Daniel (Season 2): God’s W.A.Y. (Week 3)
Preacher: Pastor Daniel Erasmus
Worship:
As you spend time in worship this week, listen to the song Goodness of God by Bethel Music. Meditate on the truth that God has always been faithful and good, letting that truth be the foundation that you live from in this week.
Check-in:
Share with the group how maintaining an eternal perspective in this past week has influenced your daily life.
Synopsis of message: God’s W.A.Y.
On Sunday, Pastor Daniel unpacked Daniel 6, which contains one of the most well-known stories in the book of Daniel. In this chapter, with the situation Daniel found himself in, he had to ask himself whether he would stand for his spiritual convictions, or would he bow to cultural demands. As we continue to feel the weight of cultural pressure, we have to ask ourselves the same question.
However, from Daniel 6, we find encouragement and three practical points that enable us to choose God’s way as we navigate the decisions that we face every day:
- God’s way must become our way. To be planted firmly on the truth, we must have a relationship with Jesus. We must also stand firmly on the foundation of truth and grace.
- God’s way puts us in a spiritual battle. The spirit of fear and intimidation wants to confuse us. We are carrying the power of Jesus in us that overcomes the power of fear and intimidation.
- God’s way will look different. His way is always better. There are three steps that we can follow to abide by God’s W.A.Y.
- W – wait on God’s perspective. We must create space for God, which removes us from our perspective, enabling us to hear from God. When we get God’s perspective, we will experience His presence.
- b. A – ask God for help. When we seek God’s help, we find our way forward. When we seek a word from God, He is faithful to give it to us. This is how we know that we are receiving a word from God:
- i. It will always bring peace.
- ii. It will never violate God’s Word, the Bible.
- iii. It will light your path.
- c. Y – yield to God’s work. When we receive a word from God, we need to trust God to do what only he can do with that word and be obedient, even if we don’t understand it.
Discussion questions:
- In his sermon, Pastor Daniel posed the question, “Are we living by faith or fear?” Consider this question in light of your own life and share your answer with the group.
- Think about a situation or decision that you need a word from God to help you navigate. Are you willing to trust God with that situation/decision?
- What can you do in the coming week to feed your faith and live out God’s W.A.Y.?
Additional resources:
- Jesus in All of Daniel (RightNow Media)
- Stand: Courage From The Book Of Daniel (bible.com)
- The Life of Daniel (bible.com)