Introduction

Good morning, church family! I hope you’re all feeling blessed today. We're about to dive into a powerful message from the Word of God, specifically Daniel 6:1-3. The theme of our sermon today is the power of an excellent spirit and the example of Daniel and the fruit of godliness.

As John MacArthur once said, "Godly character is not the result of good intentions, wishful thinking, some mystical 'zap,' or even sheer Bible knowledge. It's developed through the self-disciplined application of God's Word at a very basic level, enabled and empowered by God's Spirit."

Let’s read together from Daniel 6:1-3,

"It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom."

The Power of an Excellent Spirit

The power of an excellent spirit is not about physical strength or intellectual prowess, but rather about the spirit that God has placed within us. It is about the character and integrity that we display in our daily lives, and how these qualities set us apart from others.

The book of Daniel: Daniel was a man who was set apart from others, not because of his physical strength or his intellectual abilities, but because of his excellent spirit. The Bible tells us that Daniel was distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him. This is a powerful testament to the importance of having a spirit that is aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives.

Not something that comes naturally to us: It is something that we must actively cultivate and nurture. It requires us to be intentional in our actions and decisions, and it requires us to constantly seek God's guidance and wisdom. It is not something that can be achieved overnight, but rather it is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and development.

Characteristics: An excellent spirit is characterized by qualities such as integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to God's Word. It is about being a person of your word, someone who is reliable and trustworthy. It is about being humble and recognizing that all we have and all we are is because of God's grace and mercy. It is about being steadfast in our commitment to God's Word, even when it is not popular or convenient to do so.

Having a heart for others: It is about being compassionate and caring, always looking for ways to serve others and to make a positive impact in their lives. It is about being a light in a world that is often filled with darkness, and being a source of hope and encouragement to those around us.

How we influence those around us: When we live with an excellent spirit, we become a positive influence in the lives of others. We become a source of inspiration and encouragement, and we help to bring out the best in others.

Not reserved for a select few: It is something that is available to all of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. It is not about being perfect, but rather about striving to be the best that we can be, and constantly seeking to grow and improve.

Can transform our lives and the lives of those around us: It is a testament to the power of God's Spirit working in and through us, and it is a testament to the power of a life that is lived in alignment with God's will and purpose.

The Example of Daniel

Daniel, a man of God, was living in a foreign land, surrounded by people who did not share his faith or his values ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO