Holy and Set Apart

DANIEL 1:8-9

Ephesians 1:4 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”

Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

From beginning to end, God calls us holy. Not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done in us.

Holiness means being “set apart” for God’s purposes.

Daniels World Babylon: Like the World Today “Same problem different distractions”

1. Holiness Shows in Conviction

Daniel pre-decided not to compromise

The Holy Spirit can help us stay away from sin but Conviction means drawing the line before temptation comes.
Convenience is easy, but holiness is not about convenience—it’s about principle.
Convenience is saying “No” when Everyone is saying “yes”
Principle means living by God’s truth and convictions, regardless of the cost.
It’s the difference between being led by feelings or circumstances (convenience) versus being led by God’s Word and Spirit
Prepared for Temptation
Daniel didn’t wait until the heat of the moment. He resolved in advance.
We too must prepare for temptation—knowing the the devil will use the world and will try to make us bow.

2. Holiness Shows in Purpose

Daniel didn’t just survive Babylon; he thrived.
Daniel was Obedient to the Lord ( this was to make a statement)

Daniel:
Because of his integrity, God gave him influence with kings and nations. (God will give you influence in this world)
He received visions from God. Why? Because his mind and heart were clear, set apart, and obedient.
We need to resolve in our mind and our heart ahead of time

Holiness isn’t retreat—it’s shining God’s light so others can see Him.

Matt 5:14-16 (Sums it up )
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven

Salvation is not about works but through your relationship with Jesus that produces the Works….

Daniel 6

Daniel Distinguished Himself ( He was set apart from the others)
To be distinguished can also mean to be set apart for God’s purposes, living in such a way that people can see the difference in your life compared to the world. Someone honorable, filled with integrity, someone that has wisdom….

Excellent Spirit
We have an Excellent Spirit in us…..Holy Spirit

Daniel brought “heaven’s perspective” into earthly situations.

3. Holiness Makes the Devil Mad

Daniel 6:4-5
Daniel’s enemies looked for fault in him. They could find none—except in his devotion to God.

Your life should prove the accusations empty.

Daniel didn’t argue or fight—he prayed.

4. Holiness Shows in Obedience

Daniel didn’t just avoid sin; he actively obeyed God.

Prayer brings us to Obedience

Daniel 6:10
When a law was passed forbidding prayer, Daniel didn’t hide. He opened his window (Bold)
He did not Just pray, but he opened the window for all to hear ( he did not pray quietly)
He did not just pray once that day, he prayed three times.
When the world was coming against Daniel He got his strength by talking to His Heavenly father.

Obedience wasn’t convenient, but it was consistent.

His prayer life was the foundation of his holiness—he communed with God daily.