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Sermon Guide
Thriving in Babylon Week 3: Wisdom (Book of Daniel)
Big Idea: Influence is earned.
Daniel 2:46-49
Then King Nebuchadnezzar threw himself down before Daniel and worshiped him, and he commanded his people to offer sacrifices and burn sweet incense before him. The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.” Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
2 Ways Wisdom Prepared Daniel for Influence
1. The wisdom to prepare for his opportunity.
Daniel 1:17-20
God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
2. The wisdom to fight the right battles.
-Our job is not to win the battle our job is to follow Jesus.
Discussion Questions
1) Is there someone you know that exhibits hope, humility and wisdom? Describe how they interact with people.
2) Talk about a time when you struggled with “participating in the world but not endorsing it”.
3) Do you struggle with “choosing your battles” and feel like everything is a fight? How would it help to consider whether it’s just something you don’t like or God forbids it?
4) Name an area in your life where you want more influence. Which one of the 3 characteristics (hope, humility, wisdom) do you need to ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop, so that you can earn more influence?
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