February 27: Confession Made

 I WAS WRONG. Many of us have a hard time saying, “I was wrong,” because it places us in a vulnerable situation where we are confessing our failure to someone else. Yet the forgiveness that comes after admitting our mistake can restore a relationship, and it often actually strengthens it. This is especially true in our relationship with God. Lifeway's Explore The Bible Study: Confession Made will examine a prayer of Daniel's that models how we should approach God in seeking forgiveness for sin.

Daniel 8–12 records the final three visions in the Book of Daniel. Daniel’s second vision came after studying the Book of Jeremiah where he read that the exile would last seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10). For Daniel and some others, the exile had begun in 605 BC, so he realized it might soon end. This prompted him to pray for God to end the exile (9:2-3), leading to Daniel’s confession that God was righteous and the people were sinners (9:4-11) and had ignored God’s warnings regarding the penalties of their sins (9:12-16). This leads to Daniel praying for God to forgive the people’s sin and admitting that they had wronged God in all levels of their relationship (9:17-19).

God is Righteous and People are Sinners - Daniel 9:4-6

The word translated "confessed" literally means “threw oneself down” and it portrays the worshiper on his face before God. The title Lord recognized God as Lord of Daniel’s life and Lord of the world. He is the great and awe-inspiring God. Daniel further described the Lord as a God who keeps his gracious covenant. The word translated gracious further describes His covenant love toward His people. (Source: ETB Leader Commentary)

But Daniel also stated that the love someone says they have for God is evident in the way they keep His commands. Jesus emphasized this in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” Notice Daniel’s progression in this prayer. First, Daniel acknowledged his own sin; then he proceeded to acknowledge the sins of God’s people. Daniel was one of the most righteous people of his generation; yet, he knew he also needed God’s grace. 

Why would anyone who says they love God, act toward God in this manner? 
Can you identify ways in which you have sinned in this manner? What keeps you from confessing your sins to God?
How do you suppose God would respond if we, individually, or corporately as His church, were to confess as Daniel did?

1 John 1:9 reminds us that, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Imagine how God would change our world if only His people would admit their wrongs as Daniel did. Yet, what we see is something Daniel observed about God’s people when they did not confess their sins.

The Results of Unconfessed Sin – Daniel 9: 7-14

How would you summarize the results of sin for God’s people? Why does God’s righteousness require Him to punish sin?

Notice God’s compassion and forgiveness that was always available to the people of God. Yet they continued to sin and sin and sin. Notice also that all had failed to live up to God’s standard, including those who are near and those who are far.  Then, in verse 14, Daniel tells us something that is very important regarding sin.

Daniel reminds us that, when we continue to sin, God will not let us forget what we have done. Our iniquity is ever before us. We can’t rationalize our sin; we can’t justify it; we can’t rewrite moral or scientific laws to excuse it; nor can we ignore it. The consequences of our sin are forever with us until we turn back to God. Even then, once we confess and are forgiven, we will or should always remember the way sin has impacted our lives.

Daniel affirmed God’s character as a righteous God, while also recognizing the extent of Israel’s sin. We see in this passage that sin doesn’t change God’s character, but it changes the character of those who say they love God – any failure lies with them. When God’s people acknowledge how righteously God deals with them, it can move them toward repentance that leads to confessing sins and experiencing God’s forgiveness. 

Daniel appealed to God for compassion and forgiveness because he knew the people had sinned greatly. They might receive forgiveness if they turned to God in repentance. God works the same way with us today. When we have sinned, we need to acknowledge God’s righteous dealings with us. He has been faithful to us, and any failure lies with us. When we acknowledge how righteously God has dealt with us, it can move us toward repentance—repentance that leads to confessing our sin and experiencing God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). As this is done, our hope for the future is restored as we look forward, once again, to God’s completed work of salvation.

In verses 4-6, Daniel acknowledged that God is righteous, leading him to confess his sin and the people’s sin. In verses 7-14, he described the results of unconfessed sin. Now, Daniel begins to conclude his prayer by imploring God’s forgiveness.

Confessing Completely Restores Completely – Daniel 9:15-19

Knowing what we know about Daniel, why would he say “we” and not “they” sinned and acted wickedly? Did Daniel offer any excuses for his or the people’s sin? Why is this important to observe?

Daniel was asking God to act on behalf of His people. He didn’t offer any excuses for why they sinned. Daniel also included himself in his confession, even though he appears to have not participated in many of the sins that had taken place.

Daniel called on God to bring honor to His own name as he affirmed: Jerusalem and your people have become an object of ridicule to all those around us. Foreign nations mocked God’s people, but worse yet, they mocked Israel’s God, and Daniel did not want that.  At the time Daniel wrote, the temple was gone. Daniel knew it would require the Lord’s doing to rebuild it, so he called God’s attention to its desolation. Daniel wanted this to happen for the Lord’s sake. To be sure, God’s answering Daniel’s prayer would mean blessing and restoration for God’s people. It also would bring honor to God’s name. (Source: ETB Leader Commentary)

Daniel stated in verse 18: We are not presenting our petitions before you based on our righteous acts, but based on your abundant compassion. Nothing Daniel and his fellow citizens could offer would be enough. They could never fulfill God’s righteous standard, but they could confess their sins and repent and he knew God would forgive because of His abundant compassion.

Is it popular today to say to God, “I was completely wrong and I offer no excuses”? What about you personally? How do you approach God for forgiveness? Do you come before Him completely owning your sin, or do you hold back or offer an excuse for your sin?

How Should Your Respond?

God knows we can never measure up to His righteous standard. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as sin’s perfect sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 9:12-14). When we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus, we receive God’s salvation and forgiveness (Romans 10:9-10). Forgiveness continually is available when we truly confess our sin (1 John 1:9).

Take time to reflect on your own sinfulness and rebellion. Praise God for the fact that He forgives because of His compassion, not our righteousness! May Daniel’s prayer in verse 19 be your prayer today for yourself and for His people: “Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and act! My God, for your own sake, do not delay” (Daniel 9:19a).

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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February 20: Future Seen

When you think about the end of this world as we know it, how do you feel? Do current or recent world events make you wonder if the end is near? Whether the end times is something you dread or look forward to, this session will remind you that you can live with confidence because of God's promised return of Christ.

This week's passage will take you to a time when Daniel is given a prophetic vision that points to the end times. While the times seemed dark and foreboding for the Israelites, Daniel received a vision revealing the victorious outcome of God over the powers that opposed them. As you examine these prophetic passages, consider how you can face what may seem to be difficult and uncertain times with hope because you know that God has been, is, and will be victorious over evil. 

Daniel 7 goes back and captures the prophetic visions Daniel had while serving the kings. Around 553 BC, during the reign of the Babylonian King Belshazzar, Daniel had a vision. This vision was the first of four visions recorded in Daniel 7–12. This study will focus on the four beasts Daniel saw. These four beasts correspond to Daniel’s earlier interpretation of a dream that the former Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had in Daniel 2:31-45.

You should consider how you can live with confidence knowing that God’s kingdom is eternal. We begin by examining the vision of the first three beasts in Daniel 7:1-6.

The First Three Beasts of the Vision - Daniel 7:1-6

The first beast was like a lion but had eagle’s wings. The wings of this beast were torn off, indicating that it was unable to fly. This beast represents the kingdom of Babylon.

The second beast looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side and was chewing on three ribs in its mouth. This image speaks to the stature and ferociousness of the bear. Daniel heard a voice that instructed it to get up! Gorge yourself on flesh. It already had three ribs in its mouth, but the voice told the bear to eat all it wanted. Most interpreters believe the bear represents the Persian kingdom, sometimes called Medo-Persia, and the three ribs allude to Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia, three major conquests of the Persians.

The third beast was like a leopard. It had four wings of a bird on its back as well as four heads. It was given dominion for a time, just as the other beasts had experienced. Most interpreters believe this is the Greek empire established by Alexander the Great. The four wings and four heads likely describe the four generals who divided Alexander’s empire when Alexander died.

What does this communicate regarding earthly kingdoms and leaders? 

How should knowing that God rules over all kingdoms of the world impact the way you live and view life? 

Kingdoms and leaders will come and go throughout history and we are reminded by these passages that it is God who places kings and kingdoms on this earth. While we should respect our leaders, as directed in Romans 13:1-7, we should not place our ultimate hope in the kingdoms or rulers of this earth.

The Fourth Beast with the horns – Daniel 7:7-8

The first three beasts were frightening but not as much as the fourth beast. Most interpreters identify the fourth beast as the Roman Empire. Rome became the dominant empire in the second century B.C. The 10 horns represented 10 kings or kingdoms in some way empowered by, or rising from, the Roman Empire.

Notice there is a break in the description between verses 7 and 8. This break represents something significant that most believe hasn’t yet taken place. It points to the rise of Antichrist in the end time, the little horn. The term used in this verse described the small start of power of this leader who would then grow and become dominant. When three of the first horns were uprooted before the little one, Daniel envisioned a hostile takeover. The added description of having eyes like a man’s and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, gave the little horn human qualities.

We know from history that the old Roman Empire eventually disintegrated and disappeared. It seems logical to conclude that Daniel saw prophetically a restoration and renewal of the old Roman Empire. However, in this future kingdom, an evil king will arise from among these 10 kings who fits Paul’s description of a powerful ruler identified as “the man of lawlessness” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, CSB)

He is also described as the antichrist in 1 John 2:18, Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. And as the beast in Revelation 13:1, And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.

Daniel saw and recorded this vision around 553 B.C., centuries before the Roman Empire even existed.  God revealed to Daniel that evil did exist on the earth and would persist well into the future. 

How does God giving Daniel a glimpse into the future help us deal with the current evil we observe?

Does the fact that God knows the future give you peace? (Why or why not?)

Coming Judgement – Daniel 7:9-14

Examine this passage on your own as you consider the following:

• What does God’s description of Himself as the Ancient of Days communicate to you about God? 
• What kind of authority or role does verses 9 & 10 describe God as having?
• Based on verses 9 & 10, what kind of judge will God be?
• How can knowing that “Thousands upon thousands served Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him” give you hope for the future? (We know we are not alone; there will be people who will continue to follow God; etc.)
• How can verses 11-12 impact the way we live for God today? 
• Who is the “One like a son of man?” (Christ)
• How do these passages describe the coronation of a king?
• What authority was the King (Jesus Christ) given?

Notice how the new kingdom would look. First, the kingdom was populated by people of every nation and language—it included anyone who would follow this King (Jesus). It would not be limited to a certain race of people, to a certain geo-political nation, or to a certain language group. This new kingdom would be for all who would receive Christ as their Savior. Second, the new kingdom would be led by a king who had an everlasting dominion. His kingdom would endure and would not pass away. Third, His kingdom would be one that would never be destroyed. 

Are You Living with Confidence?

This vision did initially cause Daniel to become deeply distressed and terrified. This might be our response as well, knowing that evil will continue to persist, and that the world will continue to experience turmoil until the return of the son of man (Jesus Christ). Daniel didn’t know what we know as believers, yet we too might become distressed and terrified when we consider all that is unfolding before us.  We should learn from Daniel’s next actions in Daniel 7:15-18 when he sought God’s wisdom and was given comfort: As for me, Daniel, my spirit was deeply distressed within me, and the visions in my mind terrified me. 16 I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to clarify all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things: 17 "These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth. 18 But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever."

Evil and evil kingdoms continue to come and go. There will continue to be leaders who think they are supreme, greater than God, or a god. Their arrogance will be judged as will the final, and most arrogant leader of them all – the antichrist. The language of Daniel 7 attests how God sweeps them aside on the day of judgment including the one who thinks he will be greater than any other king.

But the kingdom God inaugurated with the first coming of Christ continues to grow and to reach new believers. We don’t know when the end will come, but we do know that “the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever!” (Verse 18) If you know Jesus Christ, you are one of the holy ones and you are and will be a part of a kingdom that will last forever, yes, forever and ever!

How certain are you that you know Christ as Savior? Is your certainty reflected in your confidence in God as we move toward the end times?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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Helpful Video Overview of Daniel 7-8

February 13: Trust Exhibited

Most believers would say that they trust God. While we trust Him for salvation, how do we fair when it comes to trusting God with our daily lives? This brings us to a question, “When believers say they trust God, what do they really mean?" Do they really trust God? Trust Exhibited, will challenge you to consider how you answer this question.

Daniel was one who continued to trust God, but his trust was about to be put to another major test. Daniel 6:1 tells us that King Darius had appointed 120 officials, called satraps, to administer his kingdom. He also chose three administrators, including Daniel, to oversee the satraps (6:2). Daniel distinguished himself in service so well that the king considered appointing him over the entire kingdom (6:3).

However, Darius’ favor toward Daniel did not please the other officials. They tried to find something they could blame on Daniel, but they found no charge to bring against him due to his trustworthiness (6:4). They finally determined to trap him with something regarding his relationship with God (6:5). They suggested to the king that he establish a decree that for thirty days, anyone who petitioned or prayed to any god or person beside the king would face death in a den of lions (6:6-9). The king signed the edict, which meant it could not be changed.

Let’s see how much Daniel would trust God when faced with this major decision. If Daniel were here today, he would want you to know that you should keep trusting God because of what you already know about Him, His power, and His character. We can and should trust God in all circumstances as Daniel did.

Here are three principles that will help you exhibit trust in God when your faith is challenged.

First, trust in God is only possible through a consistent relationship with Him – Daniel 6:10-14.

As an eighty-year-old man, Daniel did what he had consistently done for decades. He opened the windows in the upstairs room toward Jerusalem; He prayed three times a day, on his knees. And he gave thanks to his God. Today, many Jewish people choose to face Jerusalem when they pray. Ancient synagogues in Israel are normally oriented toward Jerusalem. Praying in this consistent manner provided visible expression of Daniel’s desire that one day, God’s people would return home to Jerusalem.

Notice this group of men who found Daniel praying were part of the same crowd who petitioned the king earlier for an edict regarding the worship of the king.

The king's officials knew Daniel would be praying because he had demonstrated a consistent walk with God. Daniel did not alter his consistency because of circumstances. This consistent relationship with God gave him strength to keep trusting God, even when he faced challenges to his faith.

Why would Daniel make such a big deal out of this edict? After all, it was just 30 days. Couldn’t he have just prayed in private and not opened the window during those 30 days? What are your thoughts on this kind of rationalization? What other ways might someone rationalize a compromise in this situation?

If you had been in Daniel’s position, would anyone desire to create a petition that would prohibit you from demonstrating your faith?

If we wait until something happens to become consistent, we will most likely compromise, become discouraged, lash out in a fit of anger, or respond in such a way that doesn’t demonstrate our trust in God.

In what ways can consistency be demonstrated in a believer’s life today? How does consistency in one’s relationship with God help strengthen one’s trust in Him?

A consistent, ongoing relationship with God will give us strength to trust Him during challenging times because we will have come to know Him as the God we can trust in all circumstances!

Second, trusting God doesn’t mean you won’t face disappointments and challenges – Daniel 6:15-18.

Notice the way in which the cards were stacked against Daniel. First, the men went together to the king. Some of these men might have been acquaintances of his. They might have served alongside of him on projects. But now, they had all turned against him. 

Have you ever had people turn against you because of your faith? How did you respond? What did you feel? Did it cause you to question if trusting God was worth it?

Not only did these men turn against Daniel, but there was the edict the king had been manipulated into signing. They had trapped the king with his own decree to get rid of Daniel. By this point, Darius certainly perceived his officials’ malicious intent; nevertheless, his decree was irrevocable. The king obviously respected and cared for Daniel, but he had to honor the edict or risk a rebellion in the country. 

When we trust God, even with circumstances beyond our control, those who don’t believe but have observed us will view us differently as we face persecution. Many times, when believers face persecution, they will discover unbelievers who are advocates because they know the persecution is unfounded.

Lastly, Trusting God is a testimony to God’s sovereignty and power – Daniel 6:19-24.

Notice the king’s compassion for Daniel. What does this reveal regarding his respect for Daniel? What does it communicate regarding how Daniel lived before the king?

We notice that he referred to his servant as Daniel, servant of the living God. He had come to recognize Daniel’s consistent relationship with God and that Daniel’s God was not like the gods of his kingdom. Darius must have been shocked to hear Daniel’s voice coming from the den.

Notice that Daniel did not respond with anger or a self-centered, spiteful, vengeful attitude. He demonstrated trust in God by acting humbly while still acknowledging respect and loyalty to this pagan king.

When we face difficulties today, do we tend to throw them back in the face of God or those who have hurt us? Or do we continue to demonstrate trust in God by the way we respond? Do we still demonstrate respect to those in authority even when God works in ways that prove them wrong?

The text affirms the reason for Daniel’s deliverance—for he trusted in his God. This was the testimony of Sovereign, Almighty God before a pagan culture and a captive group of His people. The result of God’s work in Daniel’s life was far-reaching. Not only did the deceptive leaders pay for their manipulation; Darius sent word throughout his kingdom that people should honor Daniel’s God, who was able to do incredible wonders, including saving Daniel from the lions (6:25-27). And, Daniel continued trusting God and serving in the Persian court (6:28).

What About Today?

The account of Daniel in the lions’ den reminds us that we can trust God in all circumstances. Others may try to limit our faith or discourage us from taking our faith too seriously. Sometimes we may even face persecution that challenges our faith and threatens our way of life and maybe life itself. While the outcome isn’t always physical deliverance, the way we trust God as we go through difficulties will demonstrate to a watching world that God can be trusted. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (CSB) reminds us that: The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.

Is this a picture of your trust in the Lord? If not, what needs to change?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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February 6: Humility Required

We heard this week that Tom Brady is retiring from NFL Football and has been recognized as NFL's G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all Time) because of his amazing accomplishments. Most will admit that he truly is a great quarterback who is well-deserving of this honor. Anyone who is recognized as the G.O.A.T. should be careful not to let the recognition lead to an unfounded sense of greatness and entitlement. Humility Required, will examine what happens when one allows personal accomplishments to create an unhealthy sense of pride and arrogance.

Daniel 4 reminds us that King Nebuchadnezzar was the G.O.A.T. as a world leader during this time period, but he let his greatness go to his head. He thought so much of himself that he didn’t think he needed God, or he possibly thought that he was greater than God.  While Nebuchadnezzar had become exceedingly great (Daniel 4:22), he would experience great humiliation until he recognized God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:23-25). 

As our culture continues to reflect a narcissistic or self-centered view of life, you should be reminded that humility is required for anyone to recognize the greatness of God and the brokenness of man. As you examine the steps God took to humble Nebuchadnezzar, let it serve as a reminder that one must come to Jesus with a humble heart and live for Him with a humble heart. If we don’t, God will get our attention.

Nebuchadnezzar expressed a narcissistic attitude – Daniel 4:28-30

This passage begins with the statement all this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Previously Daniel 4:4-27 describes a terrifying dream the king had that only Daniel was able to interpret. The dream contained a warning to the king: God’s blessing had made Nebuchadnezzar what he was, and if the king did not recognize this, God would humble him. Daniel had encouraged the king to pursue righteousness, lest the dream become reality (Daniel 4:27).  It’s now twelve months later and the king is walking on the roof of one of three beautiful palaces that he owned.

He is reflecting on all that he has accomplished. During his reign, historical records confirm that the Babylonian empire grew to its greatest heights. He built a magnificent palace adorned and surrounded by canals, gardens, walkways, and more. He had conquered, united, and rebuilt his nation into something that was both feared and respected throughout the world. Some of his accomplishments included an elaborate “hanging gardens."  He built an elaborate defense system around the city that included a moat system of several broad, deep canals, and dams. This moat system surrounded the outside of a double-wall fortification. The outer wall was 40 feet tall. Most historians believe he built or restored almost every city and temple in the entire country.

There is no doubt that he had truly become known in the ancient world as the G.O.A.T. He looked out from his roof, and saw a great kingdom, but his thoughts about his kingdom’s greatness quickly turned to thoughts of his own greatness.

Would our culture consider the king's attitudes in verse 30 as a normal response today? Why or why not? How can we remain humble when God does great things in us and through us?

The fact that it has been twelve months demonstrates God’s mercy. God waited to see how the king would respond. God demonstrates his mercy today as well. When we share the gospel with someone and they refuse to repent and turn to Christ, God will patiently wait for a response. Romans 12:4 reminds us that we should not despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience because God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.

What should Romans 12:4 and the months of mercy God demonstrated to Nebuchadnezzar teach us about sharing the gospel with someone who doesn’t immediately respond? 

God will judge the proud – Daniel 4:31-33

The G.O.A.T. king was no match for Almighty God. Alistair Begg describes it this way:  His kingdom was no longer his own, and nor was his sanity. God brought him down low when his heart was most lifted up. (Brave by Faith, Alistair Begg)

When you read this account of God’s judgment what do you consider? How should this motivate you to continue to share and show the Good News of Jesus? What warning can you draw from this regarding your own pride?

Notice the length of time that the king would continue to be judged in verse 32: seven periods of time. We don’t know for certain about the time reference, most interpreters understand it as seven years. What we do know is this was not a brief period of time but a long period of time.

How would you have responded had you seen your king acting this way for seven years? How do you think Daniel responded? How should we respond when we observe others being judged for their arrogance?

God was showing the king that he was not a mighty, all sufficient, all-powerful ruler, but a lowly, needy dependent creature. God would send the most powerful man on earth to live among the animals, virtually as one of them. He would live as one of them, not merely alongside them. However, Nebuchadnezzar could experience restoration to his throne, but he would need to humble himself first.

God will restore the humble – Daniel 4:34-37

At the end of the seven-year period, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before God. He looked up to heaven. The king now recognized his place; the God of heaven had made him king, but God was able to humble him as well. Nebuchadnezzar joyfully affirmed, my sanity returned to me.

This king who once thought he was the G.O.A.T.  praised the Most High . . . who lives forever.  No one could compare with the vastness of His power, and no one could compare with the length of His reign. He recognized his own smallness in comparison to God’s greatness. 

While we don’t know exactly how Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne, we do know that his change was so dramatic that his advisers and nobles sought [him] out, indicating they recognized he was ready to rule as king again. 

This new phase of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign would feature the king’s new perspective. As he grew in power, he recognized God’s role in making him who he was. God provided the king a powerful witness to His greatness, and Nebuchadnezzar gained a new perspective on what God had given him.

How Should We Respond?

It took twelve months until God began the humbling process in the king's life and most likely an additional seven years before he truly repented and acknowledged God.

Do you believe God can humble people today? Do you really believe he could humble the most proud, arrogant, self-sufficient, God-denying individual you can think of? Do you believe he can humble a president or a ruler today? How does this passage change how you might answer those questions? What can we learn regarding how God works through His followers to bring someone to repentance?

Here was the greatest king of that time. His pride was great. But, in God’s time, he was humbled, and he responded with repentance. Likewise, God responded with restoration. We are invited, as Daniel was, to speak into the culture that glorifies self-centered living. But the gospel demands humbling oneself before a Holy God and turning to Christ for salvation, and he expects believers to live humble lives and to humbly share the message of repentance to those who have not yet humbled themselves before a mighty God.

Think of the person who, if you are honest, you simply cannot conceive of bending the knee to Jesus as Lord. What would it take for them to come to faith? It will take God’s humbling work and a godly person’s courageous words—just as it did for King Nebuchadnezzar

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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January 30: Demonstrate Allegiance

What if government officials came to you and demanded you openly acknowledge allegiance to the country over your allegiance to Christ; how would you respond? What if the government said you could avoid certain penalties or be exempt from certain mandates if you would only deny your faith in Christ; how would you respond? These are questions we will answer this week.

In Daniel 3, a moment of decision comes for Daniel's three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (known also as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Nebuchadnezzar had erected a large golden image on the plain of Dura near Babylon. The dimensions of the statue were designed to gain attention. It was 90 feet high and nine feet wide. All of Nebuchadnezzar’s subjects were to obey his decree to fall down and worship the statue when they heard the sound of various musical instruments. Those who refused to worship the image would face certain death in a furnace of blazing fire.

It was reported to the king that these three men did not serve his gods, nor did they worship the image.  Because they knew what and in whom they believed, and because of their love for God, they did not bow. As you examine their response in Daniel 3:14-26 determine how you might have responded. 

What would you have said? Would you have bowed down? When all is on the line, who will you worship? When a moment of choice comes, who will you obey?

Allegiance is demonstrated when one remains faithful to Christ no matter the outcome – Daniel 3:14-18

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah knew God’s purpose would be served, whether He delivered them from the king’s power or whether they died in the furnace. Had they compromised they would have violated the Second Commandment (see Exodus 20:4-6) and would have communicated to everyone observing that God was not worthy of their faithful allegiance. They were sure of God and His power and trusted Him.

When we face faith-challenging situations, it is all the more important to declare our allegiance to God. God will choose His response, but He calls us to faithfulness. We need to be ready to take our stand for God whatever the cost. As we examine the next set of passages, imagine that you were one of the three men. Nebuchadnezzar is infuriated, the heat to the furnace is turned up, and you are taken by his soldiers to the furnace

 Do you think someone could really respond as did the men in this story? Why or why not Do you really think we should be expected to die for loving God? Would God really expect that from us? Would we expect that of ourselves?

Allegiance is demonstrated when one willingly faces whatever consequences that come because of remaining faithful to Christ – Daniel 3:19-23

The men’s disobedient reply had occurred before many witnesses; consequently, the king had to respond strongly, despite the men’s faithful service to him. He desired their execution to serve as a public deterrent to disobeying him! However, their response only further demonstrated their love for and allegiance to God. The reality of their decision is hitting home. They are being taken to an extra hot furnace. Death was imminent.

Believers can expect many different forms of persecution from non-believers. Many in the world do not want to confront the reality of their sin. Consequently, they consider the gospel, with its challenge to repent and place faith in Jesus, a threat to the lifestyles they have chosen.  Forms of persecution might include missing a promotion or a loss of a job because of our stand for Christ. Former friends may choose to shun us and turn away from their relationship with us. In some countries, Christians will face imprisonment and even death for their faith.

However great or small the persecution, once we make a decision to remain faithful to Christ, we should pray that we will respond to the consequences as did these three men. 

Responding faithfully and with dignity to the decisions we make to remain faithful to Christ further demonstrates to a lost and watching world that we trust Christ with all our hearts.

Our allegiance reveals God to a lost and watching world – Daniel 3:24-26

Though the pagan king did not fully understand whom their God had sent, describing the fourth man as His angel, he nonetheless gave God full credit for the three men’s deliverance. Nebuchadnezzar responded to this unforeseen change of events by expressing praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! These three men had trusted in God’s presence and power. They had resisted all pressure to falter in their faith in Him. As a result, the most powerful ruler of their time ended up proclaiming praise to God. 

While we may not experience what these men experienced, how has God protected you when you remained faithful to Him?

In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ presence and power during extreme circumstances or trials?

Had this story ended with their death, would that have changed your view of God? Why or why not?

Is God any less powerful, loving, or present when someone stands faithful, and the result is pain, suffering, or death instead of safety or deliverance?

The Outcome

These three men were willing to take a stand for God, regardless of the cost, and had no guarantee He would save them. Without their faithful demonstration of allegiance to God, the Bible would contain no account of a deliverance from a blazing furnace. Daniel 3:28 summarizes the impact of these three men’s faith in this way, Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Are you confident and passionate enough about your faith that you would be willing to stand up for Christ even when your well-being, job, families, or homes are threatened? What if the outcome may result in death?

Be grateful that our challenges are not as threatening as they might be in other countries around the world. Take advantage of our freedom by willingly demonstrating your allegiance to Him by faithfully sharing and showing the Good News of Jesus.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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January 23: Integrity

What situations place pressure on you to compromise your faith in Christ? While we may find our situations difficult, they are nothing like what many are facing around the world today. Yet, no matter how great or small the situation may be, all professing Christians must deal with how to live with integrity when tempted to compromise one's faith in Christ. This weeks study will focus upon this challenge as we begin a new study of the Book of Daniel.

Imagine being ripped out of your homeland, separated from your parents, and taken to a foreign country. This is what happened to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (the last three better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These young teenagers were ripped from their homes, family, and culture and taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. This is how the book of Daniel begins. 

Daniel, his friends, and others were taken into captivity because they were considered some of the “best” of Judah. They became a part of the king’s training program that involved three years of intensive instruction. During this period, they were to be taught what foods to eat and wine to drink based on the Babylonian culture. They were educated in vast knowledge and wisdom that the Babylonians had acquired and were taught the cultural ways of the Babylonians. All of this was for the purpose of grooming them for royal service unto the king.

Daniel and his friends faced challenges, similar to what we face today, from a culture that was diametrically opposed to their faith in God. The prospect of serving in the king’s court was both an opportunity and an obstacle. While they were safe and comfortable, there was always an element of danger, thus lending itself to the temptation to compromise one’s belief in God in order to survive. But Daniel and his friends recognized God had strategically placed them where God could and should be honored among the elite of the Babylonian empire.

As you begin this examination of the book of Daniel, consider this question, “How can I remain faithful to God when I’m influenced or expected to compromise my faith because of the culture around me?” You will learn three things in this study that help answer that question.

First, you must determine in advance how you will respond when asked to compromise - Daniel 1:8-10.

The word determined literally means “he set his heart” or “he set it upon his heart.” This expression indicates a careful, thoughtful decision. Daniel’s decision was not an arbitrary one but one that involved careful consideration in advance as the passage indicates. The word translated defile designates Daniel’s concern to maintain the dietary laws Leviticus prescribed (see Leviticus 11). Pork and horse meat were among the unclean foods the Babylonians ate. Other acceptable meat might not have the blood drained properly (Leviticus 17:13-14) or could have been dedicated to an idol before it was eaten. Eating the king’s food would result in Daniel compromising his religious convictions. Additionally, to drink the wine the king drank could communicate to others Daniel’s unconditional acceptance of the king’s entire political and moral agenda.

Why didn’t Daniel respond differently to his situation? Why didn’t he protest or stage a “sit-in,” go on a “hunger strike,” or lead a revolt? What if Daniel had demanded his way instead of humbly asking for permission? What can you learn from the way Daniel initially handled this situation?

 Daniel sought permission from Ashpenaz, the king’s chief eunuch, not to defile himself.  God’s word tells us that God had already granted Daniel favor in the official’s sight because of his lifestyle. He and Daniel may have become friendly toward one another, but the king’s officer still bore responsibility to Nebuchadnezzar to provide the king well-fed youth trainees. Daniel and his friends might not be happy about the situation if they had to comply, but Ashpenaz risked the possibility of losing his life if Nebuchadnezzar became displeased.

Some today might think this is not that big of a deal; "Just eat the food and drink the wine so you can survive." What could happen if Daniel compromised on this one thing? Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 – How does this passage help you understand the importance of remaining faithful in the face of compromise?

One might think that all would go well since Daniel responded as he did, but it obviously didn’t. Therefore, God gave Daniel another solution to offer to Ashpenaz – a “plan B.”

Next, you need a “plan B” when people don’t respond positively to your commitment to remain faithful – Daniel 1:11-16.

Daniel suggested an ingenious solution to Ashpenaz’s dilemma. He asked permission for himself and his three friends to eat only vegetables and water for ten days, after which the official could judge their appearance against the appearance of the other trainees.

Daniel’s “Plan B” accomplished two things. First, he and his friends did not compromise their faith. Second, they were a witness to those who were observing them.What are some actions we could take to determine a “plan B” in advance?

Finally, God will open additional opportunities for you to proclaim His greatness and the gospel if you don’t compromise – Daniel 1:17-21.

Through their required secular studies and their continuing walk with the Lord, God gave these Judean exiles knowledge so they could better understand the culture in which they now lived. They did this without compromising their faith. Additionally, God blessed Daniel with the ability to understand visions and dreams of every kind, which foreshadows his ministry throughout the rest of the book. 

Daniel and his friends had no control over the forces and events that resulted in their being uprooted and removed to Babylon, but they did have some control over how they would choose to live their faith. They did not withdraw from the Babylonian culture but rather lived with spiritual discernment amid the culture, using their God-given gifts and abilities to serve with integrity so they could exalt God in the midst of a pagan culture.

Verse 21 ends with a powerful statement regarding Daniel's Godly witness and influence over a pagan culture. We are reminded that Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. He began his training in the year 605 BC. Chapters 10–12 record a vision Daniel had in the third year of King Cyrus, which would be about 536 BC. Consequently, we know Daniel’s ministry lasted seventy years.

How difficult would it be to avoid compromise in the following situations? How could you respond based upon this passage?

1. You are asked to pray at a local event but not use the name of Jesus in your prayer.
2. You are expected to go to a work meeting held at a local bar or club.
3. You are on a work trip with your boss, and he wants you to go with him to a club during your free time.
4. You are told your child has to travel on multiple Sundays if he/she wants to be on a sports team.
5. You are told to ignore certain financials in order to report a better quarterly earnings report to the board.
6. You are asked to remove your Bible from your desk at school or work.

What compromising situations do you face? Seek out someone who would pray for you as you face those situations.

In Alistair Begg’s book, Brave by Faith, he offers this challenge based upon his observation of Daniel's life, 

“The crisis will come; the moments will arrive when we are called to go with the flow of our culture rather than obedience to our God in the workplace, or the sports club, or in how we raise our children, or what we say from our pulpits, and so on. Those crises will reveal what is inside us. Don’t assume you’ll stand firm in those moments. Equally, don’t assume you will have to give in. Resolve now. Think through where to draw the lines you will not cross.”

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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January 16: Values

How much is a human life actually worth? If someone asked you this question, how would you respond?  This weeks study will focus on helping you answer this question.

Broken humanity is constantly trying to define the worth of human beings. Going through the COVID pandemic has certainly made this more obvious and revealed mankind’s inability to place a value on human life outside of a moral compass. The way we value other humans is challenged on every front with regard to healthcare, the unborn, the mental and physically challenged, the aged, the environment, and even the value of a human economically speaking. According to a 2020 New York Times article, statistician and health economist Howard Steven Friedman states that many excellent economists are working continually to determine the price tag of a human life.

The value we place on something or someone, shapes our priorities and our behaviors. The Bible teaches that God values all human life; therefore, we should as well. But when we look to other sources outside of Scripture to determine the value of a human life, without any kind of moral compass, our view and value of other human beings spirals downward.

We will be looking at three sets of passages that provide insight into how we can avoid devaluing other human beings.

Ezekiel 16:20-21 - When we forget God’s blessings and grace, we will begin to devalue human beings.

Ezekiel 16 describes God’s grace to an unfaithful Jerusalem. Ezekiel 16:1-5 tells us that God had set His love on His people from the beginning, and verses 6-14 remind us that He established a covenant with them and generously provided for them. However, God’s people didn’t value God’s blessings. Instead, they turned to false idols (Ezekiel 16:15-19). This led them to violate the human rights of others, particularly their children, as described in verses 20-21.

Notice the Lord asked His people: wasn’t your prostitution enough? They themselves had engaged in illicit sexual activity as worship rites. All those things were bad enough, but then they offered their own children as sacrifices. 

The phrase bore to me communicates ownership and stewardship. God’s blessings on Israel included children. The children were entrusted to the Israelites by God and were to be nurtured and raised to love Him and live for Him. Not only were these children entrusted to parents, but they were entrusted to the community of God’s people; yet they allowed the children to be sacrificed. God’s people should have loved and treasured the children God gave them, but they didn’t. 

Their own selfish desires replaced the value they placed on human life, leading them to sacrifice their children to images as food. Pagan worship often involved leaving food and drink in front of an idol as a present for the god. However, God’s people were taking their own children and “feeding” them to the gods through human sacrifice. The expression you passed them through the fire alludes to human sacrifice. The parents dedicated themselves and their children to the images of the gods they served by ending their children’s lives while the entire community of God’s people stood by and allowed this to take place.

What are some of God’s blessings that we tend to take for granted? In what ways might adults “sacrifice” children in order to “feed their idols”? What are some examples that demonstrate the devaluing of human beings today such as the unborn, those with special needs, or older adults? How does this devaluing parallel the attitudes and actions of those described by Ezekiel?

Ezekiel 23:36-39 - When we devalue human life, callousness becomes the norm.

Ezekiel compared Samaria to a woman named Oholah and Jerusalem to a woman named Oholibah. God said, in Ezekiel 23:1-4, that both women belonged to Him. But Oholah acted unfaithfully toward the Lord and placed her faith in the Assyrians instead (verses 5-10). Tragically, the Assyrians brought destruction on Samaria and the nation of Israel. Oholibah saw all this, yet acted even more wickedly than her sister (verses 11-21). Therefore, God said He would humble Jerusalem and Judah and bring the nations in which she had trusted against her (verses 22-35). Because of this, God told Ezekiel to declare to Oholah and Oholibah their sins. In verses 36-39 Ezekiel describes the callousness of God’s people toward other human beings, resulting in their judgment.

• Their callous hearts led them to commit adultery openly, blatantly, and willingly – vs. 37. 
• Their callous hearts led them to shed the blood of the helpless – vs. 37. 
• Not only did their callous hearts lead them to commit adultery, but they committed adultery with their idols - vs. 37. Physical adultery occurred within marriage relationships, but spiritual adultery occurred as the people forsook the Lord to worship Baal and other gods of the peoples of the land.
• Again, in verse 37, Ezekiel stated that their callous hearts led them to sacrifice their children for their idols. This callousness was so heinous to God that God describes it in verse 39 as a slaughter – slaughtered their children.  The burned flesh of their children became food for the idols they served, and God hated it. 
• Their callous hearts were evident in their worship. Verse 38 states that they defiled God’s sanctuary and His Sabbaths. The people thought they became holy if they merely entered the temple area; instead, their unclean lives defiled the temple (see Jeremiah 7:3-4; Haggai 2:11-14).
• Finally, and perhaps the most disturbing the fact described in verse 39 is that, after committing these horrific and unimaginable sins, they callously entered God’s sanctuary thus profaning it. 

They callously attended worship without ever considering the sin in their hearts and the blood on their hands.

What sins today are more acceptable than they were with past generations? In what ways has life been devalued because of our increasing callousness toward sin? How can we avoid becoming so calloused to sin?

Psalm 139:13-16 - King David understood that valuing humans as God does is the key.

Psalm 139:1-6 states that the Lord knew David through and through, and understood intimately everything about him. The thought of such truths staggered David’s imagination. He affirmed that God’s presence extended throughout the universe (139:7-12), and God was present with him. This led David to acknowledge that the Lord had first claim on his life, for He had created him.

Modern science has uncovered many more details regarding the gestation period of human beings that only affirm what God revealed to David. At conception, the foundations of a child’s physical characteristics, intelligence, and personality are established. After only twenty-one days, the baby’s heart beats regularly, and the foundation of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system already are established. After thirty-five days, fingers can be discerned on the baby’s hands. At forty days, brain waves appear. At three months, hair begins to grow on the baby’s head. At five months the baby weighs about a pound, is about twelve inches long, and responds to loud, startling noises. He or she only needs nourishment, warmth, and a secure place to grow. (Source: "A Baby's First Months." National Right to Life)

God saw David’s life and purpose from beginning to end before David was born. A thousand years later, the apostle Paul would affirm that David served God’s purpose in his own generation (Acts 13:36). Likewise, God has a plan for each one of us. Tragically, as a society has grown callous toward the value of human beings, especially the unborn, abortion has interrupted this process and ends a helpless, yet purposeful life God has begun.

How much is a human life actually worth?

This question was posed at the beginning of this post. Based on these passages, how would you answer this question?

Has God revealed areas in which you have ignored God’s blessings and selfishly turned toward fulfilling your own desires at the cost of others or your family?

Are there areas in which you realize you have grown callous to sins that you once thought were unacceptable to embrace? What do you need to do to embrace God’s values once again?

Do you struggle with embracing the fact that God made everyone and has given them a purpose? Do you struggle with realizing this is true for yourself as well? Talk with someone about your struggle.

Do you struggle with balancing all society teaches regarding personal rights versus the rights of the unborn? If so, dig deeper into God’s Word, and ask Him to help you embrace the value He places on all human beings including the value He places on your own life.

A final question every Christian should ask of oneself if they value human life as God does:

Does our passion for sharing and showing the good news of Jesus reflect what we truly believe about the value of human life?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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January 9: Offers

Have you ever heard someone say, or have you personally said or thought the following: “He or she is a hopeless cause”? When you examine Ezekiel 37 you will discover that what seems hopeless is never hopeless when God is at work. You will discover that God is able to bring new life to those who are hopeless because of sin.

If you were Ezekiel, you might assume that the restoration of the Israelites was a hopeless cause. Ezekiel has already described how the choices of the Israelites to rebel and dishonor God led them into a state of judgment involving exile and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Yet, in Ezekiel 33, God’s grace and mercy is described once again. God’s people were not a hopeless cause, and God had a restoration plan (Ezekiel 33:1-33). Ezekiel 37 reveals His plan.

God showed Ezekiel a vision of a valley full of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14. God used this vision to convince His prophet that the Israelites could be restored. Eventually, this restoration would include reuniting the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (Ezekiel 37:15-23), and would place a descendant of David on the throne to lead them (Ezekiel 37:24-28). 

Because we are looking back through time and through the lens of prophecy, one can understand how this vision points to God's redemptive work to restore sinners into a right relationship with Him through Christ. It should remind us that we weren’t a hopeless cause and others around us are not hopeless causes when God is at work. He is the Master at restoring people!

As believers, we need to put ourselves in Ezekiel’s shoes and consider what we can learn regarding how we should respond to all those around us who are dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). God invites us to be a part of seeing their lives restored and seeing them given new life through Christ. 

Here are three things you can learn regarding God’s work of restoration through this passage of study.

First, we should listen to God when He puts us in a valley of “dry bones.” – Ezekiel 37:1-6

God was at work to place Ezekiel right where he needed to be so he could participate in God’s work of restoration. Ezekiel tells us that the Lord was on him, God brought him, and His Spirit placed him right in the middle of the valley that was full of dry bones! God didn’t give him a cliffside view, use a drone camera to show him the valley of bones, or do a flyover in a plane! He placed him right DOWN in the middle of the valley of dry bones.

Notice how Ezekiel specifically states that the valley was full of bones and then again, he says, there were a great many of them, and that they were very dry. Dry bones indicated death had happened a long time ago. This expression signified the utter hopelessness of life coming back into them. Apart from God’s activity, it would be impossible for life to be restored. This valley of dry bones most likely represented the site of a battle symbolizing Judah’s defeat by the Babylonians, indicating that, for all practical reasons, their cause was lost and hopeless. 

As believers we are in the middle of dry bones every day that need life that can only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ. God might ask you the same question He asked Ezekiel in verse 3, can these bones live? Will you respond as Ezekiel did in Ezekiel 37:3, Lord God, only you know?

Today, God calls on believers to see the potential in all lost people. There have been obedient “Ezekiels” throughout history, who have spoken the words of the gospel, and people have been restored to life in Christ. Not everyone who spoke was a prophet, a great evangelistic preacher, or a pastor of a grand church. They were, and are, simply people who believed God could make dry bones come alive, so they spoke the words of the gospel to those who were dry bones lying in the valley of lostness. The Bible and church history are filled with unlikely individuals whose lives God changed forever because of one who was placed in the middle of the valley of dry bones!

Who was your Ezekiel? Who spoke to you regarding your need for salvation? Who believed that your dry bones could become alive again?

When we obey God, we get to observe His amazing work of restoration - Ezekiel 37:7-10

Ezekiel affirmed, I prophesied as I had been commanded. True prophets followed God’s instructions exactly. He did obey!

When Ezekiel was prophesying, he realized that God’s redemptive work was not yet complete. They were simply lifeless bodies. God gave further instruction regarding what should take place next and, again, Ezekiel obediently prophesied as God commanded, and the bodies came to life. God’s work was complete, and the bodies stood on their feet, appearing to Ezekiel as a vast army, suggesting they had a purpose and a mission. 

God brings us to life because He desires to fulfill His mission on the earth through us. As believers, we are a vast army who are to faithfully and obediently fulfill the mission of sharing and showing the Good News of Jesus.

In what ways does Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones coming to life parallel a salvation experience?

Jesus warned the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1), simply having the appearance of life doesn’t mean something is alive. Just like Adam in Genesis 2:7, there wasn’t life in the bodies until God breathed life into them. 

In Ephesians 2:1, Paul described those apart from Christ as “dead in your trespasses and sins.” Many of us have friends, neighbors, and coworkers who are nice people; yet they do not know Jesus. They are honest, faithful to their spouses, good parents, and good citizens. Yet, without Jesus, they have no eternal hope. They lack the new life that only comes through redemption and the indwelling life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit.

The message of the dry bones was not just about God giving new life, but it was also a message of hope to God’s people who felt their situation was hopeless.

God expects us to remind others of the hope we have if we have been made alive in Christ – Ezekiel 37:11-14

God’s chosen people, the exiled Israelites, did not see Ezekiel’s vision of bones or hear God’s explanation. God directed Ezekiel to convey the message of hope to the captive Israelites about the two most wonderful prophetic promises their ears could hear. The first is stated in verses 12-13 and the second in verse 14.

• They would be brought home to the Promised Land as a nation (verses 12-13).
• God would be present with them to guide and to direct (verse 14).

And all of this would be so everyone would know that God is THE LORD GOD (verses 13-14).

What About Now?

The apostle Paul wrote that before we knew Christ, we were dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). We were dry bones in a barren valley. Nevertheless, God who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses (Ephesians 2:4-5). The biblical images of death and life stress the significance of the salvation experience. 

The leader commentary for Explore the Bible reminds us that the gospel is not about making bad people good; it is about making dead people alive.

The New Testament likewise affirms that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead comes to live in us when we place our faith in Jesus (Romans 8:10-11) and works to transform us (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit then regenerates our hearts, turning us toward God and empowering us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). 

Finally, God has a glorious future for His children. Jesus affirmed that He came so people could have life as it was meant to be (John 10:10). Life with God includes not only life now, but life to come. We should remind one another of that hope, knowing that if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep . . . For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words – see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

However, God does not promise new and eternal life to everyone. Rather, He promises it to all those who receive His Son Jesus Christ by faith. As we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus, we embrace salvation and the abundant life He offers. 

We should all remember the words of Billy Graham again this week when he said, 

“Our world today so desperately hungers for hope, yet uncounted people have almost given up. There is despair and hopelessness on every hand. Let us be faithful in proclaiming the hope that is in Jesus.” -Billy Graham

Additionally, we should remember that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - see 1 Peter 1:3

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

Download PDF Version                  Download Word Version

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