NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Daniel 1:1-21
Discussion Questions: What are some Christian beliefs or practices that cause us to stand out from the world today? Why is it important for us not to conform to the world in these areas?
Food for Thought:
The earth may be our temporary home, but it can feel like we are living in exile. The culture is increasingly intolerant of a biblical worldview, and we find our feet planted in the soil of an anti-God, anti-Christian culture.
Because of this exile, it is important for our hearts to be drawn to God and our minds immersed in His Word. As Paul told the church at Rome, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Living in exile requires us to recognize God’s hand in our circumstances. Yes, hardships may come; but when they do, God is with us. Daniel’s people were taken captive, but that brought about a new opportunity for them to bring God’s light into enemy territory. All the while, God was working out His sovereign plan for Daniel, his friends and the nation of Israel.
As we live our lives as exiles on earth, we can find ways to testify to God’s grace. In Daniel’s story, God gave Daniel and his friends knowledge and understanding, and they were found to be “10 times better than all the diviner-priests and mediums….” (Daniel 1:20). Christians can use their God-given wisdom and understanding to give glory to God, and to improve things here in the world in which we now live.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information, free samples, and The Gospel Project blog can be found at gospelproject.com.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
