Theological Proposition/Focus: God has Soveriegnly set standards for His people to follow.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: As we begin a new year may we stand firm even when no-one else is watching.

Introduction:

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Preview: As Christ followers we are called to live in the world but not of the world. Therefore, you can expect to face many temptations. As you face temptations just remember that obedience is worth it.

Text: Daniel 1:1-21, read with each point

Setting the Stage:

In 722 BC the Northern nation of Israel fell to the Assyrian empire. However, the southern nation of Judah remained in the land. In 612 BC the capital of the Assyrian empire fell to the forces of Babylon and Media. In 605 BC Nebuchadnezzar attacked the city of Jerusalem, captured a number of Israelites, and hauled them back to Babylon. Daniel and his friends were part of this group of people who were displaced. Over the decades to follow Nebuchadnezzar attached Jerusalem two more times. In 586 the walls of Jerusalem were breached and almost every Jew who was not killed in the attack was carried off to Babylon.

Body

We are called to live life in the world but not of the world (1-6).

The text starts of with an important historical marker in verse 1. The events in Daniel are contextualized within the world of Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Jerusalem. However, the first part of verse 2 provides a vital theological commentary.

In the ANE worldview kings go to war on behalf of their god. Victory shows the superiority of their god as they acquire territory and people for their god. However, as stated in Daniel 1:2 this conquest is not because some false god is superior to Adoni. This conquest is at the bequest of Adoni. Elohim, Adoni, the Lord is allowing Nebuchadnezzar to be part of His unfolding plan and part of that plan involves removing His people from their land, from their temple, from the comfort of the promised land.

We need to remember that as Christ-followers we are not of this world. However, we live within this world. The right

Following Jesus needs to be a part of your life outside the walls of this church (1-2).

You have been placed on the mission field in your day-to-day life (3-5).

No matter your title or position remember you follow Christ (6).

Image: My mission field, LNK - what is your mission field?

MTR: Reflect on the world in which you live and consider "What is my mission field?"

Therefore, you can expect to encounter temptation (7-10).

On the mission field you will encounter people who do not understand that you follow Christ (7).

On the mission field you will be presented with seemingly minor temptations (8-9).

On the mission field you will be presented with reasonable arguments to disobey (10).

Image: Nobody would really know if I just did a touch-and-go at night!

MTR: Ask yourself, what temptations am I facing on the mission field?

Remember, that obedience is worth it even when it seems nobody is watching (11-21)!

On the mission field you will be presented with opportunities to stand in obedience (11-14).

On the mission field you will be presented with opportunities to see God's blessing (15-17).

On the mission field others should notice that there is something different about you (18-21).

MTR: Look for opportunities to give God the glory for the blessing you receive on the field.

Daniel 1 Dare to Obey