Standing Firm in Faith Amid Cultural Opposition
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of living as Christ followers in a culture that often opposes biblical values. We are reminded that as believers, we are not of this world, and the spirit of the world may come against us because of the spirit of Christ within us. This cultural opposition is not new; it has been present since the time of Jesus and continues today. We live in a post-Christian nation where biblical references are fading, and we must learn to be lights in a dark world, much like the city on a hill that Jesus described.
The Babylonian culture, originating from the city of Babel, represents defiance against God, the exaltation of man, and utter confusion. This is evident in our current society, marked by contention, self-exaltation, and disorder. As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently, to think, speak, and act in ways that reflect our heavenly citizenship. We are encouraged to have "even if" faith, like the three Hebrew children who refused to bow to the idols of their time, trusting God regardless of the outcome.
Daniel's story serves as a powerful example of making determinations before facing dilemmas. He chose to honor God with his life, even when it meant facing the lions' den. This determination allowed God to show up as his defender. We are challenged to make similar determinations in our lives, to stand firm in our faith, and to resist the idols of our culture. This includes honoring God with the first and best of our resources and developing a persistent prayer life.
In a world where faith may cost us, we are reminded that God is our ultimate defender. Whether we face deliverance or trials, our commitment to Christ remains steadfast. We are called to pray until we see breakthrough, trusting that God hears our prayers and will act in His perfect timing. As we navigate the challenges of our culture, let us make determinations that align with God's Word and live as citizens of His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Living as Lights in a Dark World: As believers, we are called to be lights in a world that often opposes biblical values. This requires us to live differently, reflecting our heavenly citizenship in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must stand firm in our faith, even when the culture around us is in defiance against God. [40:42]
2. The Power of "Even If" Faith: The story of the three Hebrew children teaches us the importance of having "even if" faith. This means trusting God regardless of the outcome, refusing to bow to cultural idols, and standing firm in our commitment to Him. Such faith is not conditional on God answering our prayers in the way we desire. [43:36]
3. Making Determinations Before Dilemmas: Daniel's example shows us the importance of making determinations before facing dilemmas. By deciding in advance to honor God, we allow Him to be our defender in times of trial. This proactive faith helps us navigate challenges with confidence and trust in God's deliverance. [46:07]
4. Honoring God with the First and Best: We are called to honor God with the first and best of our resources, including our time, talents, and treasures. This determination reflects our trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even in uncertain times. By prioritizing God, we align ourselves with His promises and experience His blessings. [02:23]
5. Persistent Prayer and Breakthrough: Developing a persistent prayer life is crucial for spiritual growth and breakthrough. Like Daniel, we must pray until we see God's intervention, trusting that our prayers are heard and will be answered in His perfect timing. This determination to pray continually strengthens our faith and aligns us with God's will. [06:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [38:36] - Introduction and Series Overview
- [39:00] - Cultural Opposition to Biblical Values
- [40:42] - Living as Lights in a Dark World
- [41:19] - Understanding Babylonian Culture
- [41:57] - Current Cultural Challenges
- [42:33] - Called to Live Differently
- [43:00] - Key Verse and "Even If" Faith
- [43:36] - The Story of the Three Hebrew Children
- [44:41] - Determination Before Dilemmas
- [46:07] - Daniel's Example of Faith
- [48:46] - Daniel's Dilemma and Faithfulness
- [51:15] - The Cost of Faith
- [52:16] - Making Determinations in Faith
- [55:37] - The Value of a Life Lived for God
- [56:19] - Standing Against Cultural Idols
- [02:23] - Honoring God with the First and Best
- [06:25] - Persistent Prayer and Breakthrough
- [01:13:49] - Invitation to Make a Determination
- [01:16:29] - Blessing and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2. Daniel 3:17-18 - "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
3. Daniel 6:10 - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the characteristics of the Babylonian culture as described in the sermon, and how do they relate to our current society? [41:19]
2. How did Daniel respond when he learned about the decree that could lead to his death? What does this reveal about his character? [49:45]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "even if" in the story of the three Hebrew children, and how does it reflect their faith? [43:36]
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways believers are called to live differently in a culture that opposes biblical values? [42:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "even if" faith challenge the idea of conditional faith, and what implications does this have for modern believers? [44:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that making determinations before facing dilemmas can impact a believer's life and faith journey? [46:07]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of persistent prayer in achieving spiritual breakthrough, and what can be learned from Daniel's example? [06:25]
4. What does it mean to honor God with the first and best of our resources, and how does this reflect trust in God's provision? [02:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced cultural pressure to compromise your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [39:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of "even if" faith. Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to trust God regardless of the outcome? How can you cultivate this kind of faith? [43:36]
3. Consider the determinations you have made in your life. Are there areas where you need to make new determinations to align more closely with God's Word? [46:07]
4. How can you practically honor God with the first and best of your resources this week? Identify one specific action you can take. [02:23]
5. What steps can you take to develop a more persistent prayer life? Identify a specific time and place where you can commit to regular prayer. [06:25]
6. In what ways can you be a light in your community, reflecting your heavenly citizenship in your thoughts, words, and actions? [40:42]
7. Identify one cultural "idol" that you are tempted to bow to. What practical steps can you take to resist this temptation and stand firm in your faith? [56:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Living as Lights in a World of Opposition
As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in a world that often opposes biblical values. This means living in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship, even when the culture around us is in defiance against God. The world may not understand or accept our values, but we are reminded that this opposition is not new. It has been present since the time of Jesus and continues today. Our challenge is to stand firm in our faith, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us in our thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we become like the city on a hill that Jesus described, offering hope and guidance to those around us. [40:42]
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: In what specific ways can you let your light shine in your community this week, especially in situations where biblical values are challenged?
Day 2: Embracing "Even If" Faith
The story of the three Hebrew children teaches us the importance of having "even if" faith. This type of faith is not conditional on God answering our prayers in the way we desire. Instead, it is a steadfast trust in God, regardless of the outcome. The three Hebrew children refused to bow to the cultural idols of their time, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to God. In our own lives, we are called to have this same kind of faith, trusting God even when the circumstances are uncertain or challenging. By doing so, we honor God and demonstrate our reliance on His sovereignty and goodness. [43:36]
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: What is one area in your life where you need to practice "even if" faith, trusting God regardless of the outcome?
Day 3: Determinations Before Dilemmas
Daniel's example shows us the importance of making determinations before facing dilemmas. By deciding in advance to honor God, we allow Him to be our defender in times of trial. Daniel's determination to remain faithful to God, even when faced with the lions' den, is a powerful example of proactive faith. This kind of faith helps us navigate challenges with confidence and trust in God's deliverance. As we face our own dilemmas, we are encouraged to make similar determinations, standing firm in our faith and resisting the idols of our culture. [46:07]
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 determination you can make today to honor God in your life, even before facing a potential challenge or dilemma?
Day 4: Honoring God with the First and Best
We are called to honor God with the first and best of our resources, including our time, talents, and treasures. This determination reflects our trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even in uncertain times. By prioritizing God, we align ourselves with His promises and experience His blessings. This act of honoring God is not just about giving but about recognizing His sovereignty and expressing our gratitude for His goodness. As we give our first and best to God, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and our reliance on His provision. [02:23]
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: How can you practically honor God with the first and best of your resources this week, whether it be your time, talents, or treasures?
Day 5: Persistent Prayer and Breakthrough
Developing a persistent prayer life is crucial for spiritual growth and breakthrough. Like Daniel, we must pray until we see God's intervention, trusting that our prayers are heard and will be answered in His perfect timing. This determination to pray continually strengthens our faith and aligns us with God's will. Persistent prayer is not just about asking for what we need but about building a relationship with God and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives. As we commit to a life of prayer, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence and His ability to bring about change in our circumstances. [06:25]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to commit to persistent prayer, trusting God for a breakthrough?
Quotes
1) "And so we are learning how to live, especially in the times, on the planet, in the history of the earth, that you're alive right now in American culture, which, by the way, America, the studies have been done, we are officially a post-Christian nation, which means the majority of people growing up in our country right now will have no reference to the Bible. The parents will not take the kids to church, the greater proportion of our nation, and it will be a memory, simply a memory, of when we were a Christian nation. Now, that is not to depress you, and I'm a glasshead, half-full or more than half-full kind of preacher." [40:06] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Lean in. You're called to think different. You're called to speak different. You're called to vote different, love different, give different, do everything different. Why? Because you're not from around here. You are from a heavenly kingdom. Help me preach. Come on at this last service today. I want to read together our key verse for this series. It'll come on the screen. Lift up your voice. Read with some passion. Here we go. But we are citizens of heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives and we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our savior. This is who we are. This is how we live." [42:33] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "When you make a determination before the dilemma, God shows up as your defender. Let me read it again. When you make a determination before the dilemma, God shows up as your defender. So we're going to fast forward and Daniel finds himself in another dilemma. And King Nebuchadnezzar, who exalted himself, there's a principle in the word. When you exalt self, you're going to be brought low. But when you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, he will exalt you in due season." [46:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "If you wait to the heat of the moment to figure out what your moral bearings are, if you wait to the heat of the moment to make a decision and you've got flesh and spirit and options and confusion, you can make some really dumb decisions in your life. But if you will predetermine what you're gonna do in the middle of the storm, how you're gonna respond, and today I wanna give you a couple of these that you can add to your spiritual repertoire and I believe they're gonna serve you well." [52:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "There is coming a separation in the future from the casual observers, from the spectator Christians and people of true faith. It's all through the word. There will be the light getting brighter and the darkness getting darker. There will be those that say, I'm going to stand for Jesus no matter what. And those who will deny their faith. As Jesus said in his prophecy in Matthew chapter 24, the love of many will grow cold. I'm challenging you today and calling you up to make some decisions before you get in the dilemma of what am I going to do about my faith." [54:12] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "A life lived for him that's cut short by years is much more precious than living with longevity with compromise and unnoticed by the world. Okay? And there's something that will be handed out. We don't understand the scope of it, but just lean in. In the book of Revelation, it talks about the crown of life or the martyr's crown given to those who've laid down their life. And so whether God delivers you by I pulled you out of the fire, I didn't let the lions eat you, I brought the healing to the stage four, I saved the marriage, or if you face trauma, trial, and death in this life, here's what you need to know. As long as I'm fully surrendered to the king with what if faith, either way you win. Either way you win." [55:17] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Determine you will stand, not bow to the idols of culture. And yeah, culture's always worshipped pop stars and rock stars and there's been various people that have fit the, you know, the image of an idol. But I want to talk to you about something else and here's what it is. I want to remind you of a fact we covered in the first week and here's what the fact is. The Babylonian spirit re-educates the followers of God and teaches them a new language. Remember, they gave them a new name or identity. They taught them a new language. They changed their diet or their intake and then they changed the object of their worship. So the Babylonian strategy remains the same." [56:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Anytime an ideology or a belief system exalts itself against the word of God and then presses on you for your allegiance, you're dealing with an idol, my friend. And you have to decide, will I bow to the idol of culture or am I clear on what the word of God says? See, the word says my people perish for a lack of knowledge. A lack of knowledge of the word. If you're being informed by culture as to your value system, you're already going downstream. Right? But here's the good news. You can say, God, show me in your word. I want to know you. I want to know what the word of God says about every issue so that I can stand." [58:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Determine you will honor God with the first and the best. This was a determination made by Daniel and every Hebrew follower and worshiper of Yahweh. Old and New Testament. And this idea that God deserves the first and the best, it's not just financial, although it is included. But the first and the best, means your time, your talent, your treasure, your gifting, your passion. You reach a point in your life where you realize it all belongs to him." [01:02:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Determine that you're going to pray until. Until. It's one thing to pray. It's one thing to pray convenient prayers. One thing to pray 911 prayers. And by the way, if you're in the middle of a crisis, let me give you a tip. The best thing you can do is cry out on the name of the Lord. If you're lost, found, broken, haven't been coming to church, man, when it all comes down, just lift your face to heaven and go, Jesus! That's a great place to start. But the kind of prayer I'm talking about is a determination that you're going to pray until the breakthrough comes." [01:06:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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