Commissioning Missionaries: Trusting God Over Human Leaders
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the commissioning of Bill and Chenda Moss, who are heading to Cambodia to share the gospel. This moment is a testament to our church's long-standing prayer for God to raise up missionaries from among us. As we reflect on our blessings and the freedom we enjoy, we must remember the responsibility that comes with it. We are privileged to live in a country with abundant resources, but we must not take this for granted. Our freedom allows us to read the Bible, vote, and make a difference in the world. However, we must not place our hope in human leaders but in God alone.
We then delved into Daniel chapter five, where King Belshazzar's arrogance and defiance against God led to his downfall. Despite knowing the history of his forefather Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God, Belshazzar chose to mock God by using sacred temple articles in a drunken orgy. This act of defiance was met with a divine message written on the wall, which Daniel interpreted as a warning of imminent judgment. The message "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin" signified that Belshazzar's days were numbered, he had been weighed and found wanting, and his kingdom would be divided.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that God watches, weighs, and ultimately wins. We are accountable for how we use the life and resources God has given us. While we may be tempted to put our trust in human institutions and leaders, true security and hope come from God alone. As Christians, we must be ready to offer guidance and support to those around us when they face crises. Our lives should reflect the love and wisdom of Christ, making us a beacon of hope in a world that often turns to us in times of need.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Watches: Every moment of our lives is seen by God. Proverbs 15:3 reminds us that "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." This should encourage us to live transparently and righteously, knowing that nothing is hidden from God's sight. [01:03:22]
2. God Weighs: We are all weighed on God's scales and found wanting. Romans 14:12 states, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This is a sobering reminder that our actions and words are accountable to God, urging us to live lives that honor Him. [01:04:43]
3. God Wins: Despite our shortcomings, God offers us grace through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." This assurance of salvation should fill us with hope and motivate us to share this good news with others. [01:06:13]
4. Responsibility of Freedom: Living in a free and resource-rich country comes with the responsibility to use our privileges wisely. We must not be passive but actively engage in our civic duties and spiritual responsibilities, always putting our hope in God rather than human leaders. [36:55]
5. Be a Beacon of Hope: In times of crisis, people often turn to Christians for guidance. We must live in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom, making us approachable and trustworthy. Our actions and words should be a testament to our faith, offering hope and direction to those in need. [53:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:10] - Commissioning of Bill and Chenda Moss
[33:55] - Call to Missions
[35:26] - Reflection on National Blessings
[36:55] - Responsibility of Freedom
[38:11] - Introduction to Daniel Chapter 5
[39:24] - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
[40:57] - The Fiery Furnace
[42:25] - Belshazzar's Feast
[43:44] - The Handwriting on the Wall
[45:12] - Belshazzar's Defiance
[47:53] - The Queen's Advice
[50:34] - Daniel's Interpretation
[53:14] - Be a Beacon of Hope
[54:24] - Daniel's Rebuke
[56:00] - God's Sovereignty
[59:03] - Accountability and Humility
[01:00:29] - The Divine Message
[01:01:57] - The Fall of Babylon
[01:03:22] - God Watches
[01:04:43] - God Weighs
[01:06:13] - God Wins
[01:10:47] - Responding to God's Call
[01:12:27] - Communion
[01:14:13] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:15:56] - Closing Song: "Just Give Me Jesus"
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Daniel 5:1-31
- Proverbs 15:3
- Romans 14:12
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did King Belshazzar take that demonstrated his arrogance and defiance against God? ([42:25])
2. How did Daniel interpret the divine message written on the wall for King Belshazzar? ([01:00:29])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three key lessons we learn from the story of Belshazzar? ([01:01:57])
4. What does Proverbs 15:3 say about God's awareness of our actions? How does this relate to the story of Belshazzar? ([01:03:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Belshazzar illustrate the concept that "God watches" our actions? ([01:03:22])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that we are "weighed on God's scales and found wanting"? How does this apply to our daily lives? ([01:04:43])
3. What does it mean that "God wins" despite our shortcomings, and how does this provide hope for believers? ([01:06:13])
4. How does the responsibility of living in a free and resource-rich country come with the need to use our privileges wisely, according to the sermon? ([36:55])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt that God was watching your actions. How did this awareness influence your behavior? ([01:03:22])
2. Considering that we are all weighed on God's scales, what specific actions or habits in your life might need to change to honor God more fully? ([01:04:43])
3. How can the assurance that "God wins" through Jesus Christ motivate you to share the gospel with others? ([01:06:13])
4. In what ways can you actively engage in your civic duties and spiritual responsibilities without placing your hope in human leaders? ([36:55])
5. Think of a recent crisis or difficult situation you faced. How did you or could you have acted as a beacon of hope to those around you? ([53:14])
6. How can you ensure that your life reflects Christ's love and wisdom, making you approachable and trustworthy to those seeking guidance? ([53:14])
7. Identify one privilege or resource you have that you often take for granted. What steps can you take this week to use it more responsibly and gratefully? ([36:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Transparently Before God
Description: God’s omnipresence means that every moment of our lives is seen by Him. Proverbs 15:3 reminds us that "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." This should encourage us to live transparently and righteously, knowing that nothing is hidden from God's sight. Our actions, thoughts, and intentions are all laid bare before Him, and this awareness should guide us to live lives that honor Him. [01:03:22]
Living transparently before God means acknowledging His constant presence and striving to align our lives with His will. It is a call to integrity, where our private and public lives reflect the same commitment to righteousness. This transparency not only fosters a deeper relationship with God but also sets an example for others, showing them the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV): "Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."
Reflection: Think about an area of your life where you might be hiding something from God or others. How can you bring this into the light and live more transparently today?
Day 2: Accountability Before God
Description: We are all weighed on God's scales and found wanting. Romans 14:12 states, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This is a sobering reminder that our actions and words are accountable to God, urging us to live lives that honor Him. The story of King Belshazzar in Daniel chapter five illustrates the consequences of arrogance and defiance against God. Despite knowing the history of his forefather Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar chose to mock God, leading to his downfall. [01:04:43]
This accountability calls us to self-examination and humility. It is a reminder that our lives are not our own and that we must live in a way that reflects our reverence for God. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His guidance, we can strive to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him, knowing that we will one day stand before Him and give an account of our lives.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV): "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. How does knowing you are accountable to God change the way you view that decision or action?
Day 3: Assurance of Salvation
Description: Despite our shortcomings, God offers us grace through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." This assurance of salvation should fill us with hope and motivate us to share this good news with others. The story of Belshazzar serves as a powerful reminder that God watches, weighs, and ultimately wins. While we may be tempted to put our trust in human institutions and leaders, true security and hope come from God alone. [01:06:13]
The gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is a profound expression of God's love and mercy. It is a reminder that, despite our failures, we are offered a path to redemption and eternal life. This assurance should not only bring us comfort but also inspire us to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for this gift. By sharing this good news with others, we can help them find the same hope and assurance in Christ.
1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. How can you share this good news with them today?
Day 4: Stewardship of Freedom
Description: Living in a free and resource-rich country comes with the responsibility to use our privileges wisely. We must not be passive but actively engage in our civic duties and spiritual responsibilities, always putting our hope in God rather than human leaders. The freedom we enjoy allows us to read the Bible, vote, and make a difference in the world. However, we must remember that our true security and hope come from God alone. [36:55]
This responsibility of freedom calls us to be good stewards of the blessings we have received. It is a reminder that with great privilege comes great responsibility. We are called to use our resources, time, and talents to serve others and advance God's kingdom. By actively engaging in our communities and living out our faith, we can make a positive impact and reflect God's love to those around us.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: Consider how you are using your freedom and resources. What is one specific way you can use your privileges to serve others and honor God this week?
Day 5: Being a Beacon of Hope
Description: In times of crisis, people often turn to Christians for guidance. We must live in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom, making us approachable and trustworthy. Our actions and words should be a testament to our faith, offering hope and direction to those in need. The story of Daniel interpreting the divine message for King Belshazzar highlights the importance of being ready to offer guidance and support to those around us when they face crises. [53:14]
Being a beacon of hope means living out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful. It is a call to be a source of encouragement and support for those who are struggling. By embodying Christ's love and wisdom, we can provide a sense of hope and direction to those who are seeking answers. This requires us to be intentional in our interactions and to always be ready to share the hope that we have in Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you be a beacon of hope for them today, reflecting Christ's love and wisdom in your actions and words?
Quotes
1. "If you're praying about how you can make a difference in the world, missions is a great way to do that. If you're interested in going on a mission trip, let us know. If you're feeling the call of God to go into ministry or to go on the mission field yourself, we will help you get equipped and trained up to go because the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. And we're praying for God to send more workers into the harvest field." [33:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We sit in all of this, and sometimes we forget to be grateful. Grateful for the time we get to live in. Grateful for the blessing of our freedom. And you know what? Somebody was talking about, we're trying to keep the right perspective in a culture that's growing a little more hostile to our faith. And that's why we're going through the book of Daniel. And I've got more to say on that in just a moment. But that doesn't mean we remain passive either, right? I mean, we've been given the responsibility and the privilege and the freedom to read the Bible. And we've been given the responsibility and the privilege and the register to vote. And we've been given the responsibility and the freedom and the privilege to prayerfully cast a vote." [36:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, confidence in human beings that we make into idols leaves us with no answers and no hope when the writing is on the wall. So his knees are knocking together. He's completely freaked out. Why is he afraid? Well, one commentator said every human has a conscience. I mean, we know, don't we? Most of the time, deep down when we're doing something we shouldn't do. Just be honest. I mean, we know sometimes when we're doing stuff that we shouldn't do and he knows this isn't good. And again, there's a hand writing on the wall. He's thinking, my gods don't do this." [49:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Isn't that just like our culture as well? I mean, friends, think about it. Isn't that how it is with our culture? Don't talk about your religion to me. I don't want to hear about God. I don't want to hear about your faith until the writing is on the wall, right? I don't want to hear about your religion until I hear about the lump being malignant or until I get the divorce papers or until I lose my job. And then what happens when the world hits crisis and the writing is on the wall, then they call for the Christian, right? Give me your advice. Give me your wisdom. Give me your prayers." [51:48] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You either believe God is in control or you don't. You either believe the verse that we read three times last week in chapter four. Remember the verse? The most high is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. You either believe that or you don't. You either believe that when you gaze into the throne room in heaven that Jesus, that God himself is sitting on the throne and he's still in control or you don't. And if he is, can take a breath." [56:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "But you, his son, old Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself though you knew all this. What a verse, huh? You've not humbled yourself even though you knew all of this. And that's our culture too, right? You know enough about God to know all of this, to know he exists, to know he's true. Everybody in the United States of America has a Bible, right? You know the story of Jesus who came to this earth and died on a cross for your sins. You know deep in your heart what he wants for your life. And yet, even though you knew all of this, you've never humbled yourself. You made it all about you." [59:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The writing is on the wall for all of us, right? Our days are numbered. God watches. God weighs. And this is a warning, isn't it? To take advantage of the Daniels in your life. When you hear a word from God, no matter who you hear it through, like your friend, your family member that you're sick of hearing about Jesus from, right? Or your preacher on Sunday. Like, I mean, you hear your warning from Daniel. Heed the before it's too late. Heed God's word and humble yourself and obey while you still have the opportunity." [01:04:43] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God wins. Praise God. Our story doesn't have to turn out like Belshazzar's, right? Romans 6, 23. Yeah, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Hebrews 9, 27 and 28. Just as a man is destined to die once and after that to face the judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once. To take away the sins of many people. And he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Aren't you glad that even though we have been weighed and found wanting, that Jesus steps in and because of what he's done, we receive his That's why it's called grace." [01:06:13] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you hear the voice of Daniel speaking to you today, the word of God, then respond while you still have the time. Don't buy the lie that you can do it tomorrow. That's what he's always going to say, by the way. He's never going to say do it today. And you know, every week we kind of pause even before we go into our invitation. I'm going to do it today and take time to take communion. So I want to ask you to take out your communion cups. If you don't have one, just raise your hand and one of our ushers will give you one. If you're a believer, this is a time for you to remember why you can rejoice in the midst of suffering, to remember why you can put your hope in God and not in human beings, to remember what it costs Jesus to step on that scale for us and give us his grace." [01:10:47] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Friends, if you put your hope in human beings and human kingdoms, they're going to come, they're going to go. Just a little tiny slice of history. But if you put your hope in God and his word, you will stand forever." [01:14:13] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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