for
dialogue. His example echoes 1 Peter
3:15, which calls us to defend our faith “with gentleness and reverence.” He had a chance to explain to Ashpenaz about
God and his reasons to want to remain pure.
Too many Christians misunderstand this point, but standing
firm doesn’t mean being abrasive! While
there may be a time for a sharper tone, that should not be our default. If you are addressing an unethical practice
at work or a moral issue in your family, speak truth with grace, as Colossians
4:6 instructs — “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with
salt.” Treat the conversation as one where
you can honor God while honoring authority.
Yet, it’s still a risk.
And as such, anyone taking a stand for God in this world will need to
trust that God is in control. That
brings us to the next point:
III.
Second, Take Rest in God’s Sovereignty (v. 9)
Now God granted
Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials,
Daniel’s may not have went far with this request if God did
not intervene. Thankfully, we read here
that God granted Daniel “favor and compassion” from Ashpenaz. This verse underscores God’s sovereignty, a
theme woven throughout Daniel (e.g., Dan. 1:1–2, 1:17). As one commentary notes, “One way or another,
God honors those who honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30; 2 Chr. 16:9).”[7]
Consider what God did.
First, the Hebrew term for “granted” is the same one found in v. 2,
where God “gave” Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. Here, God gives Daniel favor and
compassion, showing His control over both kings and their servants.
The word “favor” is chesed, often translated
“lovingkindness” (NASB footnote). It
speaks of God’s covenantal goodwill, extended here to an unbelieving
official. The word “compassion” conveys
tender affection.[8]
The result of this is that Ashpenaz
genuinely admired Daniel — not because of Daniel’s merit alone but because God
moved his heart.[9]
God can grant us what we need before unbelievers in
authority. This echoes what God did for Joseph,
who found favor in Egypt. In Genesis
39:21, we read, “But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and
gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” Similarly, in Psalm 106:46: “He also made
them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors.” God can
soften hearts, even those who don’t share our faith. We need not fear faithfulness before those who
do not share a biblical worldview.
Rest in God’s sovereignty when you take a stand. You don’t need to fear human opposition,
because God controls hearts. Maybe
you’re hesitant to speak up for Christ at school or work, but trust that God
can grant you favor, as He did Daniel. Pray
for an opportunity this week to share your faith, trusting God to work in
others’ hearts.
You might think that this is still a risk, though, and it
is. Just as Daniel’s companions later
did not know whether God would rescue them, we don’t know that there will
always be a favorable outcome. In fact,
we see with the next point that Daniel initially hits a roadblock. Let’s turn there next:
IV.
Third, Take Risks for God (v. 10)
and the commander
of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has
appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking
more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the
king.”
Despite God’s favor, Ashpenaz hesitates. He fears Nebuchadnezzar, whose harshness is seen
in this book (Dan. 2:5; 3:13). If Daniel
and his friends look “haggard” (a Hebrew word meaning sad or gaunt[10]),
Ashpenaz could lose his head! This
tension highlights the risk Daniel asks of Ashpenaz and of himself, one rooted
in faith.
Of course, Ashpenaz is not commited to the God of Israel; the
phrase “my lord the king” shows his allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, he is fearful of punishment from
man. Fear of man, even if it is rooted
in reality, can always prove to be a snare to our faith.
Of course, his concern about their “faces looking more
haggard” reflects a natural assumption.
A diet of vegetables (and grains) and water might weaken the youths
compared to the king’s rich food. The
plural here indicates Daniel’s friends joined him, [11] amplifying the stakes.
This could cost Ashpenaz his head. As one commentary notes, “Babylonians regarded captives of this
caliber as highly valuable. If the king
noticed a downturn in their health or appearance, he would likely become angry
and demand the supervisor be replaced.”[12] To be clear, the “replacement” here
would follow capital punishment. Just as the chief baker was hanged for
upsetting Pharoah (Gen. 40:22), this official’s life may be on the line.
Daniel might have understood this, and he might have been
discouraged that even this favorable warden is denying his request. That’s what makes his request so courageous,
for some would be discouraged here.
Moreover, his refusal of the king’s food could have also been seen as
disobedience, risking punishment upon himself and his friends and jeopardizing
his future in Babylon’s court. He also
could have been inviting ridicule from his peers, some of whom undoubtedly had
turned their back on God in Judah.
Yet, faith involves the unseen! This risk echoes Hebrews 11:24–26, where
Moses chose “ill-treatment with the people of God” over Egypt’s pleasures. Daniel’s stand also foreshadows Christ, who also
resisted temptation perfectly (Heb. 7:26). Our faithfulness may not face such high
stakes, but it always involves risk — whether it’s social rejection, career
setbacks, or personal sacrifice. These
examples in Scripture help us to see that such a risk is worth it.
V.
Conclusion
Daniel’s uncompromising life challenges us to stand firm in
a world of compromise. He resolved to
obey God: which included God’s Word and God-given authority. He rested in God’s sovereignty. He risked his faith for God’s glory.
We should not see his example as just moralism. This is an example that ultimately points us
to Christ, who stood firm against temptation, obeyed perfectly, and died to
free us from sin’s power. By His grace,
not only can we be forgiven when our faith is weak, but we can also live
uncompromisingly.
We only “dare to be a Daniel” by His power. As you face the temptation to compromise,
commit to Him and His ways. Rest in His
grace to empower you. Trust His control
over events. And with that noted, take a
risk of faith, obeying Him, regardless of the consequences.
[1] Dale Ralph Davis, The
Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail, eds. Alec Motyer and Derek
Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today, (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press,
2013), 31.
[2] J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
1985, 1, 1330.
[3] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne
House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King
James Version, (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), Da 1:8.
[4] John Calvin and Thomas Myers, Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Daniel, (Bellingham, WA:
Logos Bible Software, 2010), 1:99.
[5] Matthew Henry, Matthew
Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume,
(Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1428.
[6] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael
S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R.
Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study
Bible, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Da 1:8.
[7] John MacArthur Jr., Ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed., (Nashville, TN: Word
Pub., 1997), 1227.
[8] Stephen R. Miller, Daniel,
The New American Commentary, (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers,
1994), 18:68.
[9] Henry, 1428.
[10] Miller, 18:68.
[11] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne
House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King
James Version, (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), Da 1:10.
[12] Barry, et. al., Da 1:10.
