Foundation Bible Church
Culture Shift Week 5: The Discernment
When Culture Shifts low, you stand tall in your faith!
Locations & Times
Foundation Bible Church
1107 W Broad St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, USA
Sunday 9:30 AM
Culture Shift Part 5
The Discernment: When Culture shifts low, you stand tall in your faith
Daniel Chapter 4 & 5
In the story-line of Chapters 4 & 5, our focus today, Daniel is asked to interpret two different dreams for two different kings. Daniel has to be the barrier of bad news for both kings and their fall from authority and one to death.
Today’s Big Idea: Sometimes having discernment or a word from the Lord is hard because it means you have to speak up and out a word from God that may not be received well. Nevertheless the word must be spoken, if we are going to be faithful to God in a rapidly shifting culture.
As culture shifts, so does values and ideals and many times these ideals and values will collide with God’s word and someone, possibly you, will need to speak up and out the truth of God’s word regardless of the outcome.
God will design these moments as He places in you in the right position and around the people whose lives are contrary to His ways and you will be God’s messenger of truth and the message may not always be pleasant for them to here.
In our political correct society today, we are facing the epidemic of compromise from the sin of silence because of the fear of rejection or resistance.
We are taking about honest, pure, reasonable and righteous confrontation. Some people love it while other try in ever way to avoid it. If you are going to be faithful to God in a culture shift you will have to confront in the right way at the right time.
- It may be your Son or Daughter is heading in the wrong direction – need to step in, have that tough conversation, but don’t want to push them away…
- Friend in a terrible spiral of reckless behavior & at times they open up to you.
- Someone you know is making terrible financial decisions.
- A message you may have to preach or teach.
Daniel teaches us how to stand in the right way even when the message is hard.
Two Extremes in Confrontation:
1. Unwilling to Confront (ultra passive…)
- None of my business / Live and let live / Who am I to Judge?
2. Unlovingly Confront (ultra aggressive…)
- “Drive By” Confrontations
We either don’t take a stand, or we stand up the wrong way, with horribly wrong motives…Daniel teaches us how to stand in the right way even when the message is hard.
Before we dive into the actual interpretations of each king and what it means to us today, I want to bring up a couple of truths that merge from the scene and merit why Daniel has to deliver a hard word in the first place.
1. When Culture Shifts, people will
acknowledge God’s blessings but will not
follow God’s leading or offer of Grace and the
only hope is a word from God spoken in the right
way at the right time. verse 3 & 27
2. When Culture Shifts, people will even speak
of God’s presence in someone else’s life but will not surrender to His presence in their own life. 4:8-9; 4:18; 5:14
The barrier that fosters an environment and condition for a hard word from God through a appointed messenger is Pride, Verse 37.
Remember this verse: Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (ESV)
In Daniel 4:4-6 King Nebuchadnezzar has the dream that frightens him. Once again in the story-line Daniel has shown the most success with the King but once again is called upon last. The king asked for the interpreters and magicians first.
The king mirrors the world in so many ways:
A. The world is looking for answers and solutions to their nightmares or problems but usually they turn everywhere for them except God.
B. Even when the world turns for answers from God’s people they want clarity without purity.
C. The kind of lifestyle you live, yields the kind of fears and nightmares you often posses-because you reap what you sow.
As Culture shifts, eventually the world gets so bad that the only hope for her is the right message delivered through the right person at the right time that hopefully will be received with repentance.
This Message is King Nebuchadnezzar's final call before God’s delivers his judgment to Him. Still Nebuchadnezzar will refuse. Is this your final call?
Genesis 6:3 “And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for the he also is flesh: yet his days shall be as hundred and twenty years.” (KJV)
When God lifts his presence his judgement falls! The message Daniel has to reveal is that Judgement for Nebuchadnezzar was coming. Daniel hears the dream and before he can interpret it, he falls silent and is trouble by the message that He has to share because it is one of Judgement.
Daniel has to tell the King that his power and his pride would destroy him and that He will lose his mind and eat like animals in the field for 7 years feasting on grass. Daniel will tell him to stop sinning and repent.
When culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with deep Concern, 4:19. The message should trouble you instead of excite you. This is how you know when you are thinking about others verses trying to make yourself look better or feel better. Their is a difference in seeking revenge verse repentance. The purpose of speaking up is to help others find God or their way back to Him.
Paul in the NT, Ephesians 4:15 said…speaking the truth in love…..
When Culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with clarity. 4:27 (ESV) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.
Daniel knew that the sole purpose of God given revelation of judgement was to draw the king to a decision of repentance. For Daniel to warn without inviting the King to repent would be like someone today preaching the judgement of Hell without the Cross or the opportunity to be saved.
I wish I could tell you that the King repented, but he didn’t. Nevertheless Daniel risked his life to share the message that Judgement was coming because it was the right thing to do regardless of the results.
Today we need to remember we are called to be a voice for Christ to our neighbors, friends, family and the world that judgement is coming and repentance is necessary and we can’t worry about our own life or the results. We must confront in love and let God handle the results.
We are responsible to stand up and speak up and the results are up to God.
One last dream to interpret and we are done for today.
Daniel is going to live through King Nebuchadnezzar and serve under his son Belshazzar. This is probably about 20 years later from chapter 4. This king like his father was corrupt and full of himself and audacious behavior. In the middle of a drunk fest he will ask for he vessel of gold that are articles of worship for God’s people. He uses them to get drunk with.
Let’s just say God is not happy with Belshazzar.
Then God speaks to the drunken King. Who said God can’t speak to a drunk man? It’s a vision that once again cannot be interpreted.
Have you ever heard of the expression: “The writing is on the wall” It comes from Daniel 5 as a hand appeared writing a message on a wall.
- Mene Mene – your days are numbered, and they’re up!
- Tekel – you have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting
- Parsin – your kingdom will be divided – and taken from you
The king will not get an opportunity to repent. He went to far for too long. That very night, he was killed by the hand of the Medes and the Persians.
Daniel’s success opens the door for his invite into the situation. He can’t run from it, he just has to embrace it and do what is needed through it because God allowed it so the truth could be heard.
When Culture Shifts God plans to speak to you so that He can speak through you! Let him and make sure to tell it like it is, in love.
Some final thoughts:
To the unsaved:
A. Acknowledging God is not the same things as following God. God requires both.
B. To hear revelation from God even through a messenger and not repent is to often forfeit your own grace extended to you.
C. What you do may have terminal consequences. Repent today and receive God’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
To the saved:
A. Daniel teaches us the importance of being a messenger of God in ungodly world.
B. Daniel teaches us that motive is critical. If the message does not weigh on you then you are out of touch with the author of the message and the intent of the message.
C. Daniels also teaches us that the truth is always needed regardless of how harsh it may seem.
Who do you need to share with? Are you sharing Jesus Christ with others? What hard message do you need to share today?
The Discernment: When Culture shifts low, you stand tall in your faith
Daniel Chapter 4 & 5
In the story-line of Chapters 4 & 5, our focus today, Daniel is asked to interpret two different dreams for two different kings. Daniel has to be the barrier of bad news for both kings and their fall from authority and one to death.
Today’s Big Idea: Sometimes having discernment or a word from the Lord is hard because it means you have to speak up and out a word from God that may not be received well. Nevertheless the word must be spoken, if we are going to be faithful to God in a rapidly shifting culture.
As culture shifts, so does values and ideals and many times these ideals and values will collide with God’s word and someone, possibly you, will need to speak up and out the truth of God’s word regardless of the outcome.
God will design these moments as He places in you in the right position and around the people whose lives are contrary to His ways and you will be God’s messenger of truth and the message may not always be pleasant for them to here.
In our political correct society today, we are facing the epidemic of compromise from the sin of silence because of the fear of rejection or resistance.
We are taking about honest, pure, reasonable and righteous confrontation. Some people love it while other try in ever way to avoid it. If you are going to be faithful to God in a culture shift you will have to confront in the right way at the right time.
- It may be your Son or Daughter is heading in the wrong direction – need to step in, have that tough conversation, but don’t want to push them away…
- Friend in a terrible spiral of reckless behavior & at times they open up to you.
- Someone you know is making terrible financial decisions.
- A message you may have to preach or teach.
Daniel teaches us how to stand in the right way even when the message is hard.
Two Extremes in Confrontation:
1. Unwilling to Confront (ultra passive…)
- None of my business / Live and let live / Who am I to Judge?
2. Unlovingly Confront (ultra aggressive…)
- “Drive By” Confrontations
We either don’t take a stand, or we stand up the wrong way, with horribly wrong motives…Daniel teaches us how to stand in the right way even when the message is hard.
Before we dive into the actual interpretations of each king and what it means to us today, I want to bring up a couple of truths that merge from the scene and merit why Daniel has to deliver a hard word in the first place.
1. When Culture Shifts, people will
acknowledge God’s blessings but will not
follow God’s leading or offer of Grace and the
only hope is a word from God spoken in the right
way at the right time. verse 3 & 27
2. When Culture Shifts, people will even speak
of God’s presence in someone else’s life but will not surrender to His presence in their own life. 4:8-9; 4:18; 5:14
The barrier that fosters an environment and condition for a hard word from God through a appointed messenger is Pride, Verse 37.
Remember this verse: Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (ESV)
In Daniel 4:4-6 King Nebuchadnezzar has the dream that frightens him. Once again in the story-line Daniel has shown the most success with the King but once again is called upon last. The king asked for the interpreters and magicians first.
The king mirrors the world in so many ways:
A. The world is looking for answers and solutions to their nightmares or problems but usually they turn everywhere for them except God.
B. Even when the world turns for answers from God’s people they want clarity without purity.
C. The kind of lifestyle you live, yields the kind of fears and nightmares you often posses-because you reap what you sow.
As Culture shifts, eventually the world gets so bad that the only hope for her is the right message delivered through the right person at the right time that hopefully will be received with repentance.
This Message is King Nebuchadnezzar's final call before God’s delivers his judgment to Him. Still Nebuchadnezzar will refuse. Is this your final call?
Genesis 6:3 “And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for the he also is flesh: yet his days shall be as hundred and twenty years.” (KJV)
When God lifts his presence his judgement falls! The message Daniel has to reveal is that Judgement for Nebuchadnezzar was coming. Daniel hears the dream and before he can interpret it, he falls silent and is trouble by the message that He has to share because it is one of Judgement.
Daniel has to tell the King that his power and his pride would destroy him and that He will lose his mind and eat like animals in the field for 7 years feasting on grass. Daniel will tell him to stop sinning and repent.
When culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with deep Concern, 4:19. The message should trouble you instead of excite you. This is how you know when you are thinking about others verses trying to make yourself look better or feel better. Their is a difference in seeking revenge verse repentance. The purpose of speaking up is to help others find God or their way back to Him.
Paul in the NT, Ephesians 4:15 said…speaking the truth in love…..
When Culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with clarity. 4:27 (ESV) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.
Daniel knew that the sole purpose of God given revelation of judgement was to draw the king to a decision of repentance. For Daniel to warn without inviting the King to repent would be like someone today preaching the judgement of Hell without the Cross or the opportunity to be saved.
I wish I could tell you that the King repented, but he didn’t. Nevertheless Daniel risked his life to share the message that Judgement was coming because it was the right thing to do regardless of the results.
Today we need to remember we are called to be a voice for Christ to our neighbors, friends, family and the world that judgement is coming and repentance is necessary and we can’t worry about our own life or the results. We must confront in love and let God handle the results.
We are responsible to stand up and speak up and the results are up to God.
One last dream to interpret and we are done for today.
Daniel is going to live through King Nebuchadnezzar and serve under his son Belshazzar. This is probably about 20 years later from chapter 4. This king like his father was corrupt and full of himself and audacious behavior. In the middle of a drunk fest he will ask for he vessel of gold that are articles of worship for God’s people. He uses them to get drunk with.
Let’s just say God is not happy with Belshazzar.
Then God speaks to the drunken King. Who said God can’t speak to a drunk man? It’s a vision that once again cannot be interpreted.
Have you ever heard of the expression: “The writing is on the wall” It comes from Daniel 5 as a hand appeared writing a message on a wall.
- Mene Mene – your days are numbered, and they’re up!
- Tekel – you have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting
- Parsin – your kingdom will be divided – and taken from you
The king will not get an opportunity to repent. He went to far for too long. That very night, he was killed by the hand of the Medes and the Persians.
Daniel’s success opens the door for his invite into the situation. He can’t run from it, he just has to embrace it and do what is needed through it because God allowed it so the truth could be heard.
When Culture Shifts God plans to speak to you so that He can speak through you! Let him and make sure to tell it like it is, in love.
Some final thoughts:
To the unsaved:
A. Acknowledging God is not the same things as following God. God requires both.
B. To hear revelation from God even through a messenger and not repent is to often forfeit your own grace extended to you.
C. What you do may have terminal consequences. Repent today and receive God’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
To the saved:
A. Daniel teaches us the importance of being a messenger of God in ungodly world.
B. Daniel teaches us that motive is critical. If the message does not weigh on you then you are out of touch with the author of the message and the intent of the message.
C. Daniels also teaches us that the truth is always needed regardless of how harsh it may seem.
Who do you need to share with? Are you sharing Jesus Christ with others? What hard message do you need to share today?
Home Study Guide:
Culture Shift: Part 5
The Discernment: When Culture Shifts low you stand tall in your faith.
Daniel Chapters 3 & 4
Big idea: Sometimes having discernment or a word from the Lord is hard because it means you have to speak up and out a word from God that may not be received well. Nevertheless the word must be spoken, if we are going to be faithful to God in a rapidly shifting culture.
Study Questions:
These questions can be used as an extended study during the week to allow the principles you have
learned from Sunday to become apart of your lifestyle.
1. What impacted you the most from this week’s message? Encouraged you? Challenged you?
2. Are you the type of person that avoids confrontation or someone who seems to like it?
3. Why do you feel people struggle to SHARE the truth with others at times?
4. Do you feel like it matters the attitude you have in sharing the truth? Read Daniel 4:19.
Remember this: When culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with deep Concern, 4:19.The message should trouble you instead of excite you. This is how you know when you are thinking about others verses trying to make yourself look better or feel better. Their is a difference in seeking revenge verse repentance. The purpose of speaking up is to help others find God or their way back to Him.
Going Deeper: These are some companion verses that help encourage us to speak up and out for God in the right way at the right time.
Proverbs 15:22-23
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
Galatians 2:11-14 ESV
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For
before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back
and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically
along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their
conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew,
live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Colossians 3:17 ESV
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Extended Prayer Time:
A. Do you know anyone who you may need to speak to about their life and need for Christ? Please take time to ask God to give your discernment and influence to speak to them in the right way at the right time.
Prayer focus: God help me have the courage and compassion needed to speak to _______________ in a manner that would point them to you and may you prepare their heart to receive it. In Jesus name, Amen!
B. Ask God to search your heart and life for any sin that may hinder you from being closer to God and seeing how to best help others.
Luke 6:42 "How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."
Make Disciples: Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples” involved you sharing with others what God has taught you. It may be your children, friend, co worker or etc. The goal is to help other find and follow
God with their life. Plan some conversations this week and invite others to experience the goodness of God.
To go further in your Disciple Making journey, Foundation has a growth track designed to help empower and equip you to make a lasting impact in the world with your life for Christ. Email us to learn more at foundationgrowthtrack@gmail.com.
Culture Shift: Part 5
The Discernment: When Culture Shifts low you stand tall in your faith.
Daniel Chapters 3 & 4
Big idea: Sometimes having discernment or a word from the Lord is hard because it means you have to speak up and out a word from God that may not be received well. Nevertheless the word must be spoken, if we are going to be faithful to God in a rapidly shifting culture.
Study Questions:
These questions can be used as an extended study during the week to allow the principles you have
learned from Sunday to become apart of your lifestyle.
1. What impacted you the most from this week’s message? Encouraged you? Challenged you?
2. Are you the type of person that avoids confrontation or someone who seems to like it?
3. Why do you feel people struggle to SHARE the truth with others at times?
4. Do you feel like it matters the attitude you have in sharing the truth? Read Daniel 4:19.
Remember this: When culture shifts and you have to speak up: Confront with deep Concern, 4:19.The message should trouble you instead of excite you. This is how you know when you are thinking about others verses trying to make yourself look better or feel better. Their is a difference in seeking revenge verse repentance. The purpose of speaking up is to help others find God or their way back to Him.
Going Deeper: These are some companion verses that help encourage us to speak up and out for God in the right way at the right time.
Proverbs 15:22-23
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
Galatians 2:11-14 ESV
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For
before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back
and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically
along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their
conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew,
live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Colossians 3:17 ESV
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Extended Prayer Time:
A. Do you know anyone who you may need to speak to about their life and need for Christ? Please take time to ask God to give your discernment and influence to speak to them in the right way at the right time.
Prayer focus: God help me have the courage and compassion needed to speak to _______________ in a manner that would point them to you and may you prepare their heart to receive it. In Jesus name, Amen!
B. Ask God to search your heart and life for any sin that may hinder you from being closer to God and seeing how to best help others.
Luke 6:42 "How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."
Make Disciples: Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples” involved you sharing with others what God has taught you. It may be your children, friend, co worker or etc. The goal is to help other find and follow
God with their life. Plan some conversations this week and invite others to experience the goodness of God.
To go further in your Disciple Making journey, Foundation has a growth track designed to help empower and equip you to make a lasting impact in the world with your life for Christ. Email us to learn more at foundationgrowthtrack@gmail.com.
Moon Walkers Memory Verse - Psalm 139:14
Little Rockets and Twinkles Memory Verse - Ephesians 2:10
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