Perspective in the Crazy

The book of Daniel
• Daniel needs wisdom under fire
• How Daniel got to Babylon
Wisdom is the quality of discerning what is true, what is ethically right, and what should be done in different situations.
• Daniel was determined to stay pure in Gods sight
• His determination led to perseverance
• He was humble before the Lord and others
• His source of wisdom – abiding –scripture –prayer –friendship

Daniel 6:10–11 (NIV) — 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

Three takeaways from this series

1. For believers, there are trials–Daniel went through trial with Gods help
• Our tendency is to become as palatable as we can
• We want both the approval of the world and God
• Or become offensive on purpose
• We get disappointed –it should be easier
• Conspiracies are real

A. The world does not like what we are about and can be just plain mean.
John 15:20–23 (NIV) – 1 Corinthians 1:20–25 (NIV)

B. There is a spiritual battle happening at the same time
Daniel 10:13 – Ephesians 6:10–12 (NIV)

2. Daniel focused on the bigger picture –
• Daniel opened His window to Jerusalem
• He remembered the dream of Nebuchadnezzar –chapter 3
• The vision in Daniel chapter 7—previous to Darius
• He prayed
Daniel 2:34–35 (NIV) – Daniel 7:13–14 (NIV) – Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV)

3. Daniels mission – Our mission—unity and love for purpose
• To strengthen and unify the believers
• So that the lost could be reached
• Looking ahead –what is coming –other potential divisions

1 Corinthians 6:7 (NIV) – 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) – Romans 13:8–14 (NIV)

Unity amongst believers –moving forward into what is coming: Romans 14:1–10 (NIV) – Romans 14:19–23 (NIV)
In essentials, unity
• Be right about what is essential –salvation issues
In non-essentials, freedom (personal conscious)
• On issues of conscience be faithful to the Lord
In everything, love and grace
• Don’t use your rights to hurt another –
• Keep it to yourself
• Make sure you do not judge another man’s servant

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Daniel 2:24-45, Daniel 6:10; Daniel 9:1-3; Colossians 3:1-3; John 17:20-23; Romans 14:1-13, 14:19-15:1, 15:5-7
Ice Breaker: Where is a place that felt like it was the biggest view you had ever seen, maybe you could see for miles and miles?
• Retell something from the sermon that was important to you.
Questions:
1. Read Daniel 2:24-45, Daniel 6:10; Daniel 9:1-3. What do you see in Daniel as he seeks wisdom, perspective and hope? A) What promises does he have to hold on to?
2. What promises from God do you hold on to? A) How do they impact your perspective in the midst situations?
3. Take a look at Colossians 3:1-3. A) What helps you gain perspective? B) What can challenge that focus? C) What promises, habits or practices help you set your heart on living with Christ?
4. Read John 17:20-23 & Romans 14:1-13, 14:19-15:1, 15:5-7 A) Why is unity amongst the followers of Christ important? B) What perspective of God and of fellow Christ followers impacts how you seek unity?
5. What can be disruptive to unity with fellow believers in your life? B) How do you have unity when you have different approaches to various things? C)What do you think is your part in seeking unity?
6. As we conclude Daniel what stands out to you? And how will you respond to what God has shown you? W
Bonus: Read Daniel 10 & Ephesians 6:10-18 – How does thinking about the spiritual battle God tells us is happening bring perspective and hope?