THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

Daniel 6:1-3

It pleased Darius to set over the

kingdom one hundred twenty
satraps, stationed throughout
the whole kingdom, and over
them three presidents, including
Daniel; to these the satraps
gave account, so that the king
might suffer no loss. Soon
Daniel distinguished himself
above all the other presidents
and satraps because an
excellent spirit was in him, and
the king planned to appoint him
over the whole kingdom.
Excellence -dictionary

• The quality of being excellent - M.W.

• excellent - superior, first class

• excel - to be superior to : surpass in accomplishment

or achievement, to be distinguishable by
superiority : surpass others
The Spirit of Excellence is not about chasing
Success and Superiority or destroying the
Competition
The story of Daniel Excellence according to the Bible
Daniel 1:8

But Daniel resolved

that he would not
defile himself with the
royal rations of food
and wine; so he asked
the palace master to
allow him not to defile
himself.
The Spirit of Excellence is about Dedication
The Test of Dedication

• New environment, daily commute and traffic

• Ungodly culture

• Hard expectation and deadlines

• Difficult bosses
The Test of Dedication

• Daniel tolerated the following:

• The literature and the ways of the Babylonians, and

even their mythology and occultism

• Of all these requirements, there was were things he could

not compromise on.

• The law of Moses concerning the food from unclean

animals (Lev. 11:4-20)

• Drinking wine mixed with blood. (Prov. 23:31-35)

The Path of Dedication

• Make your decision final

• Set aside emotions and anything else that gets in the

way

• Determine to follow it through to the end

“Our highest level of dedication sets the stage
towards excellence.”
God’s Grace and the Spirit of Excellence
Daniel 1:9 (NRSV)

Now God allowed

Daniel to receive
favor and
compassion from the
palace master.
But he answered me, “My grace is always more
than enough for you, and my power finds its full
expression through your weakness.” So I will
celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I
sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ
living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness,
but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and
endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with
troubles on every side and face
persecution because of my love for Christ—I am
made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a
portal to God’s power.
–2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)
Daniel 1:17 (NRSV)

To these four young

men God gave
knowledge and skill
in every aspect of
literature and wisdom;
Daniel also had insight
into all visions and
dreams.
The Outcome of Excellence
 At the end of the time that the king had set for
them to be brought in, the palace master brought
them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and
the king spoke with them. And among them all, no
one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were
stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of
wisdom and understanding concerning which
the king inquired of them, he found them ten
times better than all the magicians and
enchanters in his whole kingdom.

–Daniel 1:18-20 (NRSV)

The Outcome of Excellence

• …no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah,

Mishael, and Azariah

• Distinction

• …therefore they were stationed in the king’s court

• Promotion
The Spirit of Excellence is about bringing Honor
and Glory to God
“Whether you eat or drink, live
your life in a way that glorifies
and honors God.”
–1 Corinthians 10:31 (TPT)