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The Challenge

Gauntlet
August 2, 2020 // Pastor John Hill

“Accepting the challenge is no easy task, but following Jesus is better than everything this world has to offer.”

Check out Zachary’s message on accepting the challenge of following Jesus!



Sermon Discussion Questions

Gauntlet

“The Challenge”

Key Scriptures

  • “’In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.” Daniel 1:1-5
  • “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7
  • “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” Daniel 1:8
  • “Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Daniel 1:11-17
  • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
  • “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Reflect on What You’ve Heard

  1. In your own life, where do you struggle the most to fight against the enemy? (Disconnected, Worldly desires, Redefined)
  2. How does Daniel’s example encourage you to take up the challenge and refuse the enemy?
  3. Are you desiring the affirmation of your Heavenly King more than you are desiring the world’s affirmation?

Pray it Out

God, please give me the strength and the resolve to take up the challenge of fighting against the control of the enemy! Connect me, give me the strength and wisdom to refuse the world, and let me be defined by you alone, amen.