We live in the midst of a culture that is constantly trying to reprogram us into a different way of thinking. This means that at every moment of every day we have to make a decision whether we will be transformed by culture or transformers of culture. As Christians, God calls us to take a courageous stand based upon uncompromising convictions. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever had to stand firm concerning something in spite of not knowing how it would conclude? Share your story.
Read: Daniel 1; Luke 16; Romans 12; James 1
Discuss:
1. Have you ever compromised? What makes it so difficult to remain pure in our current culture? What are the things in culture that have potential to defile people? What are the things that tend to defile you? How can standing against temptation actually build godly character?
2. Do you agree with the following statement, “It is impossible to influence a culture if you are dependent on it”? Why or why not? In what way is vs. 8 a central verse to the entire book of Daniel?
3. Explain Daniel’s food request. Of all the things that the Babylonians attempted to change, why did Daniel challenge the proposition of eating specific foods? What does this say about his desire to honor God? How can we learn from Daniel’s approach to this request? How important is delicacy and tact in our engagement with culture? How do Christians often get this wrong?
4. Babylon expected their way of doing things to be better than Daniel’s way. How does our culture do the same thing? How does God bless the obedience of Daniel and his friends? Sometimes God wants a simple step of obedience before giving us the resources for greater obedience. Can you think of any other Biblical examples of this? Have you ever observed this in your own life?
5. Read through Daniel 1 and mark all the times it describes what God did for Daniel and his friends. How do these references stand in direct contrast to Babylon’s attempts to reprogram them? How do these things place Daniel and his friends in strategic positions for future impact? In what ways do you see God working the same way today?
6. Godly convictions can yield God-given rewards. In what ways did God reward Daniel and his friends? How should knowing that the “reward is greater than the conflict” cause us to courageously stand in a changing culture?
Pray: Take a moment to inventory your life. Are there any temptations that are causing compromise in your life? Ask God to give you the strength to stand uncompromised in the wave of culture. Pray that you would have no fear in living the gospel boldly and that God would open doors for you to share Him with the people around you.
Memorize/Meditate: 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. Romans 12:2
