Living for God: Lessons from the Book of Daniel

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty in World Events

The Book of Daniel is a powerful testament to God's control over world events. Daniel's prophecies, which were fulfilled with astonishing precision, demonstrate that God is not only aware of the future but actively orchestrates it. These prophecies include the fall of Babylon, the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, the conquests of Alexander the Great, and the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The accuracy of these prophecies assures us that God's word is true and trustworthy, providing a solid foundation for our faith. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint confirms that these prophecies were written well in advance, silencing skeptics and reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. [45:38]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

Reflection: How does knowing that God is in control of world events affect your trust in Him during uncertain times? Can you identify a current event and pray for God's will to be done in that situation?

Day 2: Commitment to God in a Pagan World

Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in a foreign land, is a powerful example for us. Despite being surrounded by pagan practices and the temptations of the king's delicacies, Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself. His steadfastness in faith allowed him to be used mightily by God, serving as an advisor to kings and bringing God's truth into a dark world. This teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God, regardless of our circumstances, and the impact that a dedicated life can have on those around us. [01:17:44]

Daniel 1:8 (ESV): "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to conform to the world's standards? How can you purpose in your heart to remain faithful to God in those areas today?

Day 3: Holding Fast to Our God-Given Identity

The story of Daniel reminds us of the importance of holding fast to our God-given identity. The enemy's goal is to change our identity from children of God to something far less. Daniel's name, meaning "God is my judge," reflects his unwavering commitment to live a life that glorifies God. Despite the pressures to conform to the Babylonian culture, Daniel remained true to his identity in God. This teaches us that our true worth and purpose are found in our relationship with God, and we must not allow the world to redefine who we are. [01:19:40]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to conform to the world's standards? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ today?

Day 4: Prophecy as a Faith Strengthener

Prophecy is not just about predicting the future; it serves to strengthen our faith by showing us that God's word is indeed His word. Jesus Himself used prophecy to assure His disciples of His divinity and mission. The detailed prophecies in the Book of Daniel, which have been fulfilled with precision, provide a solid foundation for our faith. They remind us that God is in control and that His word is true and trustworthy. This understanding should encourage us to delve deeper into Scripture and trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives. [54:54]

John 13:19 (ESV): "I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he."

Reflection: How has prophecy in the Bible strengthened your faith in the past? Can you find a specific prophecy in Scripture to study and reflect on how it demonstrates God's sovereignty?

Day 5: God's Desire for Relationship

God created us on purpose and desires a relationship with us. He has given us His word so that we might know Him, His mind, His heart, and His will. The Book of Daniel reveals the profound relationship one can have with God, as seen in Daniel's life and ministry. Our goal is not just to believe in God but to know Him deeply and walk in His ways. This relationship with God is the foundation of our faith and the source of our true identity and purpose. [52:25]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to know Him more intimately and walk in His ways?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we embark on an exciting journey through the Book of Daniel, a text rich with historical events and prophetic revelations. Daniel, a young Jewish boy taken captive to Babylon, lived an extraordinary life spanning 70 years, serving as an advisor to multiple kings and empires. His life and ministry are a testament to God's sovereignty and the power of living a life dedicated to God, even in a pagan world.

Daniel's prophecies are astonishingly detailed and have been fulfilled with exquisite precision. He foretold the fall of Babylon, the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, the rapid conquests of Alexander the Great, and the eventual rise and fall of the Roman Empire. These prophecies were so accurate that skeptics have argued they must have been written after the events occurred. However, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint provides empirical evidence that these prophecies were indeed written well in advance.

Daniel's life reveals the profound relationship one can have with God. His name, meaning "God is my judge," reflects his unwavering commitment to live a life that glorifies God. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's delicacies or the pagan practices around him. This commitment to God allowed him to be used mightily, serving as an advisor to kings and bringing God's truth into a dark, pagan world.

The Book of Daniel is not just a historical account but a prophetic revelation that spans from 605 BC to the second coming of Jesus Christ. It provides a comprehensive view of world history and connects Gentile and Jewish history, showing God's sovereign purposes. It also serves as a key to understanding other biblical prophecies, including those in the Book of Revelation.

As we study Daniel, we are reminded that God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic. His prophecies assure us that His word is true and trustworthy. They also show us that God desires a relationship with us and has given us His word so that we might know Him. Let us be inspired by Daniel's life to live for God, to know Him deeply, and to trust in His sovereign plan.

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Key Takeaways

1. timidLU&t=2738s'>[45:38]
2. Living for God in a Pagan World: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in a foreign land, shows us the power of living a life dedicated to God. His refusal to defile himself with the king's delicacies or pagan practices serves as a model for us to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of our circumstances.

3. The Importance of Identity: The enemy's goal is to change our identity from children of God to something far less. Daniel's story reminds us to hold fast to our God-given identity and not be conformed to the world's standards. Our true worth and purpose are found in our relationship with God.

4. The Role of Prophecy in Strengthening Faith: Prophecy is not just about predicting the future; it serves to strengthen our faith by showing us that God's word is indeed His word. Jesus Himself used prophecy to assure His disciples of His divinity and mission.

5. God's Desire for Relationship: God created us on purpose and desires a relationship with us. He has given us His word so that we might know Him, His mind, His heart, and His will. Our goal is not just to believe in God but to know Him deeply and walk in His ways.

### [45:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:45] - Kids Games Summer Camp
[18:40] - Summer Nights Events
[20:11] - Men's Barbecue and Integrity Talk
[21:32] - Introduction to the Book of Daniel
[22:01] - Daniel's Captivity and Ministry
[23:43] - Historical Context of Daniel
[25:31] - Daniel's Relationship with God
[26:18] - Structure of the Book of Daniel
[27:30] - Prophecies in Daniel
[31:43] - Alexander the Great and Daniel's Prophecies
[35:43] - Rise and Fall of Empires
[38:06] - Prophecy of the Messiah
[40:22] - Future Prophecies
[45:38] - Skeptics and the Dead Sea Scrolls
[51:40] - God's Relationship with Us
[54:54] - Purpose of Prophecy
[57:24] - Comprehensive View of World History
[60:13] - Beginning of Daniel Chapter 1
[71:01] - God's Sovereignty in Babylon
[77:44] - Daniel's Commitment to God
[79:40] - The Importance of Identity
[90:04] - Daniel's Legacy and Our Call
[92:31] - Closing and Prayer for Fathers

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What significant event marks the beginning of Daniel's story in Babylon? (Daniel 1:1-2)
How did Daniel and his friends respond to the king's provision of food and wine? (Daniel 1:8)
According to the sermon, what was the significance of the names given to Daniel and his friends by the Babylonians? [01:19:40]
What does Isaiah 46:9-10 reveal about God's nature and His control over history?

Interpretation Questions

Why did Daniel choose not to defile himself with the king's delicacies, and what does this decision reveal about his character and faith? (Daniel 1:8)
How does the prophecy in Isaiah 46:9-10 support the idea of God's sovereignty as discussed in the sermon? [46:03]
In what ways does the concept of the Logos in John 1:1-3 relate to the sermon’s discussion on the complexity and intentionality of creation? [01:24:29]
How does the changing of Daniel and his friends' names reflect the enemy's attempt to alter their identity, and what can we learn from their response? [01:19:40]

Application Questions

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's food. Are there areas in your life where you need to make a similar commitment to avoid defilement? What steps can you take to stay true to your faith? [01:17:44]
The sermon emphasized the importance of holding fast to our God-given identity. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ, especially when the world tries to redefine you? [01:21:40]
Reflecting on Isaiah 46:9-10, how can you trust in God's sovereignty in the midst of current world events or personal challenges? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in God's control over your life? [46:03]
The sermon mentioned that God desires a deep relationship with us. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? Consider setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, or worship. [52:25]
Prophecy was highlighted as a means to strengthen faith. How can you use the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible to bolster your trust in God's word and promises? [54:54]
Daniel's story shows the power of living a life dedicated to God in a pagan world. How can you be a light in your workplace, school, or community, and what challenges might you face in doing so? [01:17:44]
The sermon discussed the importance of knowing God's will through His word. What specific Bible passages or books will you commit to studying in the coming weeks to better understand God's will for your life? [53:23]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "God created you to have a relationship with you. Secondly, it shows us Daniel shows us that God gave us his word so that we could know him. I want you to know God doesn't want you to believe in him. Big deal like even a poodle knows there's a God, right? Like it's obvious, right? The goal isn't to believe in God. The goal is to know him and so God gave us his word that we might know his mind, that we might know his heart, that we might know his will." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God has asked us to walk with him by what? By faith. God has asked us to love him by what? By faith. And I don't know about you but I have a hard time loving people who I can see. How much harder of a time do I have loving a God who I cannot see? How do you do that? And so God has given us prophecy to show this isn't just any word. This is my word. I tell the end from the beginning so that you might know that this isn't written by man. This is my word, the same word that spoke you and the universe into existence." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The goal of the enemy is to change our identity from a child of God into something far less. And that is the goal of the enemy in a pagan world. And it's happening today everywhere. I want you to know you are not an accident. You were designed by God. Before he ever created you. And then you were created by God. And not only were you created by God, but you were created for God." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Daniel valued his relationship with God so much. That Daniel purposed in his heart to live for God. And to not be defiled by the worldly trappings that would change his identity. From a child of God into something else. One of the best verses in chapter 1 in the Bible. Daniel purposed in his heart to live for God. To not be defiled. Shaped. Molded by the things of the world. And may it be so with us. May it be so with me. May it be so with you." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Your identity is not tied to fame or status. Or wealth or sexual preference. Here we are. We are losing our identity so bad. We don't even identify anymore as male or female. We're just losing our identity. And now in our public school system in Carlsbad. They are putting kitty litter in the bathrooms. For children who identify as furries. Because their identity in God has been stripped. And replaced. And that was Babylon's plan with these men." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Daniel's life reveals to us just how marvelous of a relationship a man can have with God if he chooses to walk in his ways and it is my hope that as we study it it inspires you to know God as Daniel did. Now the book of Daniel is an interesting layout it's 12 chapters and the first 6 chapters are largely historical talking about the events of the world the events of Daniel's life the things that were going on in the kingdom and in those historical first 6 chapters there are the most epic stories that you can imagine." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Daniel prophesied the fall of Babylon which is amazing because he's only Babylon is just about to fall he's coming into world power at this time he prophesies the fall of Babylon he also prophesies the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire that will overthrow Babylon and become the most powerful nation on the earth Babylon was the most powerful nation on the earth and then the Medo-Persian Empire will come in and overthrow them and Daniel prophesied all that." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Daniel prophesied that the Messiah not only the day he would ride in but he prophesied that after he rode in he would be killed and not for himself but for the sins of the people amazing prophecies happened exactly as he said Daniel prophesied the Roman Jewish war of 66 to 70 A.D. in which 1.1 million Jews were killed by the Romans all of these prophecies that I have just mentioned all of them have been fulfilled with exquisitely exquisite detail exactly as Daniel prophesied just amazing." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Not only does prophecy help us ensure that God's word is the word of God, but God's prophecy also shows us that God is sovereign over the affairs of this crazy world. When we look at the world and we see these evil rulers who get away with incredible things and aren't held accountable, and we think, where is God in all that? Well, the Bible gives us prophecy to show that God will even use these pagan kings and rulers and bring everything into his fruition. Even those who are against him, God is still sovereign over all of it." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Daniel shows us that God will fulfill all his sovereign purposes on the earth. So with that rambling introduction, I hope it was helpful. I hope it gives you an understanding of where we're going. Let's jump in to a little few verses of Daniel. We won't be able to cover the whole first chapter, but let's jump in and we'll get our feet wet. In this book, Daniel chapter one, hopefully you already found it and put a bookmark there." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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