Daniel - Thriving in Babylon - Part 3

Like Daniel we have three distinctions or advantages over our culture We have God's favor - God was faithful and showed grace even in exile We have God's wisdom - God is the source of all wisdom and shares it Our God is in control - even when it seemed His people were defeated

Daniel 3:1-7 King Nebuchadnezzar had a golden idol built. He gathered all his government officials and directed that they worship the idol. May have been an attempt to create unity in group of internationals.

We are asked to bow down at the feet of idols in our culture

"An idol is anything we want more than God, anything we rely on more that God, anything we look to for greater fulfillment than God... Idolatry is believing that whatever our sinful selves lust after is better than Christ." - Nancy Pearcy

What do you see in commercials? On magazine covers? Our culture bows down to those things that we look for Power, possessions, pleasure, sex, entertainment, prestige, beauty.

But we are to live as exiles, foreigners here, like we do not belong here. We have different values. Our worship is directed toward God - and no where else.

But idolatry creeps into our hearts. We want something or someone besides Christ to rely on or to be fulfilled. A ship can sail over water, but when it starts to take on water, it's in trouble. We can live in this culture, but we cannot participate in its idolatry. We need to ask God to search our hearts for what we want more than Him.

God calls us to reserve our worship for him alone.

Daniel 3:8-12

Daniel 3:16-18 "God is able to save us... And will rescue us... But even if he does not, we will not worship your god."

Does God rescue everyone who is threatened for their faith? Sometimes he does Does God heal everyone who prays? Sometimes he does God always gives strength and grace - and faith is rewarded if not in this life, in the life to come, These three men believed that God could deliver them, but they would trust Him even if He didn’t.

God I believe you are able, but even if you do not rescue me, I will still believe.

Daniel 3:24-27 Who is the fourth man in the fire? An angel? Pre-incarnate Jesus Christ? God entered the fire with his people and protected them

Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

In an unbelieving culture, God calls us to Live as exiles and foreigners Be resolute against sin Bless the people around us