Faithful Living as Exiles: Lessons from Daniel

Summary

In today's message, we embarked on a new series exploring how to live faithfully as followers of Christ in a world where we may feel like exiles. We began by imagining ourselves as believers placed in a foreign land with values and systems starkly different from our own. This thought experiment is not far from reality, as many of us may feel like exiles even in our own countries, where Christian values are no longer at the center of society. We reflected on the historical shift from a time when the church was central to society to now, where it often finds itself on the margins. This shift challenges us to consider how we can live out our faith when we are not in positions of power or influence.

We turned to the story of Daniel as a case study for navigating life in such circumstances. Daniel, along with his friends, was taken from his homeland and placed in a foreign culture that was hostile to his beliefs. Despite this, Daniel managed to maintain his faith and integrity while rising to a position of influence. We will explore the themes of hope, humility, and wisdom in Daniel's life over the coming weeks, seeking to apply these principles to our own lives.

Two key principles emerged from our discussion: first, the belief that God is in control of who is in control. This understanding allows us to submit to earthly authorities, knowing that ultimately, God is sovereign. Second, the concept of Christ in culture versus Christ against culture. We are called to be light in the darkness, engaging with the world around us rather than retreating from it. This means building genuine relationships and influencing our communities for good.

As we continue this series, we will delve deeper into how Daniel and his friends navigated their challenging circumstances and how we can do the same in our own lives. We are reminded that God's presence is with us, empowering us to be salt and light in our communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Living as Exiles: As believers, we may often feel like exiles in a world that does not share our values. This is not a new challenge, as much of the Bible was written to people in similar situations. We are called to navigate this reality with faith and integrity, just as Daniel did. [38:15]

2. God's Sovereignty: Understanding that God is in control of who is in control allows us to submit to earthly authorities with confidence. This perspective changes how we interact with those in power, knowing that ultimately, God is sovereign over all. [01:02:29]

3. Christ in Culture: We are called to be Christ in culture, engaging with the world around us rather than retreating from it. This means building genuine relationships and influencing our communities for good, just as Daniel did in Babylon. [01:05:04]

4. Hope, Humility, and Wisdom: These themes are central to Daniel's story and provide guidance for us as we navigate life in a world that may be hostile to our beliefs. By embodying these qualities, we can maintain our faith and integrity while influencing those around us. [44:47]

5. Presence of God: As believers, we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. This empowers us to be salt and light in our communities, bringing God's goodness and light to those around us. [01:07:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [38:15] - Thought Experiment: Living as Exiles
- [39:53] - Historical Shift: Church on the Margins
- [41:42] - Navigating Power and Influence
- [42:46] - Biblical Context: Exile and Influence
- [44:47] - Case Study: Daniel's Story
- [46:19] - Daniel's Journey: From Captive to Influence
- [47:34] - God's Sovereignty in Control
- [48:51] - Cultural and Spiritual Challenges
- [50:04] - Babylonian Context and Identity
- [53:00] - Renaming and Identity Stripping
- [55:43] - Nebuchadnezzar's Demands
- [57:03] - Daniel's Creative Solutions
- [01:02:29] - Principles for Navigating Culture
- [01:05:04] - Christ in Culture vs. Against Culture
- [01:07:50] - God's Presence in Our Lives
- [01:10:05] - Invitation to Join the Journey

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Daniel 1:1-7
- 1 Peter 3:8-17

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Observation Questions:

1. What circumstances led Daniel and his friends to be in Babylon, and how were they treated upon arrival? ([46:19])

2. How did Daniel and his friends maintain their faith and identity despite the pressures to conform to Babylonian culture? ([53:00])

3. What were the two key principles highlighted in the sermon that helped Daniel navigate his life in Babylon? ([01:02:29])

4. How does the sermon describe the shift in society's view of the church from central to marginal? ([39:53])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might understanding that "God is in control of who is in control" change a believer's perspective on current political or social challenges? ([01:02:29])

2. In what ways can the concept of "Christ in culture" be applied to modern-day situations where Christian values are not the norm? ([01:05:04])

3. How do the themes of hope, humility, and wisdom in Daniel's story provide guidance for believers today? ([44:47])

4. What does it mean for believers to carry the presence of God into their communities, and how might this influence their interactions with others? ([01:07:50])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a situation where you felt like an "exile" in your own community or workplace. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently after hearing this sermon? ([38:15])

2. Consider a time when you had to submit to an authority you disagreed with. How did your faith influence your response, and how might the principle of God's sovereignty change your approach in the future? ([01:02:29])

3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can be "Christ in culture." What practical steps can you take to engage and influence your community positively? ([01:05:04])

4. How can you cultivate hope, humility, and wisdom in your daily life, especially in challenging situations? Share a specific example where you can apply these qualities. ([44:47])

5. Think about a relationship where you can be a light in the darkness. What actions can you take this week to build a genuine connection and influence for good? ([01:05:04])

6. How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your life during difficult times? What practices or habits can help you stay aware of His presence? ([01:07:50])

7. Reflect on the idea that God's presence is with you wherever you go. How does this truth empower you to be salt and light in your community? ([01:07:50])

Devotional

Day 1: Navigating Life as Exiles
In a world where Christian values may not be central, believers often feel like exiles. This is not a new challenge, as much of the Bible was written to people in similar situations. The story of Daniel serves as a powerful example of how to navigate life with faith and integrity in such circumstances. Daniel, taken from his homeland and placed in a foreign culture hostile to his beliefs, managed to maintain his faith and integrity while rising to a position of influence. His story encourages us to live out our faith authentically, even when we are not in positions of power or influence. [38:15]

Jeremiah 29:4-7 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.'"

Reflection: In what ways do you feel like an exile in your own community? How can you actively seek the welfare of your community while maintaining your faith and integrity?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Understanding that God is in control of who is in control allows believers to submit to earthly authorities with confidence. This perspective changes how we interact with those in power, knowing that ultimately, God is sovereign over all. Daniel's story illustrates this principle as he navigated life under the rule of a foreign king, trusting in God's ultimate authority. This trust in God's sovereignty empowers us to engage with the world around us, knowing that God is working through all circumstances. [01:02:29]

Proverbs 21:1 (ESV): "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you struggle to trust those in authority. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty in this situation and respond with faith and confidence?

Day 3: Engaging with Culture as Christ's Ambassadors
Believers are called to be Christ in culture, engaging with the world around them rather than retreating from it. This means building genuine relationships and influencing communities for good, just as Daniel did in Babylon. By being light in the darkness, Christians can bring hope and transformation to their surroundings. This calling challenges us to actively participate in our communities, embodying Christ's love and truth in all we do. [01:05:04]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Identify one area in your community where you can be a light. What practical steps can you take this week to engage and influence this area for good?

Day 4: Embracing Hope, Humility, and Wisdom
Hope, humility, and wisdom are central themes in Daniel's story and provide guidance for believers navigating life in a world that may be hostile to their beliefs. By embodying these qualities, Christians can maintain their faith and integrity while influencing those around them. Daniel's life demonstrates how hope in God's promises, humility in service, and wisdom in decision-making can lead to impactful living. [44:47]

James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How can you incorporate more hope, humility, and wisdom into your decision-making process moving forward?

Day 5: Carrying God's Presence
As believers, we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. This empowers us to be salt and light in our communities, bringing God's goodness and light to those around us. Daniel's story reminds us that God's presence is with us, empowering us to live out our faith boldly and confidently. This assurance encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that we are never alone in our journey. [01:07:50]

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

Reflection: How can you be more aware of God's presence in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to spread the fragrance of Christ in your community this week?

Quotes

1) "Now I want you to imagine that somehow through no choice or fault of your own, you are removed from this country and put into a foreign country that has a very different political system. a very different culture, a very different religious system, a very different social ethic. Like, everything is different. Not just different, it's like opposite of what you are used to and what you believe and are comfortable with. I want you to imagine that not only are you in this foreign country, but again, through no choice of your own, through no fault of your own, you are actually forced to work for that government and that culture and that system. How are you, as a God -fearing Jesus follower, going to navigate that challenge?" [38:15] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Well, the good news is this is not a new problem. If you have read God's Word, the Bible, a lot of it, like I didn't take the time to like figure out what percentage, but a lot of it is written to people who believe in God and who are not in power. In fact, they are under some other power that is not of God. A lot of the Bible is written to basically the concept of people in exile. Exile might be in a foreign land like Assyria or Nineveh, which is Assyria, or Babylon or Persia, or it could be exile in your own land, think like Jesus and the disciples, where Rome is taking over." [42:46] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "I have been thinking about Daniel for a while now, and just his situation and his story, and I want you to think about Daniel for a while now, and trying to figure out, like, how did he go from being a slave captive with no rights to having such power and privilege? Like, obviously, he stayed true to himself because he's in the Bible. He stayed true to his beliefs because he's in the Bible, and he's listed as a hero of the faith. And obviously, he played the game, and he played politics, and he got along. Somehow, he did both of those. How did he do that?" [44:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So this is how our book starts. A foreign king, the enemy, the bad guys, and if you followed us through our Minor Prophets series, when God says, I'm going to use Babylon, to correct you, it's like, whoa, whoa, I know we're bad, but like, them? They're way worse. And on a scale of good to evil, they're exponentially more evil than Israel and Judah, even on their bad days. And God allows, according to Daniel, God allows Nebuchadnezzar to come, besiege the city, take over, take the best of the best, including the stuff, and take them to Babylon and for his own good." [48:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The good news is that the exile often tends to infuse communities with new creative energy. that rises to meet the challenges of the new cultural circumstances. Imagine a community as in a church. Imagine a community of people who knew how to wisely navigate their daily lives even when they were not in control. Imagine a community that cared for the people who were in control, not as a manipulation tactic, but as caring for the image of God in someone. Imagine a community who remembered, believed, and lived as if they really believed that God is in control of who is in control." [01:08:54] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Remember that Daniel, Azariah, Mishael, and Hananiah can become Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Belteshazzar and still have influence and still wisely navigate no -win situations and still honor the image of God in those around them and in so doing, honor their God. And that thousands of years later, because of it, we can be learning from it." [01:10:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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