Even If Faith: Standing Firm in a Shifting Culture

Summary

In today's message, we explored the theme of living as citizens of a different kingdom amidst a culture that often contradicts biblical values. Drawing from the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, we examined how they stood firm in their faith despite immense pressure to conform. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that as followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in a dark world, living by the principles of God's kingdom rather than the shifting values of society.

We delved into the concept of "even if" faith, contrasting it with "only if" faith. The latter is conditional, based on circumstances aligning with personal desires, while "even if" faith remains steadfast regardless of outcomes. This kind of faith was exemplified by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's idol, trusting God to deliver them but remaining faithful even if He did not.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of making determinations before facing dilemmas. Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, even when it led to the lion's den, illustrates the power of pre-decided faithfulness. We are encouraged to make similar determinations in our lives, such as maintaining purity, honoring God with our resources, and persisting in prayer.

In a world where cultural pressures can be subtle yet pervasive, we must decide whose word we will bow to—God's or the world's. By standing firm in our faith, honoring God with our first and best, and committing to persistent prayer, we align ourselves with the eternal kingdom of God, trusting Him as our defender and deliverer.

Key Takeaways:

1. "Even If" Faith: True faith is not contingent on favorable outcomes. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must trust God even if He doesn't deliver us in the way we expect. This kind of faith is rooted in a deep commitment to God, regardless of circumstances. [04:13]

2. Determination Before Dilemma: Making decisions to stand firm in faith before facing trials is crucial. Daniel's resolve to pray despite the threat of the lion's den exemplifies the strength found in pre-decided faithfulness. [06:57]

3. Cultural Idols: In today's world, cultural pressures can subtly demand our allegiance. We must discern and resist ideologies that contradict God's word, choosing to stand firm in biblical truth. [20:48]

4. Honoring God with First and Best: Giving God the first and best of our time, talents, and resources is a kingdom principle that invites His protection and provision. This determination positions us for God's covenant promises. [25:02]

5. Persistent Prayer: Daniel's commitment to prayer, even in the face of danger, teaches us the power of persistence. We are encouraged to pray until breakthrough comes, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers. [29:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:22] - Introduction to the Series
- [02:43] - The State of Our Culture
- [04:13] - "Even If" Faith
- [05:32] - The Determination of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
- [06:57] - Determination Before Dilemma
- [08:18] - The Arrogance of Babylonian Kings
- [09:33] - Daniel's Influence in Babylon
- [10:52] - Daniel's Faithful Prayer Life
- [12:15] - Daniel in the Lion's Den
- [13:43] - The Cost of Determination
- [15:16] - The Voice of the Martyrs
- [16:34] - Determination in Purity and Marriage
- [19:21] - Idols of Culture
- [20:48] - Standing Firm Against Cultural Pressures
- [25:02] - Honoring God with First and Best
- [29:31] - Persistent Prayer
- [32:19] - Invitation to Intercession
- [33:34] - God's Deliverance
- [35:39] - Living as Citizens of Heaven
- [37:20] - Prayer of Commitment
- [37:57] - Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 3:17-18
2. Daniel 6:10-11
3. Philippians 3:20

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when faced with the fiery furnace, and how does it illustrate "even if" faith? [04:13]

2. How did Daniel's commitment to prayer demonstrate his determination before facing the lion's den? [10:52]

3. What cultural pressures did the sermon mention that can subtly demand our allegiance today? [20:48]

4. How did the sermon describe the importance of honoring God with our first and best? [25:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "even if" faith challenge the idea of conditional faith based on personal desires? [04:13]

2. In what ways can making determinations before facing dilemmas strengthen a believer's faith journey? [06:57]

3. How can cultural idols today be compared to the idols in Daniel's time, and what does this mean for modern believers? [20:48]

4. What are the implications of persistent prayer in the life of a believer, as illustrated by Daniel's example? [29:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a situation where you faced pressure to conform to cultural norms. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of "even if" faith? [04:13]

2. Consider a decision you need to make soon. How can you apply the principle of making determinations before dilemmas to this situation? [06:57]

3. Identify a cultural ideology that challenges your faith. How can you stand firm in biblical truth while engaging with this ideology? [20:48]

4. What are some practical ways you can honor God with the first and best of your time, talents, and resources this week? [25:02]

5. Think of a prayer request you have been bringing before God. How can you commit to persistent prayer until you see a breakthrough? [29:31]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's word to resist cultural pressures and stand firm in your faith? [20:48]

7. Reflect on your current prayer life. What steps can you take to make prayer a more consistent and powerful part of your daily routine? [29:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Unwavering Trust in God's Sovereignty
In a world where outcomes often dictate our faith, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenges us to embrace an "even if" faith. This type of faith is not dependent on favorable circumstances but is rooted in a deep trust in God's sovereignty. These three men faced the fiery furnace with the conviction that God could deliver them, yet they remained steadfast even if He chose not to. Their example calls us to trust God beyond our understanding, knowing that His plans are higher than ours. This unwavering trust is a testament to a faith that transcends the immediate and the visible. [04:13]

Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV): "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you are waiting for a specific outcome. How can you practice "even if" faith by trusting God's sovereignty regardless of the result?

Day 2: Pre-Decided Faithfulness
The story of Daniel illustrates the power of making determinations before facing dilemmas. Daniel's commitment to prayer, even when it led to the lion's den, exemplifies the strength found in pre-decided faithfulness. By resolving to honor God in advance, Daniel was able to stand firm when trials came. This principle encourages us to make similar determinations in our lives, such as maintaining purity, honoring God with our resources, and persisting in prayer. By deciding in advance to follow God's ways, we prepare ourselves to withstand the pressures and temptations of the world. [06:57]

Daniel 6:10 (ESV): "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can make a pre-determined commitment to honor God? How can this decision help you stand firm in future challenges?

Day 3: Resisting Cultural Conformity
In today's world, cultural pressures can subtly demand our allegiance, often contradicting God's word. The narrative of Daniel and his friends in Babylon serves as a reminder to discern and resist ideologies that conflict with biblical truth. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to stand firm against cultural idols and remain true to our faith. This requires a conscious decision to prioritize God's word over societal norms, even when it is unpopular or challenging. By doing so, we become lights in a dark world, reflecting the values of God's eternal kingdom. [20:48]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Identify a cultural trend or ideology that challenges your faith. How can you actively resist conforming to it and instead align your actions with biblical truth?

Day 4: Offering God Our First and Best
Honoring God with the first and best of our time, talents, and resources is a kingdom principle that invites His protection and provision. This determination positions us for God's covenant promises and reflects our trust in His faithfulness. By prioritizing God in all aspects of our lives, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of worship not only honors God but also strengthens our relationship with Him, as we learn to rely on His provision rather than our own understanding. [25:02]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can give God the first and best of your resources this week? How might this act of worship deepen your trust in His provision?

Day 5: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Daniel's commitment to prayer, even in the face of danger, teaches us the power of persistence. His unwavering dedication to seeking God, regardless of the consequences, serves as a model for us to follow. Persistent prayer is not about repeating requests but about cultivating a relationship with God and trusting Him to act in His perfect timing. By committing to regular and intentional prayer, we open ourselves to God's guidance and strength, allowing Him to work in and through us for His purposes. [29:31]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more persistence and intentionality in your prayers this week, trusting God for a breakthrough?

Quotes

1) "But you know what? God has called you to be different. He's called you to think different. He's called you to speak different, to vote different, to give different, to love different. You know why? Because you're a part of a different kingdom. You're a part of a higher kingdom. Your sons and daughters are the most high God. And when all the kingdoms of this world rise and fall, there will be a kingdom that's established forever." [02:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Only if faith is cultural Christianity. It works like this. As long as it works for my belief system, as long as serving Jesus helps my bottom line, my income, my marriage, my relationships, as long as it's working out for me, I'll get involved in it. But if it doesn't, I will tap. And we see that a lot for the casual church attendees. But we need some men and women of faith that understand what Jesus has done. And then when I come to him, I lay down my life and I say, Jesus, you gave it all and I'm all yours, even if it doesn't work out like I thought." [04:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "When you make a determination before the dilemma, God shows up as your defender. Determination before the dilemma. And then you're going to see God show up as a defender. Defender, deliverer, fortress, shield. Those are names of God in the Bible. And for those that love him and know him, he says, I'm your defender. I'm your, I'm your reward. I will defend you when the time it comes and it's necessary in your life." [06:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Let me remind you that while we're living in a cultural Babylon in California, in many ways, God has called you to have influence. God will give you favor in the midst of your culture, at every job site, at every public school, at every situation you find yourself in. When the hand of God is upon you, he can exalt you and make you an influence in any setting." [09:33] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "If you wait until you're in the middle of a storm to try to navigate your moral bearings, if you wait till in the storm to try to make a decision on how you'll react, many times we'll react out of fear, out of panic, out of stress. We'll make poor decisions. And listen, if you're in the thick of it, you don't know what to do. Here's a good tip from Pastor Dave. Call out upon the name of the Lord. Even if it's a self-induced pit, all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." [13:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Determine you will stand, not bow to the idols of culture. There are idols in our culture. And no, I'm not talking about Taylor Swift, but maybe that fits your category. That's between you and the Holy Spirit. Work it out. I want to remind you of a fact. We studied the first week of the Babylonian spirit, and it's this. The Babylonian culture changes the language of their captors in order to turn them from worshipers of Yahweh to worshipers of dead idols." [19:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Determine you will honor God with the first and the best. This was Daniel's lifestyle. Those that were brought up in Judah and Jerusalem, they grew up giving God the first and the best. It was a way of life. And it's not Old Testament law. It's kingdom principle that I give him my time, my talent, my treasure, my very life. Why? Because he's worthy of it all. But there's something that happens when I give him the first and the best. There are covenant promises where he says, I'm going to protect your financial future." [23:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "Determine that you will pray until. Think about this. Daniel's facing a life sentence. He knew the decree. So they go to check on him. It was a ploy. They were going to take him out based on his faith. These hierarchies and the Babylonian government, they knew that he wasn't going to crack and they go to get him. And where is he? He's in his room on his knees. He's got the windows open. He's facing Jerusalem. And three times a day, he's saying, the Lord, our God is one. Oh, Israel, you will love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." [28:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "There's something about persistence and resilience in prayer that brings a breakthrough, but you're going to have to stand with a determination and you make these decisions before the answer comes. So if we fast forward to chapter 10, this is actually a soundbite into Daniel's prayer time. Now, Daniel had been fasting for 21 days. Now, those of you that are part of the church and the kingdom, his 21-day fast is fairly famous. But did you know this? He didn't know how long he was going to fast. God just brought breakthrough on day 21. He set himself to fast and pray until." [29:31] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "My God sent his angel to shut the lion's mouths so that they would not hurt me. And not a scratch was found upon him for he had trusted in his God. That right there is a true story. It's not an Aesop's fable. They pulled back the stone and I could see Daniel just laying back. This is conjecture. He's got his head on a big lion pillow feet. And he's like, peace, king. Why? Because he made a determination to trust God, even if, and then God did something that he's done throughout time in history. God shows up for his people. His name is defender. His name is deliverer. His name is the God who rescues. He is the God who saves." [33:34] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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