“Living a Life of Distinction”
FOCUS (the core of the content to be communicated)
Daniel chapter one begins with Daniel writing as a witness to the Babylonian invasion of Judah. Jeremiah had pleaded for more than twenty years for the citizens of Judah to return to their God. He warned them that if they refused, they would be captured by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 25:1-11). Just as Jeremiah said would happen, God’s people were indeed taken captive because they refused to return to Him.
The Babylonian king who led this conquest was Nebuchadnezzar. He was known to be a cruel & ruthless ruler. Before his encounter with Daniel, Hannah, Mishael & Azariah, he had already killed the sons of one of Judah’s kings before their father’s eyes. He had another man roasted slowly to death over a fire. He ruled by fear & intimidation. His word was absolute law. This is who these teenagers faced after he told his servant Ashkenazi to find an elite group of young men from Israel to be groomed by the Chaldeans to serve as wise men in Nebuchadnezzar’s court.
Today we will see how God enabled them to stay unstained from the context they were in by staying true to Him. They didn’t cower or capitulate in any way.
A life of distinction is …
1. the result of strong convictions & consistent discipline.
Living in love for & obedience to God is life’s ultimate liberation. - Daniel 1:8, 11-13
2. most clearly seen by our “not-of-this-world” attitude & actions.
When we live our identity & purpose, we shine like Rudolph’s nose. - Daniel 1:15-20
Making It Real
1] Do you see the correlation between distinction and convictions & discipline?
2] Are you cultivating your “not-of-this-world” mindset & heart song?
Action Step
Write down three small but specific & significant changes you can
make today that will help your life be more distinctive in the days ahead.
Notes
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Cornerstone Community Church 5344 Fishcreek Rd Stow OH 44224 <>< ><> Pastor Dan Page January 15, 2023 www.ccc-stow.faithlifesites.com