ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Don’t Let The World Shape Your Lifestyle
Text: Daniel 1:1-8 IBCWPM July 12, 2006
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
We may not be aware, but it appears that the world is trying to shape believers’ lives according to its standard. The world knows and claims its own people, and beyond its claim, it also wants believers to be entangled with its worldly affairs. The world wants believers’ lives to be conformed to its ways and through the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life, which are its deceitful baits, believers could be deceived in an unimaginable level.
We must keep in mind that this present world is full of wars which have many faces; uncontrolled hatred in many forms and at different levels; deceitful fame, power and riches; sweet and soul-entrapping music and flesh-stirring dances of life to choose from; ephemeral arts and fashions to be proud of; dangerous games to play with; foolishness, vanities, and pride-triggered lifestyles to live by; confusing and misleading paths to walk on; unreliable beliefs and practices to die for; and obviously, “truth-coated lies” of the adversary. But he who puts his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and walk with Him in the path of righteousness will stand the test of time and surely enjoy the loving-grace of God for eternity.
The Bible account of the life of Daniel and his three friends conveys an interesting message on how to stand the dangerous enticement and persecution of the world toward God’s people. An in-depth study on Daniel Chapter 1 will surely help us to become aware of how the world wants to influence believers in this present word.
In Daniel Chapter 1:3-4, it is written, And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans (KJV) These verses reveal to us that King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to influence the life of the children of Israel by educating them with their own teachings and by their own language so the Iraelites could be easily shaped according to their ways.
If we are observant enough to perceive how the world is influencing our children, beyond doubt, it’s the same way as what Nebuchadnezzar did during his time. Education and communication are powerful tools to influence people and the world has its own distinct teachings and language that can affect the spiritual life of a believer. Such war against the children of God is not new under the sun.
One obvious strategy the world is using to shape people is through questionable activities. In Daniel 1:5, it is written, And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. (KJV) This verse tells us how the world nourishes man’s physical body. Be warned of this tactic. The devil will surely test us and our children through this crafty way. We are in great need of Daniel-like wisdom so we may not fall into this dangerous pit.
As we go through our study, we would also realize that the world wants to divert our association with the Living God to abominable gods. In Daniel 1:6-7, it is written, Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. (KJV) What a sort of persecution and degradation the children of Israel experienced during their captivity. We praise God because Daniel and his friends fought a good war against falsehood and God’s notable loving-favor was upon them through out their earthly life.
Through the Bible, we are warned not to compromise with the world, but to prove what is right. May our lives be not spotted by the things of the world, but may we stand firm in the Truth.
(I) Live Within Bible-based Conviction
Daniel 1:1-8
-Be determined to live by it
We are living in a world where compromise is counted as a game of life, sad to say, even professing believers are being enticed by this dangerous game that they tend to leave their conviction rather than live by it. Christian should not embrace worldly preference in exchange to Bible-based conviction.
A man who is determined to do right cannot be undermined by the forces of evil. Believers really need strong backbone when defending their Bible-based conviction. In Daniel 1:8, it is written, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (KJV) A man of conviction is also a man of action. That’s exactly what Daniel was during his critical times.
-Let others know your godly conviction
Daniel did not let his godly conviction die a natural death during his crucial hours, but he stood on it and courageously displayed what is pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that Daniel requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. If a believer really possesses Biblical conviction, he must stand for it for the glory of God. Let others know that you mean what you say.
In Daniel 1:9, it is written, Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (KJV) See what will happen if we do not deny our faith in the Lord? Truly, the loving favor of God will be enjoyed by those who serve the Living God in sincerity and in truth.
-God will reward your firmness
Many professing believers tend to give up their conviction during severe persecution because of fear. They think it is the end of their career if they resist what the world is offering them. What an “easy-washy-mindset” that actually leads them to spiritual shipwreck.
We should not let the world shape our lives, neither desire to be associated with its ways, but let the Word of God work in us wonderfully. In I Peter 1:14-16, it is written, As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (KJV)
In Daniel 1:17-21, it is written, As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. (KJV) What a cluster of blessings Daniel and his friends received from the loving hand of God. Daniel and his friends tremendously displayed the power of God through their godly lives.
Don’t let the world shape your lifestyle. Let the Word of God be your strength. Be strong in the Lord and He will walk with you through the course of life and you’ll be wholly blest.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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