We live in a culture that is increasingly apathetic to the beliefs and lives of Christians. But as disciples of Christ, we are called to live and influence this world for God’s glory. This weekend, we start a new series learning from Daniel how to live life against the flow.

In what ways have you seen our culture be more apathetic or even hostile towards Christians?

The setting of the book of Daniel starts when the Babylonians are being used as God’s instrument to punish the Israelites living in Judah for their lack of obedience. In fact, this take-over was prophesied earlier.

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: 6 ‘The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says the Lord. 7 ‘Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.’ ” —Isaiah 39:5-7 (NLT)

What do you notice from the prophecy?

Isaiah is talking about Daniel and his friends.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. 6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. —Daniel 1:3-7 (NLT)

Why would King Nebuchadnezzar do this?

If you were in Daniel’s sandals, how would you have felt?
How might this influence your view (or understanding) of God?

One of the truths we will see over and over again in this book is this.
Daniel served God in Babylon. And Daniel served Babylon for God.

What does that mean?

Daniel is going to show us how to navigate life in a culture that doesn’t endorse our values?
Traditionally, we have done 3 things… (1) Some Christians have pulled away from culture… (2) Some Christians have pushed back… (3) Some Christians have given in.
But Daniel offers us a different option. Daniel shows us how to be a blessing to a culture without believing everything the culture is selling.

Read Daniel 1:8-21

What stands out to you?

Here are three things to consider as we try to live life against the flow.

1 - Choose battles that really matter.

What battles did Daniel choose to fight?
What battles did he not fight?
Why does this matter?

2 - Hold your convictions gracefully.

When Daniel takes a stand, he does not belittle others, nor condemn them.
Why is this important?

3 - Trust the impact of an obedient life.

Daniel asks the officials to test the results of their diet in 10 days. He expects his faithfulness to have results that will be noticeable to others.

How can our faithfulness be an impact in other’s lives?

We can serve God in Babylon… and serve Babylon for God.