Uncompromised: Preparations for the End

Throughout history people have asked questions like, “How long will this last?”, “What is going to happen?” and “When will it all end?” These questions come from a deep-rooted search to know the end of the story. Thankfully, God has not left us empty. Repeatedly through the scripture, He gives us glimpses into His blueprint. And every time, God reminds us that the only way to survive a culture of compromise is to remain faithful: To stay the course…To fight the enemy…And to keep our eyes on Christ. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a situation that you would consider “bad timing”? Share your story.

Read: Daniel 12; Matthew 24-25; Revelation 17-19

Discuss:

1. Daniel 12 begins with the words “at that time.” What is Daniel referencing? Describe the “time of trouble.” How have the Jews experienced trouble throughout history? Why do you think the Jews have been treated so poorly in history? How have Christians experienced trouble through history? What trouble do you see currently rising toward God’s people?

2. As you read through the Bible, how do Babylon and Jerusalem become a contrast of cities and idealogies? How is Babylon both a city and a system? Define the system of Babylon. The Bible describes Babylon as a “harlot.” What makes her so seductive and inviting? What are some of those seductive lies that call to us today? In what ways have you been pulled by the rebellion and idolatry of Babylon?

3. In Daniel 12:8, Daniel asks a question. Have you ever asked this question? How does God respond? Read Revelation 18-19. What happens to Babylon in the end? What are things that you see happening right now that will be destroyed in the end? How should this bring us hope and confidence today?

4. The “Book of Life” is mentioned 8 times in the Bible and 6 times in Revelation. What is the “Book of Life”? Is your name in the book of life? Read Daniel 12:2-3. Daniel describes resurrection and judgment. How should both resurrection and judgment motivate, challenge, and inspire us? Why do we by nature push back against judgment? How is judgment profitable? How do you feel about the coming judgment? Read Daniel 12:3. What are the things we will be judged for? What hinders us from sharing the gospel with people?

5. Twice in Daniel 12 (verses 9 and 13), God tells Daniel to “go your way.” In what ways do we get hung up on the details of the prophecy rather than the hope of the prophecy? What does it look like for us to “go our way” for Christ?

Pray: Ask God to give you the clarity to live with eternity in mind. Pray that you would withstand the “system of Babylon” that is continuing to rise in our generation. Praise God for the victory that will come at the end and that you would be an active participant in the ministry of sharing this good news with others.

Memorize/Meditate: But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

Uncompromised: The Week to End All Weeks

God has graciously given us a snapshot of the future. A calendar clearly marked with key indicators of His plan for the end. Only those with eyes of faith will see within future prophecy the calling of God to be ready. To draw our attention to Christ, the centerpiece of all prophecy and to live every day with the end in mind. Only when we understand where this all ends will it change how we live. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever forgotten to prepare for something that you were expected to be ready for? What happened?

Read: Daniel 9; Nehemiah 2:1-8; Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10

Discuss:

1. In Daniel 9, the angel Gabriel is dispatched by God to give Daniel insight into God’s purposes for His people. What do you make of Gabriel’s explanation that He was sent at the beginning of Daniel’s prayer, followed by a reminder that Daniel is loved (9:23)? How should prayer constantly remind us that we are greatly loved?

2. Daniel is first informed that God’s program would take place in 70 “sevens.” If a “seven” represents 7 years, how long would a span of 70 “sevens” be? By the time these 490 years run their course, God will have completed six things for Israel. The first three have to do with sin and the second three with the kingdom. Can you list them?

3. Daniel 9:25 says that the 70 “sevens” would begin with the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. The decree issued on March 5, 444 B.C. (see Nehemiah 2:1-8) granted the Jews permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s city walls. The end of the prophecy is when the “Anointed One” will be “cut off.” Who is this person and when is this referring to? How does this truth increase your confidence in the Word of God and your faith to live every day to the fullest? God’s work is seen even in the smallest details. How have you observed this in your spiritual journey?

4. The last set of 7 years (the 70th week), will be the rise of the Antichrist and beginning of the Tribulation. What significant event will mark the beginning of the Tribulation? What will happen in the middle of the Tribulation?

5. Sin, death, Satan, and the Antichrist will be defeated in the end. Re-read Daniel 9:24. Of all the truths listed, what are you most grateful for? Why? In what ways are you ready for Christ’s return? In what ways do you need to prepare?

Pray: Ask God to allow the truths of Daniel 9 and the coming of Jesus to sink deeply into your perspective. Pray that God would reveal to you any areas of your life where you are not ready for His return and that you would live with a great sense of urgency.

Memorize/Meditate: At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision. Daniel 9:23

Uncompromised: Prophecy That Stands The Test Of Time

There is a longing in each of us to want to know the future. Questions like, “When is Jesus coming back?” and “Is the end of the world near?” can permeate our thinking. Some feel stressed by these questions. Others become obsessed with their answers. Instead, we should feel blessed to know that God has revealed to us details that point us to the focal point of all Biblical prophecy, Jesus. It’s only when we recognize His central point of prophecy that we will submit to His grand purpose in prophecy. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever waited for something that never came to fruition? Share your story.

Read: 2 Peter 3; Isaiah 40:12-26; Mark 13; Titus 2:11-14

Discuss:

1. When it comes to prophecy, there are many different feelings and opinions. Some feel it’s too difficult to understand. Others are obsessed. How do you think most people perceive prophecy in the Scripture? Why are we so curious about the future? How do you feel about the topic? Why?

2. The bulk of Biblical prophecy focuses on three main points. Can you name them? Share some examples of prophecies about Israel. How about Christ’s incarnation (first coming)? How did the Biblical characters view prophecy in their day? In what ways do we view prophecy incorrectly?

3. One scholar said, “Something exciting to describe and something impossible to describe will result in something like the language in prophecy.” What does he mean by this statement? In what way is prophecy both exciting and impossible? What are some important steps that can help us to better understand Biblical prophecy? What makes prophecy so much easier to view in reverse?

4. The second coming of Christ is a key doctrine in the Bible. It’s mentioned 329 times. 1 in 30 verses in the New Testament reference it. What excites you most about the second coming of Christ? What causes you the most question? According to 2 Peter 3, why hasn’t Christ returned yet (hint: notice verse 9)?

5. 2 Peter 3 says that there will be “scoffers” that will rise up. In our current culture, what do “scoffers” say about Christ and His coming? How should the reality of Christ’s coming, cause hope to rise? Is there anything in your life that needs to change or is there someone God might be calling you to share the gospel with before Christ returns?

Pray: Ask God to give you a better understanding of Biblical prophecy. Pray that any obsession or stress you might have concerning the end times would bring you to a greater focus on the point of prophecy, Jesus. Ask God to bring to light any areas of your life that are not ready for His coming. Pray that God would give you an opportunity to share the gospel with someone.

Memorize/Meditate: Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God…2 Peter 3:11-12

Uncompromised: Courage in the Face of Compromise

We cringe at the thought of scrutiny, adversity, and rejection. We naturally take the road of ease over the journey of consequence. But adversity to Christianity is not simply a tool, it’s God’s most effective tool for the advancement of the gospel. The events that we see as setbacks are often times the very things that launch us into periods of immense spiritual growth and impact. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been in a situation where you faced consequences for doing something right thing? Tell a story about a time when you had to choose between doing what was right and what was easy.

Read: Daniel 6; Psalm 119:1-4; Ephesians 6:10-20; 2 Timothy 2:22-26; 1 Peter 5; 2 Peter 2

Discuss:

1. Daniel 6 begins with a transition of kings and kingdoms (Babylon to Persia). Describe the context of Darius’ reign. How old is Daniel at this point? What does it tell you about Daniel’s character by the fact that he remained in his high position even after being conquered by a new kingdom (Persia)? How did Darius view Daniel?

2. Read Daniel 6:4-5. It says that they found Daniel without any fault. Do you have any faults that would stand out in your life? If so, name a few. How many of your faults are in the past and unchangeable? What one fault did the satraps find with Daniel? Describe why they were so jealous? What is the difference between jealousy and envy? Have you ever had anyone jealous over your life? Have you ever been jealous over someone else’s?

3. What was Daniel’s response to the decree that he could not pray to anyone but Darius for 30 days? How can we follow his example when we encounter rules that make it challenging to be faithful to how God has called us to live? List some of the Biblical convictions we should stand for no matter what the cost. What causes us to fear the consequences of living this type of faith?

4. Daniel faced consequences for his faithfulness to God. What are some consequences we could currently face as a result of our faithfulness to Christ? What are some of the consequences that Christians are facing around the world? Our faith in Christ doesn’t guarantee physical deliverance right now. But what are some ways that we are rescued spiritually in those moments where we are standing in spite of resistance?

5. How did Jesus respond in the midst of His persecution? When you find yourself in a situation where your faithfulness to God is being held against you, what do you do? How can we face negative or even harsh treatment that results from our faithful obedience to God so that others see Jesus in our actions? How can persecution actually enhance the spread of the gospel?

Pray: Take a moment to evaluate your spiritual life. Ask God to reveal the faults that hinder your faith. Pray that God would give you the strength to stand in the “lion cage” of a culture becoming more resistant to Christ.

Memorize/Meditate: For he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:26-27

Uncompromised: When God Has Enough

There is no doubt that our culture seems to have lost a sense of accountability, morality, and reality. But we should be assured that every person, be it a king, politician, CEO, teacher, coach, doctor, or preacher will stand on the scales of judgment and give an account of what we have done with what we have been given. This truth should cause every Christian to live a life for what truly matters, a life filled with high integrity, pure motive, and a holy heart. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been in a situation where you knew it wasn’t going to end well? Share your story.

Read: Daniel 5; Job 31:5-6; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2; John 5; Acts 10; 1 Corinthians 3

Discuss:

1. Who was King Belshazzar? How do actions show signs of insecurity? How does insecurity plague our current culture? In what ways do you struggle with insecurity? What are some of the reactions associated with insecurity? How can insecurity reveal your idols? In what ways do we make holy things common?

2. Where did King Belshazzar get the vessels from the Temple? What significance does this have to the story of Daniel? Describe how the events of Daniel 5 are similar to those of Daniel 4?

3. Have you ever heard the expression, “the handwriting is on the wall”? Describe the meaning of this phrase. How would you have responded to Belshazzar’s experience? Read Daniel 5:22-23. How does Daniel summarize Belshazzar’s behavior and situation? How do you see these same attitudes and actions in our society?

4. Daniel reads and explains the three terms that were written on the wall. Each word has two meanings, what are they? What unifies one set of meanings for the words? What is the essence of the overall message? Belshazzar was weighed and found light. What do we give weight to that would cause us to be found wanting?

5. That very night Belshazzar was overthrown by Persians. What do you make of the fact that God sovereignly had this foreign enemy in the wings, surrounding the palace, prepared for this moment? How mindful are you of the holiness of God? How should the expediency of God’s judgment cause us to live? In what ways should the reality of judgment both warn us and encourage us? Who will be the ultimate judge?

Pray: Take a moment to consider where you may have lost the value of holiness in your own life. Ask God to reveal those areas. Spend some time in confession and repentance concerning those areas. Pray that God would give you the strength to live for what matters and to serve faithfully as His temple.

Memorize/Meditate: For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:22-24

Uncompromised: When Kingdoms Collide

With every stage of life, pride is our greatest enemy. It’s the cancer of the soul and the beginning of all sin. It diminishes our capacity to say what needs to be said, hear what needs to be heard, and give what needs to be given. This is why God is committed to keeping His people humble. If pride is our greatest enemy, then humility is our greatest asset, because only with humility can we live an uncompromised life for God’s glory alone. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been prideful? Share a story from your life that demonstrates the failure of pride.

Read: Daniel 4; Psalm 121:1; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Jonah 2:1-9; James 4

Discuss:

1. Notice the beginning of Daniel 4:1. Who is writing this chapter? Does this surprise you to think that a pagan secular king writes a chapter in the Bible? How does Daniel 4:1-3 compare with Daniel 4:34-35? What happened that led Nebuchadnezzar to this conclusion?

2. What made Nebuchadnezzar so prideful? How would you define pride? What areas of pride do you see exemplified in our current culture? In what ways do you struggle with pride? What are the differences between good and bad pride? What does the Bible say about pride? How does humility counter pride? How can we cultivate a healthy self-respect while actively fleeing from sinful pride?

3. Describe Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. While it seems like an obvious interpretation, why do you think so many of his dream tellers didn’t interpret the dream? What makes it so alarming to Daniel (Daniel 4:19)? What is the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Have you ever felt like your pride was “chopped” down? Share your story.

4. Read Daniel 4:28. Notice that twelve months later, Nebuchadnezzar has forgotten this dream. How do the verses that follow demonstrate a heart of pride (note the “I’s” and “Me’s”)? What consequences does Nebuchadnezzar experience as a result of his pride? What consequences have you experienced as a result of pride?

5. Go back through Daniel 4 and mark all the times the title “Most High” is used. What happens in life when God ceases being the “Most High”? In the end, Nebuchadnezzar looks to the Lord. Describe the progression of Nebuchadnezzar’s response. How does “breaking off” sins and showing mercy reflect humility (Daniel 4:27)? How are these examples of issues in our culture? In what ways do these actions help us stand out as Christians in our generation?

Pray: Take a moment and ask God to reveal the prideful areas of your life. Spend some time confessing your pride to God. Ask Him to give you a Kingdom perspective in your daily dealings. Praise God for His reigning in your life.

Memorize/Meditate: I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” Daniel 4:34-35

Uncompromised: Clashing Kingdoms

We by nature are preoccupied with the future. Like prognosticators and forecasters, we are constantly trying to determine what will happen tomorrow. Unfortunately, our unknown future becomes a breeding ground for anxiety, worry and question. Graciously, God has not left us empty handed. In the Scriptures we are reminded over and over again that God’s plan will not be thwarted, frustrated or defeated. His Kingdom will come, and His will is being done. We must give an unknown future to an all-knowing God. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a seemingly impossible situation? Share your story. What was the outcome? How did you see God’s hand in this situation?  

Read: Daniel 2; Luke 17:20-21; Revelation 19-21

Discuss:

1. Have you ever had any weird dreams? Share a few. Describe why Nebuchadnezzar felt “troubled” over his dreams. Read Daniel 2:29. What question was Nebuchadnezzar pondering that led him to such a troubling dream? What are the things that trouble your mind? What keeps you up at night?

2. Who were the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans requested by the King (Daniel 2:2)?  What type of system did they have for reading dreams? Describe how Nebuchadnezzar’s request was so different. How does their inability to decipher his dreams demonstrate the frailty of human power and wisdom? In what ways are we obsessed with the future? How does worry and anxiety breed on future unknowns? How do we attempt to predict future outcomes?

3. What does Daniel’s response reveal about his faith and character? Describe a moment when you had to be fully dependent on God even though you didn’t know how the situation was going to resolve. Share your story. What role does prayer play in response to difficult situations? What do you find unique about Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 2:20-23)? Do you tend to rely on God’s character or your strength in difficult situations?

 4. Describe God’s omniscience (all-knowing) and omnipotence (all-powerful). How should God’s all-knowing nature and sovereignty shape how we view the future? Why do we often question God’s sovereignty and control? How should God’s sovereignty bring us comfort?

5. Describe Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:31-45). Each part of the image is connected to a different kingdom. Can you list each kingdom represented? The last kingdom will destroy all others. To whom does this Kingdom belong? Describe the nature of this Kingdom (Daniel 2:44-45). What does a Kingdom mentality look like? In what ways are you living for Christ’s Kingdom? How can you better reflect Christ and His Kingdom? 

Pray: Take a moment to reflect on the times in the past when you faced a seemingly impossible situation and God came through. Thank God for these moments. Pray that you would live for and anticipate Christ’s Kingdom. Ask God to give you a confident dependence in His plan in current situations both personally and corporately.

Memorize/Meditate: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 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…Daniel 2:20-21

Uncompromised: The Conviction of the Uncompromised

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

UnCompromised: Conviction in an Upside-Down Kingdom

There is a huge shift happening in our culture today that has massive implications for the future of Christianity. While culture and Christianity continue to grow further apart, we have to choose to be a “Daniel” in our generation. If we are going to stand out, we must hold onto a godly legacy that is unchangeable, a faith that is unwavering, values that are immovable, and an identity that is undeniable. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: What’s the most turbulent moment you have ever experienced? Share your story.

Read: Daniel 1; 2 Kings 24-25; Jeremiah 6

Discuss:

1. How have you seen our society move away from Christ over the past few decades? What do you believe has accelerated these shifts over the past few years? Describe the background and context of the book of Daniel. How does our current situation parallel Daniel’s experience?

2. Describe Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar. How did they conquer Judah under King Jehoiakim? Read 2 Kings 24-25. What mistakes did King Jehoiakim make? What mistakes have we made that have led to the descent of our nation?

3. Look at Daniel 1:1-2: Jerusalem is besieged; people and articles from God’s temple are carried off and put in the house of Nebuchadnezzar’s god in Babylon. Try to imagine what this might have been like for the Jews to be in exile/deported to Babylon. What might they have felt and experienced? In what ways are we as Christians beginning to feel the same way?

4. What did Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon attempt to change in Daniel and his friends? How were these changes a clear attempt to move them away from God? Describe the meanings behind their Hebrew names and new Babylonian names. In what ways is our world trying to change our heritage, faith, values, and identity? How have you seen this exhibited in your own life? Has it been hard to overcome? Why or why not? How does our faith move back and forth from authentic to mere cultural accommodation?

5. What different attitudes can we have as “exiles” today? How does Jesus give us a heritage worth living for, faith worth dying for, and identity worth displaying?

6. There is a clear distinction between Daniel and his friends standing before Nebuchadnezzar (1:5) and standing in faithfulness with God. How can you set your heart to not surrender your soul to anyone or anything but Christ? Are you doing this? If not, what steps can you take to do this?

Pray: Take a moment to pray for our rapidly changing culture. Ask God to give you a sense of purpose in the midst of a growing secular society. Ask God to reveal the areas where despair, bitterness, or desires to give up seem to be rising in you. Pray that God would help you stand firm with conviction in the midst of our time of “exile” and that you would meet the challenge of our day to follow Christ no matter what the cost.

Memorize/Meditate: Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself…Daniel 1:8

Canceled Christ Part Two: Peter