Transformative Missions: Living Faithfully in a Hostile World

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Short-Term Missions

Short-term mission trips are not just about providing financial aid; they are about embodying the Great Commission and fostering spiritual growth among participants. These trips have a profound impact on the receiving nation, the host organization, and the team members themselves. They provide encouragement to isolated missionaries and create a ripple effect that can last for years. By participating in these missions, individuals sow seeds of faith and support the global church, making a lasting difference in the lives of many. [16:22]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to serve others, whether locally or abroad. How did this experience impact your faith and your understanding of the Great Commission? How can you continue to support and encourage missionaries in your daily life?

Day 2: Living in a Hostile Culture

Daniel's life in Babylon serves as a metaphor for our own experiences in a world that often opposes godly wisdom. Just as Daniel faced ungodly decisions and their consequences, we too must navigate a culture that does not honor God. Our response should be one of prayer and obedience, recognizing that the kingdoms of this world will always be in conflict with the Kingdom of God. By following Daniel's example, we can remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances. [20:21]

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt pressured to conform to societal norms that contradict your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Daniel's example to better navigate such situations in the future?

Day 3: The Danger of Lukewarm Christianity

God desires full devotion and obedience, not a lukewarm faith that merely goes through the motions. A lukewarm Christian becomes the temperature of whoever they are around, lacking true commitment. We must strive to live according to God's standards, not societal norms, and ensure that our faith is a daily commitment, not just a Sunday ritual. This requires intentionality and a willingness to examine our spiritual lives regularly, seeking to grow closer to God and live out our faith authentically. [49:43]

Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have been lukewarm in your faith. What steps can you take today to reignite your passion for God and live out your faith more fully?

Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Maturity

The spiritually immature will always gravitate towards darkness. We are called to grow in our faith and use our giftings to impact the world around us. Waiting for a few prominent leaders to do all the work is not enough; God needs each of us to be active participants in His mission. By maturing spiritually, we can better discern God's will, resist temptation, and be effective witnesses for Christ. This growth requires dedication, study, and a willingness to step out in faith and serve others. [35:07]

Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Consider your current level of spiritual maturity. What specific steps can you take to grow in your faith and use your gifts to serve others more effectively?

Day 5: Praying for Transformation

Instead of complaining about the state of our nation or our personal circumstances, we should be fervently praying for God's intervention. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change in our lives and in the world. We are called to be a praying church, seeking God's wisdom and will to shape our nation and our communities. By committing to prayer, we can align our hearts with God's purposes and trust in His ability to bring about transformation. [26:58]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: Think of a specific issue in your community or nation that deeply concerns you. How can you commit to praying for God's intervention and wisdom in this area, and what practical steps can you take to be part of the solution?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's message delved into the profound impact of short-term mission trips and the spiritual lessons from Daniel's life in Babylon. We began by addressing a common question: why invest in short-term missions? The answer lies in the transformative power these trips have on the receiving nation, the host organization, and the team members themselves. These missions are not just about financial aid but about embodying the Great Commission, providing encouragement to isolated missionaries, and fostering spiritual growth among the participants.

We then transitioned to the story of Daniel, who lived in a culture that was hostile to his faith. Daniel's experience under King Nebuchadnezzar's rule serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives. Just as Daniel faced ungodly decisions and their consequences, we too live in a world where earthly wisdom often prevails over godly wisdom. The key takeaway is that the kingdoms of this world will always be in conflict with the Kingdom of God, and our response should be one of prayer and obedience rather than complaint.

The message also challenged us to examine our own spiritual lives. Are we living as true disciples of Christ, or are we merely going through the motions? The concept of lukewarm Christianity was explored, emphasizing that God desires full devotion and obedience. We were reminded that our faith should not be a mere Sunday ritual but a daily commitment to live according to God's standards, not societal norms.

Finally, we were encouraged to be lightbearers in a dark world, to press on in our spiritual journey, and to pray fervently for those who do not yet know Christ. The call to action was clear: put the oars back in the water, press against the current, and live a life fully surrendered to God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Term Missions**: Short-term mission trips are not just about financial aid but about embodying the Great Commission. They provide encouragement to isolated missionaries and foster spiritual growth among participants, creating a ripple effect that can last for years. These trips are a powerful way to sow seeds of faith and support the global church. [16:22]
2. Living in a Hostile Culture: Daniel's life in Babylon serves as a metaphor for our own experiences in a world that often opposes godly wisdom. Just as Daniel faced ungodly decisions and their consequences, we too must navigate a culture that does not honor God. Our response should be one of prayer and obedience, recognizing that the kingdoms of this world will always be in conflict with the Kingdom of God.

3. The Danger of Lukewarm Christianity: God desires full devotion and obedience, not a lukewarm faith that merely goes through the motions. A lukewarm Christian becomes the temperature of whoever they are around, lacking true commitment. We must strive to live according to God's standards, not societal norms, and ensure that our faith is a daily commitment, not just a Sunday ritual.

4. The Importance of Spiritual Maturity: The spiritually immature will always gravitate towards darkness. We are called to grow in our faith and use our giftings to impact the world around us. Waiting for a few prominent leaders to do all the work is not enough; God needs each of us to be active participants in His mission.

5. Praying for Transformation: Instead of complaining about the state of our nation or our personal circumstances, we should be fervently praying for God's intervention. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change in our lives and in the world. We are called to be a praying church, seeking God's wisdom and will to shape our nation and our communities.

### [16:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Question of Short-Term Missions
[02:30] - Impact on the Receiving Nation
[04:15] - Encouragement for Host Organizations
[06:00] - Transformation of Team Members
[08:00] - Introduction to Daniel's Story
[10:30] - Daniel's Challenge with Nebuchadnezzar
[13:00] - Ungodly Decisions and Their Consequences
[15:45] - The Conflict Between Earthly and Godly Wisdom
[18:00] - The Danger of Lukewarm Christianity
[20:30] - Spiritual Maturity and Using Our Giftings
[23:00] - The Power of Prayer Over Complaints
[25:00] - Living as Lightbearers in a Dark World
[27:00] - Call to Action: Pressing On in Faith
[29:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 2:19-23 (NIV) — > "During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: 'Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.'"

2. Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
> "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

3. Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)
> "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Observation Questions

What was the reaction of Daniel when God revealed the mystery of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream to him? (Daniel 2:19-23)
According to Matthew 7:21, who will enter the kingdom of heaven?
In Revelation 3:15-16, what does Jesus say about those who are lukewarm in their faith?

Interpretation Questions

How does Daniel's response to God's revelation in Daniel 2:19-23 demonstrate his faith and trust in God? How can this be applied to our own lives when facing challenges? [20:21]
What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7:21 when He says that only those who do the will of His Father will enter the kingdom of heaven? How does this challenge the concept of "lukewarm Christianity"? [49:43]
Why does Jesus express a preference for people to be either hot or cold rather than lukewarm in Revelation 3:15-16? What are the dangers of being a lukewarm Christian? [50:55]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Daniel's life, how can you remain faithful and obedient to God in a culture that often opposes godly wisdom? What specific steps can you take to ensure your faith remains strong? [20:21]
Jesus emphasizes the importance of doing the will of His Father in Matthew 7:21. What are some practical ways you can ensure you are living out God's will in your daily life? [49:43]
The sermon discussed the transformative power of short-term missions. Have you ever participated in a mission trip or similar service? How did it impact your faith and perspective? If not, is this something you feel called to explore? [16:22]
The concept of lukewarm Christianity was highlighted in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you feel you might be "lukewarm"? What changes can you make to become more fervent in your faith? [50:55]
The sermon encouraged us to be lightbearers in a dark world. Identify one specific way you can be a light in your community or workplace this week. How can you share God's love and truth with those around you? [33:47]
Prayer was emphasized as a powerful tool for transformation. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? Is there a specific person or situation you feel led to pray for fervently? [26:58]
The sermon challenged us to examine our spiritual maturity. What steps can you take to grow in your faith and use your giftings to impact the world around you? How can you move from being a passive believer to an active participant in God's mission? [35:07]

Sermon Clips

1. "We often underestimate the transformation experienced by those who answer the call to serve. The Holy Spirit works within them so that when they return to their home church, they've experienced something that shifts their hearts for greater acts of service in the future. These experiences nurture strength. They're stronger discipleship, fostering a deeper commitment to serving others. A healthy missions ministry at a church is both sowing and sending, financially supporting good works, and sending workers into the fields to help with the harvest." [16:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The kingdoms of this world will always be in direct conflict with the kingdom of God. Now, you guys might say, that's a no-brainer. Of course I know that. But you know what I find really sad is that we're living in a day and time where we complain more than we pray. It's awful quiet in the second service. Are y'all with me still? If a nation is off mission, look in the mirror and ask God for what part you should play in restoring it." [21:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Bible makes it really clear that to live a life for God is to live a life surrendered to him, which means I have to be obedient to what he calls me to do and not to do. And there's a lie that many of us have bought into that just because you prayed a prayer or just because you asked him in your heart or just because you attend a service that all of a sudden when you get to heaven, there will be no repercussions for what you did or didn't do to be obedient." [22:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The most basic definition of atheism I've ever heard in my life a couple of years ago is not what you think. Most people think the basic definition of atheism is somebody who hates God, doesn't believe there's a God, thinks that science will destroy anybody's argument. If you try to tell me you're a Christian. I'm ready to beat you and tell you how dumb you are. That's a symptom of atheism. But the basic definition, the most elementary definition of atheism is somebody who truly believes with all their heart that they will not give an account for their life when they die." [23:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The greatest problem I see in church today is that we're a kingdom people trying to understand God with a democratic mindset. Did you hear that murmuring as it went across the crowd? This is a kingdom. Listen, listen. God was not elected and he's not up for election or reelection. He wasn't appointed. He wasn't appointed. He wasn't voted in. He can't be impeached. We're a kingdom people, but sometimes we approach God with a democratic mindset like, I'll obey that if I feel like it." [27:42] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If you're stronger in your walk with God than a sinner is in their sin, you'll control the atmosphere. But the opposite is true. If you're weaker in your walk with God than that sinner is in their sin, darkness will always prevail. And listen, listen. The spiritually immature and weak will always gravitate to darkness. Are y'all getting this? Some of you are mad at me. Yeah, I'm getting it. But see, this is why I need you to get out of baby Christianity. We want you to grow up in the faith because we need your giftings." [34:47] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The Western church has too long substituted training the saints for battle for having a pleasurable experience. Look, if you guys are like, oh, he's talking about his church. I love this church, and I believe that we stand on the right values, but I have been to many churches, and I got to be honest with you, so many of them in the last 10, 15 years have substituted what they should be doing, which is training up the saints for battle. Instead, their main goal is to make sure you have a pleasurable experience." [36:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The culture shock I'm most worried about in today's churches is not how you will survive out there in that ungodly society, but are we a people living like the world, and on the day of Christ's return, many will find they have never been a part of God's kingdom culture to be. The culture shock I'm most worried about is the one that will come for many believers on the day of judgment, when they realize they lived unclean people, and are commanded to depart from his presence." [37:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The early church was countercultural, right? Do you know what a counterculture is? Let me tell you what a counterculture is. There's the big culture and a counterculture. No matter if the big culture at a time decides they move this way, this is right, this is wrong, this is moral, this is not right. We're going to pass this law. We're not going to do this. We're no longer going to embrace this. This is okay now. A counterculture doesn't move because they're anchored by something else. Are you with me?" [41:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The culture shock I don't want any person in this room to feel, listen to me, listen. The culture shock I don't want any person to feel in this room is not the one where you go out into a sin-soaked world and it wars against your soul. The culture shock I'm worried about is that you think with all your heart you're walking with God, and on the day of judgment, you realize the culture you've been embracing is you with your oars up going the wrong direction. Still pointing into heaven, but you ain't going that way." [53:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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