Thriving in a Foreign Culture: Lessons from Daniel
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about thriving in a foreign culture, drawing lessons from the book of Daniel. Despite being written around 3,000 years ago, the story of Daniel is incredibly relevant to our lives today. Daniel and his friends were taken as captives to Babylon, a dominant and hostile culture, yet they thrived. This story challenges us to consider how we can remain anchored in our Christian faith amidst the rapid cultural changes we face today.
The first key truth from Daniel is that God is in control. Even when Jerusalem was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, it was part of God's plan. God used Nebuchadnezzar to shake up political structures and challenge religious complacency. Despite the chaos and evil in the world, God remains sovereign and uses even the most unlikely people and events to fulfill His purposes.
The second truth is that God always has a people. Throughout history, even in the darkest times, God has preserved a remnant. Whether it's the underground church in China or believers in North Korea, God’s people continue to thrive despite persecution. Daniel and his friends maintained their identity and devotion to God, refusing to be assimilated into Babylonian culture. They thrived because they lived by God's values, not the world's.
The third truth is that God has a plan. Daniel remained in royal service until the reign of King Cyrus, witnessing the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70-year exile. This shows that God’s plans are precise and purposeful. The chaotic events in our world are not without meaning; they are part of God's grand design. Jesus foretold that wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the beginning of birth pains, signaling the coming of God's kingdom.
In conclusion, we are called to be the people of God, thriving in whatever culture or environment we find ourselves in. We must remember that God is in control, He has a people, and He has a plan. Let us live with the confidence that we are part of His divine purpose, shining as lights in a dark world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is in Control: Despite the apparent chaos and evil in the world, God remains sovereign. He uses even the most unlikely people and events to fulfill His purposes. This truth should give us confidence and peace, knowing that nothing happens outside of God's control. [10:52]
2. God Always Has a People: Throughout history, God has preserved a remnant of faithful believers, even in the darkest times. Whether it's the underground church in China or believers in North Korea, God's people continue to thrive despite persecution. This reminds us that we are never alone in our faith journey. [19:23]
3. Maintaining Identity and Devotion: Daniel and his friends thrived in Babylon because they maintained their identity and devotion to God. They refused to be assimilated into the culture around them, living by God's values instead. This teaches us the importance of staying true to our faith, even when it conflicts with societal norms. [23:50]
4. God Has a Plan: The events in our world are not random; they are part of God's grand design. Daniel witnessed the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70-year exile, showing that God's plans are precise and purposeful. This should encourage us to trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan for our lives. [28:42]
5. Living with Purpose: We are called to be the people of God, thriving in whatever culture or environment we find ourselves in. By living with the confidence that we are part of God's divine purpose, we can shine as lights in a dark world. This involves being devoted to prayer, the Word, and living out our faith daily. [31:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:57] - Introduction to Daniel
[05:24] - The Challenge of Cultural Change
[06:31] - Teenage Faith in a Hostile Culture
[07:39] - Three Great Truths from Daniel
[08:34] - God is in Control
[12:49] - Shaking Political Structures
[18:17] - God Always Has a People
[23:04] - Maintaining Identity and Devotion
[27:57] - God Has a Plan
[31:58] - Living with Purpose
[35:39] - The Coming Kingdom
[40:01] - A Glorious Future
[43:08] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[44:21] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Thriving in a Foreign Culture
#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 1:1-2 - "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god."
2. Jeremiah 25:8-12 - "Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: ‘Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will make it desolate forever.’"
3. Matthew 24:6-8 - "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event does Daniel 1:1-2 describe, and how does it relate to God's sovereignty? [08:34]
2. According to Jeremiah 25:8-12, why did God allow Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem? [09:36]
3. In Matthew 24:6-8, what does Jesus say about the signs of the end times, and how should believers respond? [35:39]
4. How did Daniel and his friends maintain their identity and devotion to God while in Babylon? [23:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Daniel illustrate that God is in control, even in chaotic circumstances? [10:52]
2. What does the preservation of a remnant throughout history, as mentioned in the sermon, teach us about God's faithfulness? [19:23]
3. How can the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70-year exile encourage us to trust in God's timing and plans? [28:42]
4. What does it mean to live with purpose in a culture that often conflicts with Christian values? [31:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the chaos in the world. How can the truth that "God is in control" bring you peace in such situations? [10:52]
2. Have you ever felt isolated in your faith journey? How does knowing that "God always has a people" encourage you to stay faithful? [19:23]
3. Daniel and his friends refused to be assimilated into Babylonian culture. What are some practical ways you can maintain your Christian identity in today's society? [23:50]
4. God's plans are precise and purposeful. How can you remind yourself to trust in God's timing, especially when facing uncertainty? [28:42]
5. Living with purpose involves being devoted to prayer, the Word, and living out our faith daily. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your devotion in these areas? [31:58]
6. How can you be a light in your community, shining with the confidence that you are part of God's divine purpose? [27:10]
7. Think of a current cultural challenge you are facing. How can the lessons from Daniel help you navigate this challenge while staying true to your faith? [06:31]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Sovereignty in Chaos
Description: Despite the apparent chaos and evil in the world, God remains sovereign. The story of Daniel illustrates that even when Jerusalem was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, it was part of God's plan. God used Nebuchadnezzar to shake up political structures and challenge religious complacency. This truth should give us confidence and peace, knowing that nothing happens outside of God's control. In our own lives, we may face situations that seem chaotic and out of control, but we can trust that God is working through them to fulfill His purposes. [10:52]
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: Think of a situation in your life that feels chaotic or out of control. How can you trust in God’s sovereignty and find peace in knowing that He is in control?
Day 2: God’s Faithful Remnant
Description: Throughout history, God has preserved a remnant of faithful believers, even in the darkest times. Whether it's the underground church in China or believers in North Korea, God's people continue to thrive despite persecution. Daniel and his friends maintained their identity and devotion to God, refusing to be assimilated into Babylonian culture. This reminds us that we are never alone in our faith journey. We are part of a larger community of believers who are committed to living out God's values, no matter the cost. [19:23]
1 Kings 19:18 (ESV): "Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt isolated in your faith. How can the knowledge that God always preserves a remnant of faithful believers encourage you today?
Day 3: Maintaining Identity and Devotion
Description: Daniel and his friends thrived in Babylon because they maintained their identity and devotion to God. They refused to be assimilated into the culture around them, living by God's values instead. This teaches us the importance of staying true to our faith, even when it conflicts with societal norms. In a world that often pressures us to conform, we must remember to hold fast to our Christian identity and values. By doing so, we can thrive spiritually and be a witness to others. [23:50]
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 one area in your life where you feel pressured to conform to societal norms. How can you maintain your Christian identity and values in that area?
Day 4: Trusting in God’s Plan
Description: The events in our world are not random; they are part of God's grand design. Daniel witnessed the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70-year exile, showing that God's plans are precise and purposeful. This should encourage us to trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan for our lives. Even when we don't understand why certain things happen, we can have faith that God is working everything out according to His perfect plan. [28:42]
Jeremiah 29:10-11 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think about a situation where you are struggling to understand God’s plan. How can you trust in His timing and purpose for your life?
Day 5: Living with Purpose
Description: We are called to be the people of God, thriving in whatever culture or environment we find ourselves in. By living with the confidence that we are part of God's divine purpose, we can shine as lights in a dark world. This involves being devoted to prayer, the Word, and living out our faith daily. When we understand that we are part of God's grand design, we can live with a sense of purpose and direction, making a positive impact on those around us. [31:58]
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: How can you live out your faith in a way that shines as a light to those around you? What specific actions can you take today to reflect God’s love and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The challenges of living what it is to be a follower of Jesus. I got saved when I was nine years old. But in my teenage years, like many of our teenagers, like my three children, when they went through their teenage years, I had those moments where to be a Christian and to be in secondary school is one of the toughest things to do in life. It's harder today than ever. I found it tough. I was one thing on a Sunday and Friday night at youth and something else Monday to Friday tea time in school. Because it's tough. Because nowhere else than your teenage years does faith collide with culture as strongly." [05:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is in control. I thought that deserved a far better response than that, Marie. I mean, they got more response with the notices than I got with that one. I mean, I'll try it. On Tuesday night is the prayer meeting. God is in control. You know, just God is in control. Only just beat the prayer meeting, you know." [08:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We thrive when we live on the word. We thrive when we spend time with the spirit and drink the wine of the spirit. We thrive when we commune with God. We thrive when we live in abiding with him. Jesus said abide in me and I will abide in you. And you will bear much fruit. It's not rocket science. Walk with Jesus in the culture and we will be fruitful." [25:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God has a people. He had four guys we know of. In Babylon. Who had an influence. And Nebuchadnezzar tries to assimilate Daniel and his friends into Babylonian culture. And to Babylonian religion. And in so doing he's trying to dilute their identity and their devotion and their courage. As you can see on the screen it says that Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." [23:04] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's got a plan that cannot be thwarted by evil tyrants, by rogue governments or ungodly religions. God's got a plan. Ephesians 3, verses 10 to 11, Paul says this. His intent was that now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." [34:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The hard circumstances of the people of Israel in Babylon was not a sign that God had abandoned them, but a sign that God was purifying them. That the reason he'd had to send in Nebuchadnezzar, he's now been working on them and he can send them home. And they went home, by the way, under Nehemiah and Ezra. And what were the two things that were established? Ezra reads the word publicly for all the people. And Nehemiah goes back and rebuilds it. He builds the walls and then the temple. Because when God is reestablishing them, he's saying, let's get the right things right again. Because he's a God of renewal." [31:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Revival comes, it starts in the church. It starts with the people of God. And he's reviving prayer again. He's reviving the heart for the word. He's reviving the spirit. And he's reviving a heart for the lost. The stuff that's always been there since the very beginning of the church. Acts 2.42, they devoted themselves, the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. They devoted themselves. What happens in revival is God's children suddenly wake up and think, I've been devoted. I've been devoted to something else. I need to be devoted again to God." [31:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's got a plan. That word really well done. Thus saith Lord. God's got a plan that cannot be thwarted by evil tyrants, by rogue governments or ungodly religions. God's got a plan. Ephesians 3, verses 10 to 11, Paul says this. His intent was that now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. God's plan is the church. It's his plan A. He's invested everything in the church." [34:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The second part of Daniel, from Daniel chapter seven onwards, is the bit that's hard to understand, isn't it? It's all these dreams of funny creatures coming out the sea and out of each other. And it's a bit like Game of Thrones meets Star Wars. I loved your Dadalorian T-shirt, my friend, when you came up there. It's all those kind of things, isn't it? Funny creatures with funny things growing out their head. And it's, what's all this about? You know, and seven times this and seven times that. Is it a maths class or something? I don't know. Some of you have been round like me. You've seen the charts. You've seen the pictures. And this is going to happen. This is going to happen. Listen, I'll tell you what. God's got a plan." [34:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to tell you today, God has a people in North Korea today. I read some statistics recently, that more people are coming to faith today in North Korea than South Korea. And that's significant if you know the story of South Korea. We're going back 30 years, and the largest churches in the world were in South Korea. I've been to what was known as Yonggi Cho's Church in Seoul in South Korea. Full gospel church in Seoul. Went to a midweek service there some years ago when I was preaching in South Korea. South Korea was the epicenter of revival 30 years ago. But today it's the epicenter of commercialism and consumerism in the Far East. And secularism is on the increase in South Korea to the extent that more people are coming to faith in North Korea where successive generations of communist leaders have tried to crush the church." [22:33] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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