Class Lesson October 25, 2015 - New Series

GAME CHANGER:  

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR WORLD

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You can make an impact. Get in the game.

Because we are followers of Christ, we are to live by a different standard. To use a sports analogy, we play the game differently. Our lives point to Christ and that's a "Game Changer" not everyone is willing to accept. When we step into the culture with our prayers, stand against sin and for righteousness, and live a faithful life committed to Christ, we impact the world and the way "The Game" is played.

How To Impact Your World

1. Develop Conviction - Live your life with uncompromising conviction.
2. Pray Fervently - Our prayers connect us with God's plan.
3. Stand Courageously - Be ready and willing to stand for God.
4. Live Humbly - Pride leads to downfall, but God honors humility.
5. Confront Sin - Call sin what it is and point to what God says about it.
6. Act Faithfully - God is greater than those who oppose you.

Now, imagine being a young person, and you're suddenly taken from your family, friends, and country to a foreign land. You're taken not by choice, but as a captive. That certainly would be a Game Changer! That was what Daniel and some other Jewish young men experienced. For the next six weeks, we'll see how God used those four Hebrews to witness, speak to, and impact a pagan culture. 

If God used Daniel and his friends in such a tremendous way, He will use us the same way to impact and change our world today. As we study the Book of Daniel, I pray that God will speak to us and encourage us to "Get in the Game" and to be "Game Changers."

Develop Conviction

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Ever notice how your behavior changes depending on where you are? You’re expected to cheer and yell at a football game. People will think you’re bored or strange if you just sit on your hands when the home team scores a touchdown. But if you cheer and yell at an art museum, someone will probably call security.

The setting, the culture around us, often defines our behavior. But what do we do when that culture calls for us to act in ways that are just not right?

In this study, we’ll look at four young men—four teenagers—who were forced to answer that question. These teens were taken against their will to a new city, a new country, and a new culture. They were expected to embrace their new reality in every way.

In some ways, they did conform to the culture around them. Yet in the most important ways, they refused to compromise what they knew to be right. And that’s how they became game changers.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Daniel 1:3-5,8-13,17-19 
 
3The king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility— 4young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace—and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. 5The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank. They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.

8Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself. 9God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 10yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid of what would happen if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life with the king.” 11So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,12“Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.” 

17God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind. 18At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court.


Chaldean (v. 4)—A general term for the people who lived in Babylonia during the time of Daniel, usually called Babylonians, and a specific term for a category of wise men in Babylonia (see 2:2).

Defile (v. 8)—To make someone or something morally impure or unclean. The Hebrew word refers to something soiled, stained, or polluted.

 
Daniel 1:3-5
It’s not always easy for teenagers when their parents move them to a new town. But what modern teens may fuss about is mild compared with what Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah experienced. They were among the Judean nobility carried into exile by the Babylonians. King Nebuchadnezzar placed them in a special program designed to prepare them for his service—a program that included assimilating them into the Babylonian culture.

Part of this assimilation included learning about Babylonian (Chaldean) language and literature (v. 4). More personally, it also included changing their names (see v. 7). It appears the youths didn’t fight these changes. In fact, Daniel continued to refer to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah by their new names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They learned the culture and language, and they went on to serve.

We assimilate to changing culture all the time: food, fashion, technology, and so on. Missionaries learn new languages and adopt cultural elements in order to build a bridge to people for Christ. Churches learn the interests and lifestyles of those in their community so they can build relationships.

These forms of assimilation are at the heart of Paul’s missionary passion: “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some” (1 Cor. 9:20-22).

Still, we need to know when it’s okay to adapt to the culture—and when it’s not. We’ll see that distinction more clearly as we continue with the story.

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

-George Washington

Daniel 1:8-13
These verses reveal another area in which these young men were expected to assimilate: their diet. The king’s officials planned to give the young Jewish men “daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank” (v. 5). This meant rich fare that likely included pork, horse meat, and other foods forbidden by the law (see Lev. 11:3-47). Furthermore, the king’s food and wine were likely offered to their pagan gods before arriving at the king’s table.

This is where Daniel drew a line in the sand. To eat foods prohibited in the law was to act in direct disobedience to God. To eat meat offered to idols was to acknowledge the Babylonian gods. Daniel and his friends were unwilling to do either.

When our convictions are put to the test, how should we respond?

We can take several cues from Daniel:

• He made a compelling appeal. He didn’t refuse, throw a fit, or demand his rights like people often do today. Instead, he appealed reasonably yet firmly. He was determined.

• He was committed. His decision was do-or-die. We yield when we’re not committed or our convictions are not strong. The best way to beat compromise is to get committed before you are challenged.

• He was confident. Daniel and his friends would eat as the Lord had directed and trust God for the results. After 10 days, the young Jews “looked better and healthier” (v. 15) than the others who had eaten the king’s food.

Like Daniel and his friends, we will be challenged to compromise our Christian convictions. Yet we can meet those challenges by choosing to stand before authority figures, friends, and peers in a loving way that glorifies Christ.

 
Daniel 1:17-19
God gave these four young men abilities that were highly prized in Babylon—particularly the ability to interpret dreams. The Babylonians strongly believed their gods spoke through dreams and visions; consequently, they placed a high value on Daniel.

After three years of preparation, all the young men stood before King Nebuchadnezzar. None could equal Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. All four had valued their walk with God more than anything else, and now they were stationed in positions of influence with the king himself.

Was there a direct connection between Daniel’s uncompromising convictions and the abilities God gave him? In other words, did God give wisdom and ability to Daniel because he had been obedient? The passage itself does not make a direct correlation, but elsewhere in Scripture obedience and wisdom are tied together (see Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 2:6-7).

What’s certain is that Daniel’s uncompromising life became a strong witness to the power of God. He lived as a testimony to the God of Israel before every king he served. Daniel served in this capacity “until the first year of King Cyrus” (v. 21), which was around 539 B.C. And since the events we’ve been studying occurred in 605 B.C., we’re talking about 66 years of service! From youth to old age, Daniel stood faithfully in uncompromising, unwavering godliness.

LIVE IT OUT

You will have opportunities even this week to demonstrate uncompromising conviction. Consider the following suggestions for taking advantage of those opportunities:

• Evaluate. While we continually adapt to our culture, we need to discern what’s OK and what’s not OK. Spend time asking God to reveal any areas of your life in which you’ve compromised on His standards.

• Memorize. Memorize Bible verses that address specific temptations you often face. For example: fear (John 16:33), lust (Gal. 5:16), and anger (Eph. 4:26).

• Seek support. Even Daniel needed the support of friends like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Make an effort to build relationships that offer mutual support and encouragement as you seek to live uncompromising lives.

Our culture is always changing, which means you will be continually confronted by the temptation to compromise what you know is right. Choose to stand strong. You may be going against the flow, but you won’t be going alone.


Our Lesson Today:

Ever notice how your behavior changes depending on where you are? You’re expected to cheer and yell at a football game. People will think you’re bored or strange if you just sit on your hands when the home team scores a touchdown. But if you cheer and yell at an art museum, someone will probably call security.

• The setting-the culture-often defines our behavior. But what do we do when the culture calls for us to act in a way that’s just not right?

 
In this series of lessons, we will look at four young men-four teenagers-who were taken against their will to a new city, country, and culture.

• They were expected to embrace their new reality in every way. In some ways, they did conform to the culture around them. Yet in the most important ways, they refused to compromise what they knew to be right. And that’s how they became game changers.

Lesson Point: “Live your life with uncompromising conviction.”

I. The Culture Expects Us to Assimilate

Daniel 1:3-5

3 The king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility—4 young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace—and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. 5 The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank. They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.


Verses 3-4:

• King Nebuchadnezzar was a shrewd and cunning ruler.
• He practiced a policy of assimilating talented young leaders into service for his government.
• He instructed “Ashpenaz,” the “chief of his court officials,” to bring some of the brightest and best Israelites for training.
• The Israelites were to be from “the royal family” and from “the nobility.”
• They were to be “young men.”
• Nebuchadnezzar wanted the trainees to be “without any physical defect, good-looking,” and to demonstrate teachability and intellectual insight so they could suitably represent the “king’s palace.”
• One of the more challenging aspects of serving in the palace involved learning the “Chaldean language and literature.”

Verse 5:

• The entire learning process required “three years.”
• It was designed to reshape the thinking and lifestyle and fully persuade the trainees to embrace Babylonian culture.
• During these three years the young men from Judah would receive the finest of treatment and training and then “serve in the king’s court.”
• Among the Hebrew trainees were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
• The phrase “among them” in verse 6 indicates that more young men were involved than the four mentioned here.
• Daniel was given the name “Belteshazzar”.
• Daniel’s new name included a reference to a pagan god Bel, and it meant “Bel protect his life.”
• Daniel’s three friends were given the names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

“It’s not always easy for teenagers when their parents move them to a new town. But what modern teens may fuss about is mild compared with what Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah experienced.”

“We assimilate to changing culture all the time: food, fashion, technology, and so on. “

“Still, we need to know when it’s okay to adapt to the culture—and when it’s not. We’ll see that distinction more clearly as we continue with the story.”




How can believers today take a stand in a culture that has abandoned its moral compass?

• Like Daniel, we can study and learn about our culture in order to exert a godly influence.
• Daniel demonstrated a profound measure of wisdom and restraint while enduring oppression and humiliation.
• There is a time to speak out and a time to be quiet.
• Learning that distinction and difference requires a close walk with God.

What are some defining values of our community and culture?

• We assimilate to changing culture all the time: food, clothing, and technology.
• Missionaries learn the language and adopt cultural elements in order to build a bridge to people to learn about Christ.
• Churches in our own country learn the interests and lifestyles of those in other communities so they can build relationships.

The following activities are accepted in modern culture to one degree or another—but are they acceptable for followers of Christ? Circle any of the activities you believe to be acceptable for followers of Christ.

Watching R-rated movies     Smoking cigarettes   Speeding     Drinking alcohol



Watching pornography    Using credit cards     Using legalized marijuana



Buying a luxury car            Evading taxes

What spiritual disciplines or practices help you understand what is right and wrong in today’s society?



Lasting Points:

• An unbelieving world has a design and plan for shaping others into what it thinks successful people ought to be.
• Unbelievers should be able to find favorable and attractive qualities in the lives of the faithful.
• The world culture will make intentional efforts to influence believers and strive to assimilate them into its way of life.

II. Decide Where You Will Draw The Line

Daniel 1:8-13

8 Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself. 9 God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 10 yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid of what would happen if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life with the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.”



Verses 8-9:

• Although Daniel understood Babylonian culture, he didn’t endorse cultural activities that violated his convictions.
• He drew a line on one issue in particular and would not compromise.
• A defining moment had arrived.
• Daniels’s conviction would not allow him to indulge in the royal menu of food and drink.
• In an attempt to honor God and avoid personal defilement, Daniel asked “the chief official” if he could be exempt from the king’s diet.
• Daniel’s request was a bold act of faith, but one he felt compelled to take.
• The chief official could have informed the king, and the king could have taken the request as an insult to his authority.
• The request could have hindered Daniel’s position and advancement in the palace.

Verse 10:

• The conviction Daniel held stands in ironic contrast to that of the chief official.
• While the official was sympathetic toward Daniel’s desire, he was not convinced enough to risk his personal security.
• He feared that if he honored Daniel’s request it would endanger his own life and imperil his future in the royal palace.
• Daniel accepted the official’s reply even if he disagreed with the answer.
• Strong conviction does not wilt when opposition mounts.

How do we know when it’s time to take a stand?

• We will often be challenged to compromise our Christian convictions, but we can stand before authority figures, friends, and peers in a loving way that glorifies Christ.

How can we stand by our convictions without condemning others?

• God motivated Daniel to take a stand no matter what the culture demanded.
• We can do the same.

Verses 11-13:

• Daniel voiced his request to the guard assigned by the chief official.
• The guard served as a subordinate with a responsibility to care for the development of Daniel and his friends.
• Daniel proposed a “test for 10 days.”
• He asked for a diet of “vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
• The guard was willing to accommodate a request that the chief official would not endorse.
• God motivated Daniel to take a stand.
• God made a way where one had not previously existed.
• Daniel’s devotion to God and his passion for holiness had prepared him for a defining moment.
• Conviction doesn’t just magically appear.
• It is born in the hearts of men and women who believe God without reservation.

Lasting Points:

• Each person determines within themselves where they must draw the line on being assimilated into the culture.
• God is at work in our lives to prepare and enable us to face the decisions that come with culture’s attempt to make us conform to its image.

III. Stand Firm


Daniel 1:17-19

17 God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind. 18 At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court.



Verse 17:

• The words “God gave” underscore the divine education provided to them.
• God gave Daniel and his friends “knowledge and understanding.”
• They each excelled in the curriculum of Babylon, but Daniel additionally comprehended “visions and dreams.”
• Babylonian culture placed a priority on the interpretation of dreams and visions.
• Daniel’s God-given ability for understanding visions and dreams later became central in his ascendancy with the Babylonian hierarchy.
• In chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men could not understand his dream.
• Nebuchadnezzar’s frustration resulted in an order of execution of all wise men, including Daniel and his friends.
• But God had prepared Daniel with the ability to meet the emergency, not only saving the lives of all the wise men, but also bringing himself and his God to the forefront of Nebuchadnezzar’s court.

Verses 18:19:

• The phrase “at the end of the time” is not a reference to the 10-day test (v12), but indicates the completion of the three-year training period designed by King Nebuchadnezzar.
• At the end of the training period, the “chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar,” a crucial test both for the Hebrews and their trainers.
• Even King Nebuchadnezzar was impressed as he interviewed them.
• In fact, “no one was found equal.”
• God did not merely give the Judeans satisfactory abilities; He also gave them exceptional standing.
• Consequently, “they began to serve in the king’s court.”

If the story of Daniel and his friends ended there we might be inclined to assume that they never faced any more trials.

• That would be an erroneous assumption.
• Jesus explained that believers would always meet the tooth and claw of tribulation and trouble (John 16:33).
• Our convictions for Christ face assault every day.
• The pressing question is: How can we live as Jesus’ ambassadors in a culture that discredits His teaching and dismisses His authority?
• Just as Daniel and his friends faced many trials, so too believers today often have their faith tested.
• Jesus calls us to live in the world without conforming to the world.
• We must live with contagious conviction about Jesus so that unbelievers may see the gospel as well as hear it.
• Also we must rest in the knowledge that God is always at work to perfect His purpose even in dark and dangerous times.
• We can live with convictions in such a way that we, like Daniel, become known as transformers, not conformers (Rom. 12:2).

How can we help each other stand against the culture when it conflicts with our faith?

• Jesus calls us to live in the world without conforming to the world.
• That means we must not retreat into isolationism.
• We must live with contagious conviction about Jesus so that unbelievers may see the gospel as well as hear it.

Lasting Points:

• God equips those who are faithful to Him with what they need to serve Him.
• God will honor those who choose to live with uncompromising convictions of faith in Him.
• We can be involved in the culture around us in godly ways without being absorbed by it.

Prayer of Commitment

Lord, give me the insight to know where to draw the line on how much I will be drawn into the culture around me, then grant me the courage to live by my decision. Amen


Hope to see you on Sunday!


In His Love,



David & Susan