Exile and Return: Staying Faithful in Exile

Exile and Return: “Staying Faithful in Exile”  

Daniel 1:1-21  

Romans 12:2 - “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

 I. Remember your identity. (Daniel 1:1-7)

1. Isolation

2. Deception

3. Immersion

4. Acceptance

a. Created to be an image bearer. Genesis 1:27 - “God created man in his own image…male and female he created them.”

b. Redeemed to be His. Isaiah 43:1 - “…He who formed you says…. ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’”  

c. Chosen, holy and greatly loved. Deuteronomy 14:2 - “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

d. Called to be a servant of the King.

Psalm 119:125 - “I am your servant; give me understanding…”
 

II. Risk being Christ-like with your message. (Daniel 1:8-21)

 Hudson Taylor - “Unless there is the element of extreme risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith.”

 1. Pray.

1 Timothy 2:1 - “I urge that…prayers…be made for all people.”

 2. Be humble and relational.

Matthew 7:12 - “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…”

 3. Do our work well.

Colossians 3:23-24 - “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.”

 4. Offer options versus saying no.  

Colossians 4:5 - “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

 5. Be clear with the Gospel.

Ephesians 6:19 - “(pray) also for me… to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”

Faith Sheet for Friends and Family this Week

 1. How has your walk with God been impacted by the testimony of grace from people in previous generations?

2. What similarities and differences do you see between Daniel’s circumstances of exile and our place in our culture? (See also 1 Peter 2:11-12, John 15:18-21)

3. Discuss what prepared Daniel and his friends to be ready to resist in this moment of compromise? How is this going in your home?

4. In Daniel 1, what did Daniel believe about God that made possible his courage? (See also Psalm 119:3 & 18)

5. Read Deuteronomy 14:2 and then Colossians 3:12. What is said about our true identity that could impact our daily lives and responses to trials?  

6. Read 1 Chronicles 29:13-14 and Luke 17:10. What is said about our true identity that could impact our daily lives and our responses to the praises of others?