TGP: The King's Food

Introduction:

Q. What does it mean to be gullible? Are you gullible or not?

Q. How easily do you give in when people try to talk you into something?

Q. When have you been persuaded to do something you didn’t plan to do?

Maybe gullible bc naive or too trusting of others

Leads to giving in

Faith: Hold to what is true

Main Point:

Even when culture tries to label us, God defines our identity

Context:

Daniel = intriguing

Often ignored

A historical and prophetic book with apocalyptic features.

Daniel taken captive in 605 BC (probably a teenager), where he remained forever

First half (1-6) recounts his firsthand experiences in Babylon

Second half (7-12) contains prophecies concerning worldly kingdom’s and God’s everlasting Kingdom.

The message: Our God is God, and He will redeem us

God’s sovereignty

Captivity = punishment for continued idolatry (Jer. 25:8-14)

Why would God let His faithful people suffer?

Why would God allow a pagan nation to subdue His people?

Is God in control?

Does He see?

Faithfulness to God isn’t dependent on rescue; it is rooted in who God is-faithful, capable, sovereign.

Main Point:

Even when culture tries to label us, God defines our identity.

We must hold tightly to our convictions

Read Daniel 1:1-14.

Q. Why would Daniel and his friends reject the king’s food?

Unclean food according to the Law of Moses (pork and horseflesh)

Eating this food = sin, + ceremonially unclean before God

Meat and wine also offered to Babylonian gods

Partaking would be considered an indirect act of worship

Our perspective: What’s the big deal?

But God clearly forbade

Not dependent upon culture

Gen 3:1: “Did God really say… ?”

God can’t contradict Himself

Q. Why is it important to determine to remain faithful before the temptation or trial?

Social pressure

The world asks for compromise

Determine to live God’s way before temptation comes

Q. Why is the men receiving Babylonian names significant? How does culture try to rename us or push us to conform?

Names and Hebrew identity

Daniel: Elohim is my judge

Hananiah: “Yahweh is gracious”

Mishael: “Who is like Elohim?”

Azariah: “Yahweh helps.”

New names = pagan gods

First: Stripped of land

Next: Stripped of identity

The push to conform

Our identity can’t be taken away unless we allow it.

Main Point:

Even when culture tries to label us, God defines our identity.

We must hold tightly to our convictions

God rewards faithfulness

Read Daniel 1:15-21.

Q. How were Daniel and His friends thriving? What does this show you about how to thrive here?

God honored their obedience

Not a magic formula; obedience is costly at times

Spiritually thriving by remaining connected to the vine (John 15:5)

Q. Does God really expect us to be faithful in “Babylon”-in culture or tough situations? Why?

Choosing conviction or compromise

An opportunity to live like citizens

Q. What can we do when we want to compromise and accept the “king’s food’?

Worldly food appeals to our God given desires

But worldly food cant satisfy us.

The HS

Every step of obedience we take strengthens us for the next step of obedience.

Imitating Jesus: Taking up our cross

Christ Connection:

Christ promised to send a Helper when He returned to His throne in heaven (John 14:16-17). He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within all believers, giving us guidance and wisdom so that we can live in a way that pleases the Lord.

Wrap-Up:

In what area of your life would it be easier to compromise-to have the “king’s food”? Where do you struggle to be faithful?

Daniel forced to live in Babylon, but wouldn’t like it into his heart and mind

Daniel’s determination cultivated over years

Struggling with compromise (different examples)

Staying faithful is possible through the cross

Letting His Word take root.

When it comes time to stand, lean into what is true.

PRAY