Series Details
Once you’ve met Daniel, you’ll never be the same.
From his story, you’ll learn how to stand firm in your faith, to pray with more passion, to speak the truth, and to trust in God’s magnificent sovereignty.
Complete the first volume in this series by Chuck Swindoll on the life of Daniel, and you’ll be convinced that one person can make a difference. That person is you.
We live in a world that often feels turned upside down, filled with uncertainty and shifting values. In this 9-part series, Chuck Swindoll introduces us to Daniel—a man who thrived in the midst of a pagan culture without compromising his character. Daniel, Volume 1 explores the first six chapters of this prophetic book, showing us how to stand firm in our faith, speak the truth with courage, and trust in the magnificent sovereignty of God. Daniel’s life is a powerful reminder that one person, fully committed to the Lord, can truly make a difference in their generation.
Message 1: Prophecy in Panorama
Sermon Summary Many approach the book of Daniel with a mix of curiosity and confusion regarding its prophetic visions. This opening message provides a “panoramic” view of the book, setting the stage for the dramatic events and global shifts Daniel witnessed. Chuck discusses why prophecy is not meant to scare us, but to ground us in the truth that God is the ultimate Author of history, holding the future firmly in His hands.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Sovereignty of God: Understanding that no earthly power is outside of God’s control.
- The Purpose of Prophecy: Providing hope and stability for believers in chaotic times.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 1:1–2: The historical setting of the Babylonian captivity.
Message 2: How to Pass a Test without Cheating
Sermon Summary As a young man in a foreign land, Daniel faced an immediate test of his convictions. This message explores how Daniel and his three friends navigated the pressure to conform to Babylonian culture and diet. We learn that integrity is forged in the “small” decisions of life and that God honors those who choose to prioritize His standards over cultural convenience.
Key Facts & Themes
- Conviction vs. Conformity: The importance of drawing lines in the sand early.
- Gentle Courage: How to stand for truth with a gracious and professional spirit.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 1:3–21: The testing of Daniel and his friends in the king’s court.
Message 3: A King on the Couch
Sermon Summary King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a dream that his wise men could not interpret. This message looks at the king’s anxiety and Daniel’s bold response. By relying on the God who reveals mysteries, Daniel was able to provide the king with the clarity he sought, demonstrating that true wisdom comes from the Lord alone.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Limitations of Earthly Wisdom: Why human philosophy often fails in the face of deep questions.
- The God of Mysteries: Recognizing the Lord as the source of all true revelation.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 2:1–30: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s prayer for insight.
Message 4: Blueprint of Tomorrow
Sermon Summary The interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream provides a “blueprint” of world history, from the Babylonian empire to the final kingdom of God. Chuck unpacks the symbolism of the great statue, showing how every earthly empire is temporary and will eventually be replaced by the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of Christ.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Rise and Fall of Nations: The temporary nature of human political power.
- The Stone Made Without Hands: The certainty of the coming Kingdom of God.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 2:31–49: The interpretation of the statue and the elevation of Daniel.
Message 5: A Ragtime Band and a Fiery Furnace
Sermon Summary When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the king’s golden image, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. This message is a powerful study in courage under fire. We see that God is able to deliver His people from the fire, but even if He doesn’t, He is always present with them in the midst of it.
Key Facts & Themes
- Non-Negotiable Faith: Standing for God even when faced with death.
- The Fourth Man in the Fire: The sustaining presence of Christ in our trials.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 3: The golden image and the fiery furnace.
Message 6: Insomnia, Insanity, and Insight
Sermon Summary King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride eventually led to a period of divine discipline and insanity. This message addresses the danger of self-exaltation and the necessity of humility. Through the king’s restoration, we see that God’s discipline is intended to bring us to the point of acknowledging that “the Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankind.”
Key Facts & Themes
- The Pitfall of Pride: How “I built this” leads to a spiritual and mental downfall.
- The Path of Humility: The blessing of acknowledging God’s supreme authority.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 4: The king’s second dream and his seven-year humbling.
Message 7: The Handwriting on the Wall
Sermon Summary Years later, King Belshazzar’s blasphemous banquet was interrupted by a mysterious hand writing on the wall. This message explores the finality of God’s judgment on those who ignore His warnings. We learn that while God is patient, He is also the Judge who “weighs” the hearts of leaders and nations.
Key Facts & Themes
- Ignoring the Lessons of History: The danger of repeating the mistakes of previous generations.
- The Weight of Judgment: Understanding the meaning of “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.”
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 5: Belshazzar’s feast and the fall of Babylon.
Message 8: The Marks of Integrity
Sermon Summary Under a new administration, Daniel’s integrity made him a target for jealousy. This message identifies the character traits that made Daniel “distinguished” even in his old age. We learn that a life of consistency and prayer is the best defense against the schemes of those who seek our downfall.
Key Facts & Themes
- Professional Excellence: How a believer’s work ethic serves as a witness.
- Unwavering Discipline: The power of a consistent, daily prayer life.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 6:1–13: The plot against Daniel under King Darius.
Message 9: The Lions in Daniel’s Den
Sermon Summary The series concludes with the famous account of Daniel in the lions’ den. This message focuses on God’s miraculous protection of His servant and the king’s subsequent decree honoring the living God. We are encouraged that when we are faithful to God, He takes responsibility for the consequences, even if they involve a den of lions.
Key Facts & Themes
- God’s Miraculous Deliverance: The safety of those who trust in the Lord.
- A Witness to the Nations: How one man’s faithfulness can lead a kingdom to acknowledge God.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Daniel 6:14–28: Daniel’s deliverance and Darius’s praise.
Common Questions about Daniel and Sovereignty (FAQ)
How could Daniel stay faithful in such a pagan environment? Daniel’s faithfulness was rooted in his “purpose of heart” (Daniel 1:8). He made the decision to be loyal to God before the tests arrived. His consistent prayer life and his reliance on God’s Word provided the spiritual foundation needed to resist the pressures of his culture.
Why does God allow His people to go through “fiery furnaces” and “lions’ dens”? Trials are often the platform through which God’s power is most clearly seen. While God doesn’t always prevent the trial, He uses it to refine our character and to demonstrate His presence and power to a watching world.
What is the “Kingdom of God” that Daniel prophesied? The Kingdom of God is the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Daniel saw it as a “stone made without hands” that would eventually crush all earthly kingdoms and grow to fill the entire earth. It began with Christ’s first coming and will be fully realized at His return.
Is the book of Daniel still relevant for us today? Absolutely. Like Daniel, we live in a culture that often opposes biblical values. His life teaches us how to be “in the world but not of it,” modeling how to serve with excellence, pray with passion, and maintain integrity regardless of the cost.
