Bible Study - Going Right - Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture - Romans 13, Proverbs 23, Daniel 1 - January 1, 2012
Bible Study – Going Right – Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture – January 1, 2011
This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled, “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”
Our scripture for this lesson is Romans 13:12-14; Proverbs 23:20-21 and Daniel 1:8, 11-16.
During the month of January, we will have a five (5) week study using various scriptures dealing with our theme “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.” It is a fitting study because most of us establish New Year’s resolutions of the things we want to accomplish for this next year. We want to lose weight, tone our bodies, read the Bible through, grow Spiritually, be more obedient to the Holy Spirit or do something better than we did this past year. Most of us fail within the first six (6) weeks.
Our physical health can play an important role in our Spiritual life. Our study will focus on our Spiritual health in a world seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places and living in a world of I want it now. The important question Christians must ask themselves is, “Who rules their physical life - their flesh or the Holy Spirit?” Daniel faced this question when he was in held captive in Babylon.
Over the years, many of us have seen a dramatic shift in human behavior in our culture and it is not for the better. It is the “me” culture of what can you do for me now or the “I” attitude that I should have whatever I want without having to work for it. In my early days of walking with CHRIST, I sought instant Spirituality. But I quickly learned that GOD responds to our requests but HE does not sprinkle us with Holy Dust and in a flash we become more patient, a stronger Christian, a more obedient Christian and the list goes on. HE places us in situations that results in us obtaining the Spiritual qualities we desire. If you desire patience, then HE places you in situations that will help you practice patience. If you want to become more Spiritual, HE may wipe away everything you thought Spiritual and rebuild truth in your life. I asked the LORD to make me a stronger Christian about 30 years ago and HE is still working on me. There are Spiritual highs and lows but one thing for sure, it is a continual learning experience.
In today’s society many high school or middle school students think just because they show up for class, the teacher should be honored and pass them with flying colors regardless of the quality of their performance and attitude. In many cases, this shift is the result of poor parenting. I know there are many parents who are doing the right thing in raising their children but there are many children who raise themselves because they have no other choice. Their parent or parents are addicted to all sorts of things and could care less about the education of their children. Some come from single parent homes or homes where both parents are working to provide things for their children. These parents give things to their children believing that giving their children things makes them a good parent. They fail to give their child or children their time and show interest in them. They are not requiring their children to get a good education by studying hard and earning good grades. When a student gets a bad grade, he/she is quick to blame the teacher and the parent or parents support them. I realize there are some poor teachers but the important thing is the child must educate him or herself and rise above a poor teacher.
Just look at our congressional leaders and President they point their fingers at the other party for failure. Someone must step up to the plate and accept responsibility and do what needs to be done for the benefit of America.
This attitude often spills over to Spiritual education. A portion of these parents either send their children to church, which is better than not sending them, or they are turned off by organized religion and no one in their family has any Spiritual upbringing. The ideal is for the parents to attend church and teach their children the fundamentals of the Christian faith and live it in the home and in everyday life.
I will be the first to admit that not all organized Christian religions are what they need to be. However, we as humans are responsible to GOD for our relationship with HIM through CHRIST. In turn, we who know the truth are responsible for teaching our children about CHRIST and being the example of what it means to be a Christian. This is a tall order and without the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit it is impossible. That is why Christians must build an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST.
Often, fellow Christians will not measure up to your expectations to what you think being a Christian is all about. You may believe that CHRIST has disappointed you or let you down. I know there have been times when I thought that HE had let me down and I got angry with HIM. I let HIM know how I felt about HIM, which is okay. One thing about GOD is that HE can take it because HE is GOD and HE loves us so much that HE allowed JESUS to come to earth and die for all who would believe in HIM. HE even knows the number of hairs on our head.
Even when I was upset with GOD, I continued to walk with HIM and talk to HIM to discover truth. HE revealed truth to me through the indwelling Holy Spirit, studying HIS Word, the Bible and everyday interaction with HIM. It was revelation on an ever ascending scale, which corresponded to my ability and willingness to comprehend Spiritual matters. Remember stubbornness blocks the Holy Spirit from working in our lives.
The Holy Spirit revealed that my major problem was that I had false notions about CHRIST and GOD. My expectations of their role in my life and responding to my prayer requests in the lives of others was such that, They (GOD or CHRIST) needed to jump when I said jump. But guess what, They didn’t jump when I said jump. GOD is not Santa Claus, yet, we try to make HIM to be and it leads us into false notions about HIM. GOD is the same day-in and day-out. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts but always spot-on because HE is sovereign.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, death and decay came into this world. This world became imperfect. Satan rules earth. When things go wrong don’t blame GOD, blame Satan. Satan loves for humans to blame all the bad things on earth on GOD. Keep in mind John 3:16-21: (JESUS was speaking)
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[11] Lit so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[12] Lit the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[13] It is possible that Jesus’ words end at v. 15. Ancient Gk did not have quotation marks.
JESUS came to earth to save all who would believe in HIM and restore them to the relationship GOD intended for them to have before sin came into the world. All who believe in CHRIST are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth and receive eternal life. Their citizenship is in heaven and the instant their earth suits die (the human body), they will be with CHRIST in heaven. While Christians remain on earth, they experience the abundant life. This is not to be confused with a trouble free life. Christians are still living in a world controlled by Satan. That is why Christians must put on the armor of light every day.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that GOD is in all things working to bring about the best from situations we get into. Christians must keep in mind that they will suffer the consequences of bad behavior, which includes not getting the right exercise and eating properly. It also includes neglecting building the right relationship with CHRIST by getting to know HIM through Bible study, talking to HIM, committing their lives to HIM and obediently serving HIM, as led by the Holy Spirit.
Humans are responsible for their relationship with GOD through CHRIST and, in turn, are to teach their children Spiritual truth. Most of us rely upon the church to do all the teaching but it is our responsibility.
I can tell you that my life has had many ups and downs in Spiritual growth. But as mentioned earlier, it has been on an upward scale.
As many of you know, “Experiencing God” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King about 20 years ago, has been one of the highlights of my Spiritual journey. I recently received a notice that the Christians Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) is having Dr. Blackaby to speak at their meeting in Atlanta, GA, January 26-28, 2012 – for more info http://www.cbmc.com/2012mensconference
Now to our scripture study.
Let’s read Romans 13:11-14:
11 Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you[6] Other mss read to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us • walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.
The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. He was challenging them to wake up from being lackadaisical about Spiritual matters because the time for the return of JESUS, to fully redeem the world, was close at hand. Paul wrote this over 2,000 years ago and the time is even closer today. Many Christians in Paul’s day were expecting JESUS’ return at any moment. It is even closer than ever today but GOD may wait much longer. The important thing is that we are all one heartbeat away from eternity and we may go to HIM before HE returns to earth, so stay prepared.
Paul told the Christians of his day what they needed to do and Christians today can do the same thing in preparation for the return of CHRIST. Christians are to cast off the deeds of darkness. Paul was thinking of our old sinful life as old clothing. Christians are to take off the dirty clothes of their old life and put on the new clothes CHRIST has made possible for them to wear, which are the clothes of righteousness.
Paul referred to putting on the armor of light. We live in a world ruled by Satan. Satan does not want any human to give his/her life to GOD. So humans are in the middle of warfare over their very souls. Satan will do all he can to prevent you from becoming a Christian and if you do give your life to CHRIST, he will do all he can to defeat you. So what can you do? First of all, know that when you receive CHRIST as your Savior, you are made righteous and GOD gives you HIS grace.
Second Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us (all who will believe in JESUS), so that we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Paul tells Christians in Ephesians 6:10-19 that they are in Spiritual warfare, therefore, suit up for battle:
Christian Warfare10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics[10] of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.[11] 13 This is why you must take up the full armor[12] of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.[13]16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel.
Paul told the Christians in Rome, that the lure of the flesh is ever present; therefore, they must be adorned with CHRIST every day because they will face the enemy for certain.
Satan is attacking the homes and children of Christian and non-Christian alike. When he defeats Christian homes the world does not see the victory in CHRIST. This is a very sad state of affairs. I know some Christians who read this are facing defeat. Therefore, confess that Satan is trying to defeat you but the victory is in CHRIST. You are HIS child and you are taking off the clothes of defeat and putting on the clothes of victory. Arm yourselves as Paul has outlined and March victorious into the light of CHRIST. Satan will try to defeat you but remember 1 John 4:4 - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.
JESUS has won the victory. Walk in HIS light with confidence.
Let’s read Proverbs 23:19-21:
19 Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course. 20 Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat. 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in rags.
This was a father giving wise instruction to his son. Satan battles for the minds of people, especially young people. Life is all about making the right choices. Satan wants humans to choose the wrong course. So it is a battle to choose the right course. This is where good Spiritual training comes in. This is not to say that all who have been raised in the church will make the right choices but the Bible does tells us in Proverbs 22:6 - 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Notice the word “old.” Sometimes the child is old before he/she reconnects with his/her Spiritual roots. A Christian’s part is to provide the Christian foundation to their child.
In this scripture, the father was instructing his son to make the right choices. It is good not to associate with those who do the things that compromise their lives. The word “associate” does not mean to dump them but it does mean that when you do associate with them, don’t do the things they do which you know are not right. That takes a strong willed person to abstain. My advice is if you have stepped over the line and enjoy or have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling or whatever, then avoid that scene period. It will lead to your destruction.
We all know what happens to those who live lives of addictions. It will lead to their destruction and poverty. Therefore, make the right choice and do not yield to the temptation. Let your friends call you chicken or whatever the modern term is today for resisting the crowd. Peer pressure is very strong and so is our desire to belong. But if you are a Christian, you belong to JESUS. You are very important because you are the son or daughter of GOD and it does not get any better than that. So make the right choices. I have seen too much destruction for people who follow the wrong crowd. Be wise and follow JESUS. Put on your clothes of righteousness and face the world with confidence. Ask HIM to teach you and help you build the most intimate and dynamic relationship with HIM that is possible.
Let’s read Daniel 1:1-21: (Focus - verses 8, 11-16)
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar[1] king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it.[2] 2 The Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God.[3] Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon,[4] to the house of his god,[5] and put the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 The king ordered Ashpenaz (ASH peh naz), the chief of his court officials,[6] to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace[7]—and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. 5 The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank.[8] They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.[9] 6 Among them, from the descendants of Judah, were Daniel, Hananiah (han uh NIGH uh), Mishael (MISH eh uhl), and Azariah (az uh RIGH uh). 7 The chief official gave them [different]* names: to Daniel, he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
The Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took the Israelites captive to Babylon. This was about 605 B.C. when King Nebuchadnezzar had his staff select the brightest and physically best from those captured to groom them for his service. This gives us information about physical and Spiritual nature and character of Daniel and his three (3) friends. The Spiritual character of these young men had already been formed before they were captured. This is why Christians must teach their children from childhood about Spiritual matters because we never know when they may find themselves in a hostile situation, non-Christian environment. The King had the Israelites names changed from Hebrew names to Chaldean names. This would help them disassociate from their Jewish roots and better integrate into the Babylonian culture.
The King also had them fed royal food and wine.
Faithfulness in Babylon
8 Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself. 9 God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 10 yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid [of what would happen]* if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life[10] with the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.” 14 He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days. 15 At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier[11] than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. 16 So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.
Daniel was determined not to defile himself. Daniel was a young man of conviction to serve GOD in a foreign land. We see in this scripture the character of Daniel. His desire was to remain faithful to GOD in a bad situation. We see that Daniel was very intelligent, in good physical condition and had common sense.
He had a problem. How would he handle it? He could have just said I refuse and there would have likely been severe consequences. We see that Daniel realized the predicament his refusal to eat the king’s food and drink his wine could put the king’s chief official in. So Daniel proposed a short term test for ten (10) days to the guard the chief official had assigned to them. We saw in verse 5 that this was a three (3) year training program, so a ten (10) day test was reasonable. The guard likely thought if after ten (10) they were not looking well that he had time to change their regime. I also imagine the guard told the chief official what he was going to do and may have even told him that he would be accountable of the outcome. Anyway, Daniel was granted his request.
After ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier than those who ate the king’s food and drank his wine. So rather than conforming to the king’s program and defiling themselves, their stand resulted in being a witness and a positive example for the GOD of Israel in a pagan land.
Daniel 1:17-21 - Faithfulness Rewarded
17 God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.[12] 18 At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times[13] better than all the diviner-priests and mediums[14] in his entire kingdom. 21 Daniel remained[15] there until the first year of King Cyrus.[16]
GOD was using Daniel and his friends to witness to their captors’. We see in verse 17, that GOD rewarded their faithfulness with knowledge and understanding. When we are faithful to GOD, GOD equips us to serve HIM. GOD gave Daniel the gift to understand visions and dreams, which would be important in his service to the king and to reveal GOD to the king and his subjects.
At the end of the training program, the king evaluated all in the program and guess who stood out? It was Daniel and his three friends. They were ten (10) times better. So the king immediately chose them to begin serving in his court. This made their handler look good as well. Because they had been faithful to GOD, GOD was able to use them in a mighty way. Serving GOD often requires HIS children to take a risk when they are in a bad situation, as prompted by the Holy Spirit. Daniel and his friends served the king. Daniel faced the lion’s den and his three friends faced the fiery furnace. GOD guided them and protected them.
Daniel served several kings until the first year of King Cyrus which was 536 B.C. This was about sixty (60) years of service.
GOD honors faithfulness, faithfulness honors GOD.
As we begin a new year, what will it hold for us? None of us knows but GOD does. As Christians, our part is to remain faithful to HIM though our relationship with CHRIST. May all of us, who call ourselves Christians, know CHRIST more and be in a deeper relationship with HIM by this time next year.
FATHER, here I am as I am, please help me to be all that YOU know that I am capable of being. Blessings to all.
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