1 Year Bible—James

James the half-brother of the Lord Jesus

Chapter 1

B1 Temptation/testing

C1 The Greek word is πειρασμός peirasmós. It means trials, temptations, etc. The word has the idea of testing a drug to see if it works as intended, thus, the various applications. Vocabulary Of The Greek Testament (Moulton & Milligan 1929) states: “trials” made of drugs to see their effect in certain diseases.

C2 The idea can be taken either way. A temptation is a trial, or a trial can be a temptation.

C3 We can be joyous mainly in the sense of producing endurance strengthening our spiritual muscles. Endurance has the idea of constancy, loyalty, etc. Romans 5:3-5 EMTV And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance; and endurance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

C4 When we are tested, in trials, being tempt, remember

D1 Pray even if we do not want to

D2 Share our burden with brothers and sisters. We need to help each other. We are in the Christian life together.

D3 Read the Psalms. Some speak to this issue. For example:

Psalms 13:1-6 GNB92 How much longer will you forget me, LORD? Forever? How much longer will you hide yourself from me? How long must I endure trouble? How long will sorrow fill my heart day and night? How long will my enemies triumph over me? Look at me, O LORD my God, and answer me. Restore my strength; don't let me die. Don't let my enemies say, “We have defeated him.” Don't let them gloat over my downfall. I rely on your constant love; I will be glad, because you will rescue me. I will sing to you, O LORD, because you have been good to me.

D4 Ask for wisdom (James 1:5-8)

B2 Both rich and poor suffer alike. Let us be humble.

B3 If we endure (with God’s assisting grace), then at the Bema Seat we will receive a crown of life.

C1 2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV2011 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

C2 The words judgment seat are the Greek word βῆμα bēma. The is a seat/throne on a raised platform for the official to judge.

C3 The Bema seat judgment occurs shortly after the Rapture.

B4 We cannot blame God for our temptation.

C1 The devil asked for permission to persecute Job. God gave him permission. The devil, however, did NOT have to do so.

C2 Jesus was tempted also.

C3 Regardless of what we face, God teaches us and strengthens us.

B5 James 1:22-25 ESV2011 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

C1 We learn what we say and what we do must match.

C2 We learn what we do must be consistent in public and private.

C3 We learn that the perfect law, that is, the law of liberty is now our law, not Mosaic Law, nor the law of our sinful nature.

D1 If the Law of Liberty refers to the Gospel, then when we believe we are free from the requirements of Mosaic Law and its punishment, for Jesus suffered and shed His blood for our sins.

D2 The Law of Liberty might refer to the rules Jesus gave us to obey either directly or through His Apostles and recorded in the New Testament.

Chapter 2 deals with

B1 Treating everyone equally, especially believers. We know

C1 There is only one race—the human race.

C2 There are priorities. God is to have first priority, then spouse, then family, the local congregation, then the greater body of Christians, then everyone else.

C3 We should love and live in God’s ways. This is seen in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds according to the characteristics in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

C4 God treats people equally, too according to His priorities: 1 Timothy 2:4 NIV who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

C5 Galatians 6:10 NIV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

B2 In verses 14-17, it is taught that what we say and what we do must match in private and public.

B3 Works are not for salvation but are proof of a changed life by God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Some examples are the Abraham, Rahab, Prodigal Son, and King Manasseh.

Chapter 3 deals with

B1 If we teach the Scriptures, we are held accountable for what we teach.

B2 Rules of what we say.

B3 The 2 types of wisdom. The difference between God’s wisdom and any other.

Chapter 4 deals with

B1 The dangers of covetousness (lust). How covetousness leads to problems, arguments, fighting, scabbing, and a lot of disunity.

B2 There are only two worldviews, namely, God’s worldview and all others. We are servants of God and only His view is correct. The world is all other views. The foundation of that worldview is me first, God last.

Chapter 5 deals with

B1 The danger of riches, that is, trusting in money instead of God. Our love changes from God to stuff.

B2 Christians suffer. We must bear with this as the whole family of God does in every generation and in every part of the world. We need to pray and support each other.

B3 The need to pray. We are talking to God. We were created for fellowship with God and to serve Him forever. The Psalms show a wide variety of prayers. God is a wonderful Counselor/Adviser.

Trials make

the promise sweet,

Trials give

new life to prayer;

Trials bring me

to His feet,

Lay me low,

and keep me there

—William Cowper

A Few Thoughts About Discernment

Knowing truth from lies

A1 The Bible is the only source of 100% truth.

B1 Truth is reality. It is the plain correspondence theory of truth.

B2 It is most reasonable to believe this about the Bible because of Jesus. Did He exist? Did He do what is written about Him? Are the Gospels true history? Were the Gospels written in the middle first century?

B3 It’s reasonable to consider knowing the Bible well will result in knowing good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 WEL But solid food belongs to those who are mature having their spiritual senses exercised through use to discern both good and evil.

C1 Someone who is mature, that is, full grown on the food of Bible study will have their spiritual senors mature, too.

C2 Spiritual senses=

D1 The Greek word αἰσθητήριον aisthētḗrion.

D2 It means "145 (aisthētērion, neuter noun) focuses on the principle of sense and especially its result. 144 /aísthēsis (the feminine cognate) is the brand of sense-discernment which shrewdly sizes things up. 145 (aisthētḗrion) is "the concrete organ of sense, becoming virtually a habitual ability which must be developed and enables believers to distinguish between the spirits. It is a spiritual gift which must be developed in practice" (DNTT, 2, 391).

D3 This particular sensor is used to distinguish good from evil. Both good and evil are based on God’s standard.

C3 Exercised means exercised. Physical exercise has good effects. Spiritual exercise does too. The more spiritual exercise we do, the stronger we become.

C4 The Greek word for discern is διάκρισις diákrisis. It means 1253 diákrisis (from 1252 /diakrínō, see there) – properly, a thorough judgment, i.e. a discernment (conclusion) which distinguishes "look-alikes," i.e. things that appear to be the same. (Note the intensifying force of the prefix, dia.) See also 1252 (diakrínō).

C5 By Bible reading, study, thinking about it, memorizing, and living it has a great effect on us. We will be able to distinguish good from evil.

A2 The interpretation of the Bible

B1 The plain, normal sense consistently

B2 Recognizing the historical and cultural settings

B3 Recognizing prescriptive from descriptive passages

A3 The basics we must know

B1 The basic summary of what we must do: Matthew 22:37-40 MKJV Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

B2 It includes all that God speaks: Matthew 4:4 MKJV But He answered and said, It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

B3 When the Bible quotes someone whether king or commoner, the quote is accurate. The quote may or may not be truth. Example: Matthew 9:33-34 MKJV And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb one spoke. And multitudes marveled, saying, Never was it seen like this in Israel! 34 But the Pharisees said, He throws out demons by the ruler of the demons.

A4 The importance of personal learning. Instead of reading commentators, listening to teachers, going to meetings, we must daily study the Scriptures themselves.

A5 The importance of meditating on and studying Scripture

B1 Studying

C1 Ezra did: Ezra 7:10 GW Ezra was determined to study the LORD's Teachings, live by them, and teach their rules and regulations in Israel.

C2 The Psalmist did by reflecting on Scripture: Psalms 119:15 GW I want to reflect on your guiding principles and study your ways.

C3 Correct study and interpretation leads to staying in the truth instead of wandering away: 2 Timothy 2:15-18 PickNT Make every effort to render yourself approved by God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, handling the Word of the Truth correctly. 16 But shun godless, empty chatter, because those who do it will become increasingly godless, 17 and their word will spread like gangrene—among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the Truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred; and they overturn the faith of some.

B2 Meditating on Scripture is not passive that is bypassing the brain, going into a trance, seeking the wisdom masters of the spirit world, etc. All those things of not God’s way and are condemned. Scripture meditation is active. It is like brain exercises as we study. Joshua 1:8 NIV Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

B3 Example:

C1 Verse: Hebrews 5:12-14 MKJV For indeed because of the time, you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again what are the first principles of the oracles of God. And you have become in need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For everyone who uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, even those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

C2 Simple, brief interpretation:

D1 Milk and solid food. A diet of milk in associated with a baby. Solid food is associated with someone mature.

D2 Applied to spiritual knowledge and understanding, a diet of milk means one is unskillful with the Scriptures like an infant. A diet of solid food means the person will have their senses exercised in discernment.

D3 Discernment refers to recognizing God’s way from some other way. God’s beliefs from some other belief, and God’s lifestyle from some other lifestyle.

D4 Actively thinking about this verse, studying its meaning, its cross references, etc. produces knowledge. Knowledge applied to a situation is wisdom.

A6 Study leads to spiritual growth in discernment for individuals and the congregation

B1 Apostles studied: Acts 6:3&7 MKJV Therefore, brothers, look out among you seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty...7 And the word of God was increasing. And the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying exceedingly; even a great crowd of the priests obeyed the faith.

B2 Humans words do not last, but God’s word does: Acts 12:23-24 MKJV And immediately the angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and gave up the spirit. 24 But the Word of God grew and increased. [Emphasis is mine]

B3 Spread around: Acts 13:49 MKJV And the Word of the Lord was carried throughout all the country.

B4 Bears fruit: Colossians 1:5-6 MKJV for the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, of which you heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you as it has also in all the world, and it is bearing fruit, even also among you, since the day you heard and fully knew the grace of God in truth,

B5 Heard in reading and teaching has a great effect: I Thessalonians 2:13 MKJV And for this cause we thank God without ceasing, that when you received the Word of hearing, of God, you welcomed it as the Word of God, not as a word of men, but as it is, truly the Word of God, which also effectually works in you who believe.

A7 Discernment

B1 We are to pray for it as Solomon did: 1 Kings 3:9 WEB Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?”

B2 Our love is to grow. This love is not just tolerance. It is a love with the conditions of knowledge and understanding. Thus, we won’t just love everything and everyone but will have discernment. Philippians 1:9-10 ISV And this is my prayer, that your love will keep on growing more and more in full knowledge and perfect insight, 10 so that you may be able to determine what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

C1 The word discernment is the Greek word αἴσθησις aísthēsis. It means properly, the brand of sense-discernment which "cuts through" hazy ethical (moral) matters to really "size things up" .

C2 Thus, knowing God’s standards, we can decide if something is godly or ungodly.

C3 We give praise to God by our actions and give witness to His truth.

B3 We are commanded to test all things: I Thessalonians 5:21 BSB but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

B4 Discernment is a regular activity in the Christian life. See Jesus’s rebuke of the religious frauds:

C1 Luke 12:54-57 GW Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud coming up in the west, you immediately say, 'There's going to be a rainstorm,' and it happens. 55 When you see a south wind blowing, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and that's what happens. 56 You hypocrites! You can forecast the weather by judging the appearance of earth and sky. But for some reason you don't know how to judge the time in which you're living. 57 So why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?

C2 Simon, a Pharisee, was asked by the Lord Jesus to judge: Luke 7:43 GW Simon answered, "I suppose the one who had the largest debt canceled." Jesus said to him, "You're right!"

B5 This is the reason we must know the Bible well: Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

All of our Christian life is one of discernment. Is this teaching, activity, belief, congregation, preacher, etc. safe? By knowing, studying, and applying the truths of Scripture, we can prevent much heart grief.

A Few Thoughts on the Epistle of James—James 1:13-15

D4 Believers Should Know That Temptation Is Not From God James 1:13-15

James 1:13-15 WEL Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does he tempt anyone. 14 Everyone is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then, when lust has conceived, it produces sin, and when sin is matured, it brings forth death.

Tempted=

• This is the word πειράζω peirázō. We discussed the noun in James 1:2. The verb is similar and means a test to determine quality and an attempt to do something (Acts (9:26). Another meaning is to get someone to do something illegal, as our passage here and in Matthew 22:18, for instance.
• The context tells us.
  • There is temptation that comes from our evil desires and lusts, as here.
  • There is temptation that comes from testing how a person will respond to God’s teaching, as Abraham, for instance. Hebrews 11:17 NLT It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.
• God does not tempt us, that is, seduce, to sin, that is, break His laws.

Everyone=

• The Lord Jesus was tempted to sin, but He never had the desire or lust to sin (Hebrews 4:15).
• We are tempted to break God’s laws, too, but it is from our inward desire. Two example:
  • It is not wrong to eat, yet gluttony is sin (Philippians 3:19-20, Proverbs 23:2).
  • Sex is not wrong, yet sex outside of marriage is wrong.
    • Hebrews 13:4 NRSV Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.
    • 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Drawn away=

• The Greek word is ἐξέλκω exélkō. It means to lure as a hunter does game.
• Manser notes the process of seduction:
  • A thought planted Genesis 3:2-3
  • An advantage promised Genesis 3:4-5
  • Attraction Genesis 3:6
  • Persistence on the part of the seducer Matthew 4:8-9 See also Genesis 19:9
  • Yielding Genesis 3:6
• Sin brings death
  • Physical (sometimes immediately (Genesis 38:2-10) yet most of the time eventually (Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27)
  • Spiritual (Ephesians 2:1, 1 Timothy 5:6)
  • Eternal (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 21:8)

Questions

• Does God tempt us to sin? Defend your answer.
• Why do we sin?
• What is the process from temptation to death?
• Why does sin bring death?

Sermon Outlines James Chapter 1

I resigned from teaching Sunday School for awhile, so in the meantime, I plan to publish a few sermon outlines I have done over the years.

A1 Chapter 1

B1 Introduction

C1 Self-description

D1 Servant of God

D2 Servant of Lord Jesus Christ

C2 Writing to the 12 tribes of Israel (the Christian, believing Jews, but it is applicable to all of us)

B2 Testing/Temptation (these are the trials of the Christian faith; but it may refer to the solicitation to sin, which is a trial)

C1 Attitude in: Joy

D1 Joy = cheerfulness, calmly happy

E1 An opportunity to see firsthand God's help in trouble

E2 Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience.

D3 This world/life is one of trouble, for the world is cursed because of sin.

D4 Testing/Temptation comes in many different forms

E1 Spiritual temptation: to deny Christ, to make someone bitter and blame God, etc.

E2 Emotional: to depression, to be lead astray by "voices" (in reality, demonic influence), false guilt, recurring bad memories

E3 Physical: to seek pleasure, appetites, food, sleep, sex, money

E4 The three most popular gods in the world: Honors, Riches, and Pleasures

D4 References:

E1 Matthew 5:11 HCSB You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.

F1 Comment: This is a temptation to leave the faith and deny Christ.

F2 Three persecutions mentioned:

G1 Insult

G2 Persecute, which may be verbal, financial, economic (as in our occupation), physical, spiritual, emotional, etc. or all the above

G3 Lie in every form it might be possible to lie

F3 These come against us because we are Christians

E2 1 Peter 1:6-7 GNB92 Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.

F1 Comment: The results and rewards are when Jesus returns.

F2 This type of testing is not good to experience but does reveal if our commitment is genuine. Remember persecution is not just physical.

C2 James 1:2 Works Patience

D1 Happily awaiting deliverance, thus a test of faith. This is a showing of faith and hope. Faith = "God will deliver me." Hope = "I hope it will be today."

D2 Don't get in a hurry.

D3 God has a purpose waiting for God’s deliverance: James 1:4 WPNT but let that endurance have a complete work, so that you may be perfect and complete, falling short in nothing.

D4 God’s grace is always sufficient to endure: 2 Corinthians 12:9 NRSV but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

C3 James 1:5 Wisdom: lack wisdom; don't know what to do; unsure of everything? Pray for wisdom. God will not belittle us for asking. There are no stupid questions. If we need to ask God for wisdom 100 times a day, it will not make God angry.

C4 James 1:6-8 Prayer

D1 In faith (God can do this)

D2 We cannot manipulate God with a formula, self abasement, etc.

D3 Don’t doubt.

D4 There is no guarantee to answered prayer. 1 John 5:14 NKJV Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

D5 Asking for wisdom is pleasing to God. He is the source of wisdom. Colossians 2:2-3 NKJV that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

C5 James 1:9-11 Be glad if you're poor

D1 Riches can disappear quickly.

D2 Don't put your trust in riches.

D3 This is a temptation, for we should put our trust in God, himself.

C6 James 1:12 A reward for endurance: the crown of life.

D1 There are two different crowns mentioned in New Testament Greek

E1 The first is στεφανος, stephanos which is similar to a trophy. It is given for victory or efficient service. In our case for the Christian life. This is word used in James 1:12.

E2 The second is διάδημα diadema and is a crown signifying the right and authority to rule. Thus, a king or queen would wear a diadem. This is the word used in Revelation 12:3, 13:1, and 19:12.

D2 The Crown of Life is specific for endurance, steadfastness, faithfulness in persecution of any sort. It is also in Revelation 2:10.

C7 James 1:13-15 God does not tempt people.

D1 The principle of sin is in us.

D2 That principle is "Everything is for my comfort and pleasure." This is happiness, not joy. Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit, joy is.

D3 The cure

E1 Repent and trust in the Lord Jesus who suffered for our sins and paid our penalty

E2 Humility: God help me

E3 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

C8 James 1:20 Our anger does not do the will of God.

D1 Anger often comes from bitterness from injustice

D2 We seek revenge. Vengeance is up to God.

D3 Need to forgive

E1 Forgiveness does not mean that God lets them off the hook

E2 It means to turn the person, situation, to God to deal with it

F1 That person may repent

F2 You can have peace and rest

C9 James 1:21 Stop sinning. (God help us).

D1 The word "lay apart" means put or lay aside and leave it.

D2 Place yourself under God’s authority, that is, God's way is the right way. I will do this with the help of God.

D3 Engrafted is to place into or plant, which might mean the Gospel, so it brings salvation, but it could also mean a remembering of a Bible verse applicable to the present situation, which if we obey, we will be delivered.

D4 Another version James 1:21 GNB So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

E1 God implants a verse from the Bible in our mind. "Ah, that verse—O yes, I remember."

E2 We obey that Bible verse (with discernment).

E3 We will have deliverance.

C10 James 1:22-25, If only a hearer of the Bible, then it is nothing. It is the doer who is doing the will of God. Words are cheap; actions speak louder than words.

C11 James 1:23-27 One test of a true Christian

D1 Mouth control

D2 Visiting the needy, the fatherless and the widow.

Copyright © 2001-2018 by Len Gane. All Rights Reserved.

Daniel, the faithful servant whom God greatly loved

Theme: Integrity Under Pressure

Scriptures:

• Daniel 1:1-21
• Daniel 6:1-27
• Daniel 9:1-23

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)

Know: Daniel lived with consistent integrity before God and the leaders of an idolatrous nation.

Think: Have the mindset that doing what is right is more important than my comfort or pleasure.

Do: Do what is right, even if it may cost me.

Notes and questions:

B1 Introductory Questions:

C1 What is Christian culture?

D1 "What is Christian culture? It is essentially the Mass. That is not my or anyone’s opinion or theory or wish but the central fact of 2,000 years of history. Christendom, what secularists call Western Civilization, is the Mass and the paraphernalia which protect and facilitate it. All architecture, art, political and social forms, economics, the way people live and feel and think, music, literature ― all these things when they are right are ways of fostering and protecting the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. To enact a sacrifice, there must be an altar, an altar has to have a roof over it in case it rains; to reserve the Blessed Sacrament, we build a little House of Gold and over it a Tower of Ivory with a bell and a garden round it with the roses and lilies of purity, emblems of the Virgin Mary ― Rosa Mystica, Turris Davidica, Turris Eburnea, Domus Aurea, who carried His Body and His Blood in her womb, Body of her body, Blood of her blood. And around the church and garden, where we bury the faithful dead, the caretakers live, the priests and religious whose work is prayer, who keep the Mystery of Faith in its tabernacle of music and words in the Office of the Church; and around them, the faithful who gather to worship and divide the other work that must be done in order to make the perpetuation of the Sacrifice possible – to raise the food and make the clothes and build and keep the peace so that generations to come may live for Him, so that the Sacrifice goes on even until the consummation of the world." - John Senior, from "The Restoration of Christian Culture"  Source

D2 German post-Christian culture:

E1 Because of the church’s past influence, Sunday is a special day in German culture, but it’s no longer because people gather for worship. It’s now merely the day to spend time with family and friends and to rest from a week’s hard work.

E2 In Germany, the body is primarily viewed as part of the animal kingdom (think naturalistic evolution). Apart from the Christian understanding that humans are made in the image of God, the body is no longer revered. The resulting prolific obscenities in advertisements, red-light-infested city districts, legalization of assisted suicide, abortion practices, and fewer couples getting married and having children, all testify to the reality that humanity has lost its grandeur as the pinnacle of God’s good creation. People have forgotten their purpose to bring God glory.

E3 I once had some friends over for a party here in Germany. As I relayed a story of my own, one of them replied, “Wait…you don’t actually believe Jesus is God, do you? The Trinity?” Then he laughed like he was watching a funny cartoon. He thought my story was ridiculous. I wasn’t offended—he’d actually never met anyone that believes what the Bible teaches. But his response was indicative of something larger in the culture here. Source

D3 One of the causes of the decline in cultural Christianity in America is the hypocrisy of Christians who talk the talk, but do not walk the walk. The shameful gap between the "orthodoxy" (sound doctrine) and "orthopraxy" (sound practice) of too many Christians has been, and is, a disgrace to the Gospel. Far too many professing Christians claim Jesus as Lord, but in reality live as if He were merely their relationship advisor, financial consultant, or lucky charm. The often staggering hypocrisy of too much of the American church often suffocates the witness and stifles evangelism and discipleship. Source

C2 Is there a difference between what the New Testament teaches for Christians and Christian culture?

C3 Does Christian culture change with time or location?

C4 Is it required for us to live a Christian culture?

C5 Are we to accept the culture of the area, state, or country?

B2 How are we to live a Christian life of integrity in our culture?

B3 Testing:

C1 Will our integrity be tested?

C2 Does God test our integrity?

C3 Do nonbelievers test our integrity?

B4 Daniel 1:1-21

C1 Outline

D1 Introduction and setting: Daniel 1:1-2

D2 The King’s decree: Daniel 1:3-7

D3 The conflict: Daniel 1:8-21

C2

Hebrew Name	Hebrew Meaning	Babylon Name	Babylon Meaning
Daniel	God is my judge	Belteshazzar	Bel’s prince (Baal)
Hananiah	The Lord is gracious	Shadrach	Illumined by the sun god
Mishael	Who is as God	Meshach	Who is like shach, that is, Venus
Azariah	The Lord is my help	Abednego	The servant of Nego

C3 Why would Nebuchadnezzar change their names?

B5 Daniel 1:3-4 NKJV  Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king's descendants and some of the nobles,  (4)  young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

C1 What a wonderful opportunity! Here was the finest education in the world, great housing, free food, and comforts of the world. How could something like this overthrow one’s faith?

C2 It appears that Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to leave their god, their religion, their way of life for Babylon’s. Would leaving the life that Yahweh wanted have been a temptation to the Jewish youth?

B6 Daniel 1:8 NKJV  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

C1 What does the word defile refer to?

D1 It refers to clean and unclean practices and foods as described in the Law.

D2 Leviticus 20:25 NKJV  You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean, and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.

D3 Ezekiel 5:11 NKJV  'Therefore, as I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations, therefore I will also diminish you; My eye will not spare, nor will I have any pity.

C2 What would cause Daniel so he would not defile himself?

D1 He knew God (he was a believer). Daniel 11:32 NKJV  Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

D2 Hebrews 12:3-4 NKJV  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  (4)  You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

C3 Did Daniel’s decision pave the way for God’s later purposes for him in prophecy, etc.?

C4 How can we remain true in testing, trial, troubles, and persecution?

C5 We no longer live under Jewish laws (Acts 15:27-30 ). How can Christians defile themselves today?

C6 How do we Christians know what is defiling?

C7 Are we to follow an ordnung?

D1 The ordnung is the unwritten rules of plain people’s (conservative Amish, Mennonites, and others) life and living.

D2 It is learned in life by the young as they see their parents and others living it. Some compare it to how we learn the rules of grammar as we grow up.

D3 These rules vary by church group and settlement.

C8 What are Christians to follow?

B7 Daniel 1:12 NKJV  Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.

C1 How was Daniel’s attitude better than stubborn resistance?

C2 Since this was Daniel’s and his companion’s diet, does it mean we are to follow such a diet today?

B8 Daniel 1:17 NKJV  As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

C1 The King ordered education for these youths. Who also was teaching them?

C2 What can we learn from this?

C3 How can we achieve great things for God?

D1 God gifts His people with what they need for their ministry.

D2 Some have greater, some have lesser.

D3 2 Chronicles 26:5 NKJV  He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

D4 Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  (13)  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

D5 Romans 5:3-4 NKJV  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  (4)  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

B9 Daniel 6--Daniel and the lion’s den

C1 Daniel 6:7-10 NKJV  All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.  (8)  Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."  (9)  Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.  (10)  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

D1 When Daniel knew the king’s decree, he still prayed. He knew that he probably die.

D2 What can we learn from this?

D3 What if society, our government, our boss do not appreciate our Christian life and witness?

C2 Does God always deliver from persecution?

C3 Why is Daniel delivered, but most others are not?

C4 Is Daniel more spiritual than others?

C5 We should remember that the Lord Jesus died in persecution.

B10 Daniel 9--Daniel’s prayer, Gabriel, and the prophecy of the 70 weeks

C1 Why is prayer important?

C2 Why does God sometimes not give us what we pray for?

C3 Daniel 9:23 NKJV  At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

D1 It is written that Daniel was greatly beloved by God.

D2 Was he loved more than believers today?

D3 Name some ways that God show His love today.

B11 Name some ways we can be consistent in our Christian life?

B12 Next week:

C1 Job, the man whose integrity God tested

C2 Theme: Integrity under fire

C3 Scriptures:

• Job 1:13-22
• Job 2:1-10
• Job 27:1-6
• Job 31:5-8
• Job 38:1-7
• Job 42:1-6