Part three of our series, "Prophet, Priest, and King."

Reflection Questions

1. What comes to mind when you picture a king?

2. Gods people had long expected their saviour king to come, but what type of king were they expecting?

Strong Tender

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers. -Matthew 21:12-13

3. How in His life did Jesus exercise of authority and strength differ from the norm of earthly kings?

4. In His rule as eternal King, how does Jesus assert strength by protecting andfighting for us?

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. -2 Thessalonians 3:3

5. Where do we see the tender heart of Jesus in His life and His rule over us as King?

6. How might we overemphasize the tenderness of God over His other attributes? How can this be harmful?

7. How might we overemphasize the strength and severity of God over His other attributes? How can this be harmful?

8. As the perfect King, how does Jesus demonstrate strength without harshness and tenderness without weakness? What can we learn from this perfect balance?

Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. -Psalm 62:11-21a

Humble Exalted

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2:5-11

9. How did Jesus empty Himself in His life on earth, taking the form of a servant?

10. Jesus as the Lord of the universe, the King of Kings with all power and authority, lived and died to serve others What wisdom and perspective must we apply to our own lives from such humility?

11. What do the life and ministry of Christ teach us about a truly meaningful life, and the true path to glorification?

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. -Philippians 3:10-11

Worshipped Rejected

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David! they were indignant, -Matthew 21:14-15

12. What are the different responses to the Kingship of Jesus that we see in the scriptures? How do you see those responses in the world and the people around you?

13. Why does the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King demand a response from all of us?

14. What does it truly mean to bow to Jesus Christ as King Receiving all He has done for us, submitting to His authority, and worshiping Him with our lives?

The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. -John 12:48

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever! -Revelation 5:13

What is the next step that you need to take this Easter in light of who Jesus is and what He has done? Do you need to turn to Jesus for the first time in faith and receive His gift of grace and forgiveness? Do you need to remember the tenderness of God and know how deeply He cares for you and wants to bring healing and rest to your soul? Do you need to be reminded of the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, and how fiercely He hates evil and injustice? Where are we falling short, drifting, failing to align our lives with the gospel and the glorious calling to which we have been called? Where do we need to humble and re-submit ourselves to the loving Kingship of Jesus in our hearts and our lives once again?

O Lord,

Come quickly and reign on Your throne,

for now often something rises up within me,

and tries to take possession of Your throne;

pride, covetousness, uncleanness, and sloth

want to be my kings;

and then evil-speaking, anger, hatred,

and the whole train of vices join with me

in warring against myself,

and try to reign over me.

I resist them,

I cry out against them,

I have no other king than Christ!

O King of Peace,

come and reign in me,

for I will have no king but You!

-Bernard of Clairveaux 1090-1153Watch at: https://youtu.be/XRSZYgCujAo File Downloads: https://crossridgechurch.ca//df_media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDMvMzEvMTQvMTYvMDEvZTA0ZDYwMTgtZDI1Yy00MDJhLTk0MGEtYTAwYjcyODFiMzg5L0Nyb3NzcmlkZ2UgTGVudCAtIFByb3BoZXQsIFByaWVzdCwgYW5kIEtpbmcgLSBKZXN1cyB0aGUgS2luZy5wZGYiXV0/Crossridge%20Lent%20-%20Prophet%2C%20Priest%2C%20and%20King%20-%20Jesus%20the%20King.pdf?sha=7ad475e2be971242

Part two of our Easter 2021 series, "Prophet, Priest, and King."

Part two of our Easter 2021 series, "Prophet, Priest, and King."

Discussion/Reflection Questions

He paid for our guilt in a way that no human effort ever could / He never fails or dies

1. What was the role of Old Testament priests in making atonement for the sins of Gods people?

2. How did Jesus fulfil both the role of the atoning sacrifice and the priest who offered the sacrifice?

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest,holy, innocent, unstained,separated from sinners, andexalted above the heavens.He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily,first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did thisonce for all when he offered up himself. -Hebrews 7:26-27

But when Christ appeared as a high priestof the good things that have come, then throughthe greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)heenteredonce for all into the holy places, not by means ofthe blood of goats and calves butby means of his own blood,thus securing an eternal redemption.For ifthe blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons withthe ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,how much more willthe blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spiritoffered himself without blemish to God,purify our consciencefrom dead worksto serve the living God. -Hebrews 9:11-14

3. In what way was Jesus giving His life on the cross the perfect, complete, and final sacrifice for all time?

4. Under the old covenant priestly system, the atonement sacrifices served to continually remind the people of their guilt for sins. How does it bless you to know that through faith in the finished work of Jesus, the guilt and shame of every sin- past, present, and future- is already forgiven?

And every priest standsdaily at his service,offering repeatedly the same sacrifices,which can never take away sins.But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, hesat down at the right hand of God,waiting from that timeuntil his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.For by a single offeringhe has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. -Hebrews 10:11-14

as far as the east is from the west,so far does heremove our transgressions from us. -Psalm 103:12

I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins -Isaiah 43:25

5. How should that truth inform how we live? What does it mean to walk in this freedom in a manner worthy of the gospel?

He understands us, helps us, brings us near

6. What was the role of the Old Testament priests in entering the presence of God on behalf of the people?

Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship andan earthly place of holiness These preparations having thus been made,the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, but into the second onlythe high priest goes, and he butonce a year, and not without taking blood,which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.By this the Holy Spirit indicates thatthe way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing(which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offeredthat cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,but deal only withfood and drink andvarious washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. -Hebrews 9:1; 9:6-10

7. How did Jesus fulfil the role of the perfect high priest, entering the presence of God and leading us there with Him?

8. Why is it significant that Jesus intercedes to the Father as both God and as man - as one who can hear the prayers and needs of all people everywhere, while also understanding and identifying personally with the trials, struggles, and temptations we face?

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters intothe inner place behind the curtain,where Jesus has goneas a forerunner on our behalf,having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. -Hebrews 6:19-20

9. Under the old covenant, followers of God needed a priest to stand between them and God at the temple. They couldnt enter into the first room or the inner room (the holy of holies) where only the high priest could enter once a year. We have the incredible privilege of open access to God through the sacrificial death of Jesus the Great High Priest - what is the response of your heart to such a privilege?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enterthe holy places by the blood of Jesus,bythe new and living way that he opened for us throughthe curtain, that is, through his flesh,and since we havea great priest over the house of God,let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our heartssprinkled cleanfrom an evil conscience and our bodieswashed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:19-22

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. -Matthew 27:50-51

10. Day to day, how can we make much of this great gift we have been given in Christ? What does it mean to be in the presence of the Lord?

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

He intercedes for us

11. What was the role of Old Testament priests in making intercession for Gods people?

12. How does Jesus fulfil this role of intercession?

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to Godthrough him, since he always livesto make intercession for them. -Hebrews 7:25

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God,who indeed is interceding for us. -Romans 8:34

It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life; that He is presenting to the Father those spiritual needs which were not present to our minds and which we often neglect to include in our prayers; and that He prays for our protection against the dangers of which we are not even conscious, and against the enemies which threaten us, though we do not notice it. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end. -Louis Berkhof

13. How does it encourage your heart and strengthen your faith to know that Jesus Himself is in the presence of the Father making specific requests and petitions to Him on your behalf?

If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me. -Robert Murray MCheyne

Thank you, Jesus that while I owed my life for my sin, you, knowing every evil, selfish, rebellious thought and action of my heart and hands- past, present and future- gave your life in my place. That the guilt for all my sin, for all time, would be wiped clean. That I would walk in freedom all the days of my life and have no fear in death. My heart cannot comprehend such grace.

Thank you, Jesus that not only have you bought my forgiveness and freedom, but have opened the way to walk in the presence and power of the God of heaven. That I need no earthly priest to pass along my words, to filter my petitions, to mediate my confessions. That at every moment wherever I may be, my Father in heaven is listening to the cries of my heart and urging me to bring every care before Him. That I need only knock, and the door will be answered. Thank you, Jesus that because of you, I never have to walk this life alone, that your Spirit lives in me and your hand guides me.

Thank you, Jesus that you are constantly praying to the Father on my behalf, in His perfect will and in the complete power of the Holy Spirit. That you are bringing to the Father needs that I dont even know I have, sin and weakness I am ignorant of, protection from physical and spiritual warfare of which I am not even aware.

Im sorry for the countless times I have tried to steal your glory and have made your grace toward me cheap, choosing immediate gratification over eternal joy. Im sorry for the moments, days, weeks when I am so distracted, preoccupied, ungrateful that I fail to acknowledge you in all that I do. When I fail to appreciate the magnitude of the invitation to approach you personally as a loving Father. When I carry the weight of guilt for sins that you died to forgive. When I carry burdens, anxieties, shame that you have called me to bring before you in prayer, taking your yoke instead.

Lord Jesus, bring me into step with your will, empower me to become in practice who you have already made me to be in position through your life and sacrifice. Help me to see each new day as a gift, as an opportunity to live out the roles and opportunities you have given me in the power and fellowship of your presence. To live in the confidence and freedom of knowing I am forgiven, and the courage of knowing you are interceding for me. Grant us fresh conviction to heed your call to maturity in our discipleship to you, our Great High Priest. Glory to your name.Watch at: https://youtu.be/gu4VzeIsiWo File Downloads: https://crossridgechurch.ca//df_media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDMvMjEvMTcvNDAvMDUvODUwNGM2M2YtMDkxMi00MDJlLTllNzQtZmY1ZTQwOGI3YzA4L0plc3VzIE91ciBQcmllc3QgLSBEaXNjdXNzaW9uOlJlZmxlY3Rpb24gR3VpZGUucGRmIl1d/Jesus%20Our%20Priest%20-%20Discussion%3AReflection%20Guide.pdf?sha=a1fcacc3bf66d24e

Part one of our series, "Prophet, Priest, and King."

Acts 3:17-26

Part one of our series, "Prophet, Priest, and King."

Acts 3:17-26

Study Questions

Jesus the Prophet

And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people. And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness. -Acts 3:17-26

1. How did God use the Old Testament prophets:

A. To remedy His peoples ignorance?

B. To return them from error?

C. To bless them?

Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and every seer, saying, Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments, My statutes according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you through My servants the prophets. -2 Kings 17:13

2. In what ways did Jesus perfectly fulfil these same roles for New Testament believers and for us?

Long ago, at many times andin many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,butin these last dayshe has spoken to us byhis Son, whom he appointedthe heir of all things,through whom also he createdthe world.He is the radiance of the glory of God andthe exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.After making purification for sins,he sat downat the right hand of the Majesty on high -Hebrews 1:1-3

3. How does the sending of prophets demonstrate the love and mercy of God toward us?

4. In your life, how has God lovinglyperhaps painfully or uncomfortablybrought necessary warnings and corrections to bear on your heart when you have been going the wrong way?

5. The Old Testament prophets were messengers of the revelation of God and spoke with authority directly from God. How did Jesus bring the complete revelation and authority of God?

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

The Son is the imageof the invisible God,the firstbornover all creation. -Colossians 1:15

For in Christ all the fullnessof the Deity lives in bodily form -Colossians 2:9

6. Why do you think the prophets were often ignored or despised? Why was Jesus despised and rejected?

7. Generally speaking, what happened when the messages of the Old Testament prophets were rejected or ignored?

8. How does the message of the prophets, culminating in the life and ministry of Jesus, show that we all must choose to receive or reject God to turn to him in faith and obedience or harden our heart in unbelief and rebellion?

Then the word of theLordcame to Jonaha second time:Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you. Jonah began by going a days journey into the city, proclaiming,Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown. The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonahs warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone callurgently on God. Let them give uptheir evil waysand their violence.Who knows?God may yet relentand with compassion turnfrom his fierce angerso that we will not perish. When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relentedand did not bring on them the destructionhe had threatened. -Jonah 3:1-2, 4-7, 8-10

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying,Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. -Matthew 4:17

9. Practically, what does it mean to receive Jesus the prophet not only His free gift of grace, but His Lordship over our lives in loving obedience?

10. In what area(s) of your life and how is the Spirit convicting you of your need to heed the prophetic instruction of Jesus?

Not everyone whosays to me, Lord, Lord, willenter the kingdom of heaven, but the one whodoes the will of my Father who is in heaven.On that daymany will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we notprophesy in your name, and cast out demonsin your name, and do many mighty works in your name?And then will I declare to them, Inever knew you;depart from me,you workers of lawlessness. -Matthew 7:21-23

Because of His great love for us, God does not leave us where we are. He does not leave us helpless in our fallen and broken state, wallowing alone in our destructive decisions and behaviours. He calls out to us, like He called out to His people Israel in the Old Testament through the prophets, to turn around and come to Him for salvation, forgiveness, freedom, and restoration through the finished work of Jesus the Perfect Prophet. He works powerfully through people and circumstances to get our attention, to wake us up- and through the testimony of His word in the scriptures, through the power of His Holy Spirit- He calls us to repent of our sin that is leading us to death, and follow Him in the way that leads to life. If you have not taken that step but you know that something is not right in your heart, if youre carrying the heavy burden of conviction for the way youve been living, if God has been moving in your heart and life, perhaps He is calling you to heed His voice and receive Him in faith. If you have been walking in a way that you know is not honouring to God and something is heavy on your heart, has been brought to your attention- perhaps God is calling you to repentance today. Dont put off the gracious and urgent call from the Lord. Respond now in prayer! Praise God that He is living and active, that He knows us and loves us enough to speak and remedy our ignorance, return us from error, and bless us with forgiveness, freedom, and life in Him. Glory to God!Watch at: https://youtu.be/g15Tl5XMb5k File Downloads: https://crossridgechurch.ca//df_media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDMvMTQvMTcvMTMvMzgvM2NjMDI2ZjctNmJiNC00ODEyLWE1NjgtNGNlZGRmNDEwOWE3L0Nyb3NzcmlkZ2UgTGVudCAyMDIxIC0gUHJvcGhldCBQcmllc3QgYW5kIEtpbmcgLSBXZWVrIDEuIEplc3VzIHRoZSBQcm9waGV0LnBkZiJdXQ/Crossridge%20Lent%202021%20-%20Prophet%20Priest%20and%20King%20-%20Week%201.%20Jesus%20the%20Prophet.pdf?sha=765d65df7d0c3331

Part seven of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel."

Part seven of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel."

Study Questions

1. How is the life of following God a long obedience in the same direction?

2. What does it mean to live as a pilgrim and a disciple?

A life of excellence in service

Then this Daniel becamedistinguished above allthe other high officials andsatraps, becausean excellent spirit was in him. And the king plannedto set him over the whole kingdom. -Daniel 6:3

1. Why do the way that we work and our attitude toward our work matter to God?

2. What do you find difficult about seeing your work, whatever it might be, as service to the Lord?

3. What could it actually look like to go about your work, social life, other stations of life for the glory of God?

4. How can the way we live spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

A life of conviction and integrity

Thenthe high officials andthe satrapssought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom,but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful,and no error or fault was found in him. -Daniel 6:4

1. Where in your personal and professional life is there temptation to violate your Christian convictions? What keeps you strong in temptation? When/why are you more susceptible to giving in?

2. What do you consider a life of integrity? How do our lives sometimes fail to match up with who we claim to be and what we claim to believe?

3. In our sinful world and personal imperfection, what does it mean to live an upright and blameless life?

4. What daily practices will help us grow in conviction and integrity?

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,but he who makes his ways crookedwill be found out. -Proverbs 10:9

A life of relentlessly seeking God

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house wherehe had windows in his upper chamber opentoward Jerusalem. He got down on his kneesthree times a day and prayed andgave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. -Daniel 6:10-11

1. What does our prayer life indicate about our level of dependence on God?

2. How does God mature us in discipleship through prayer?

3. What is typically the content of your prayers? Is there a balance of thanksgiving, petition and plea?

4. Do you have set disciplines to foster growth in your knowledge of God and delight in Him, or does drifting more accurately describe your spiritual life?

One aspect of [our] world that I have been able to identify as harmful to Christians is that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once. We assume that if something can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficientlyThere is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness. -Eugene Peterson.

Trust in the saving power of a faithful God

Then Daniel said to the king,O king, live forever!My Godsent his angeland shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blamelessbefore him;and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, andno kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. -Daniel 6:21-23

1. Where have you seen the faithfulness of God at work in the book of Daniel so far?

2. What does it mean that Daniel was rescued from harm because he was found blameless before God, had done no harm to the king, and had trusted in his God?

3. How would you encourage someone who is struggling through a difficult season and is calling out to God, but their circumstance doesnt seem to be changing?

4. How does Gods promise to save all who trust in Him give you confidence and hope for life today?

I make a decree, that in all my royal dominionpeople are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,

forhe isthe living God,enduring forever;his kingdom shall never be destroyed,and his dominion shall beto the end.He delivers and rescues;he workssigns and wondersin heaven and on earth,he who hassaved Danielfrom the power of the lions. -Daniel 6:26-27

For prayer and reflection:

At the end of your life, what would you like your legacy to be? What would you consider a faithful and fruitful life in service to God? What do you need to do now to start cultivating that? What areas of your life do you need to recognise as areas God has placed you in for His glory? Where have your personal and private life not matched up? Are there sinful thoughts or habits that you have allowed to creep in that need to be killed before they grow? As the Spirit leads, write down practical, intentional actions you are going to put in place starting now. Share them with someone and commit them to the Lord in prayer. It is not about performance or trying to earn favour with God, every one of us falls short in this. Daniel was powerless to save himself from the lions, completely dependent on the mercy of God, as we are powerless to save ourselves from sin and death. It is all of grace. Be encouraged as you take steps walking forward in greater faithfulness to God, knowing that His grace is sufficient in our weakness. Persevere knowing that in life and death He will never leave your side, and take courage knowing that He, the founder and perfector of our faith, the one who began a good work in [us] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil.1:6). He is the living God, the King on the throne of the Kingdom that will endure forever, and He welcomes us to be part of that Kingdom Glory to God!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, andsin which clings so closely, andlet us runwith endurance the race that isset before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despisingthe shame, andis seated at the right hand of the throne of God Thereforelift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,andmake straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of jointbut rather be healed.Strive for peace with everyone, and for theholinesswithout which no one will see the Lord.Hebrews 12:1-2, 12-14

Watch at: https://youtu.be/9UurYsCWQ3Y File Downloads: https://churchos-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/07/18/58/13/be83a774-1cbb-4c6c-ac83-52c11e44f70d/Kingdoms%20in%20Conflict%20-%20Week%207%20-%20Daniel%206.pdf

Part six of our series, “Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel.”

Part six of our series, "Kingdoms in Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel"

STUDY QUESTIONS:

Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded thatthe vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. Then they brought inthe golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine andpraised thegods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. -Daniel 5:2-4

What is the significance of Belshazzar using the things created for worship of the Living God for his own drunken pleasure and worship of man-made gods?

In what ways do we take things created by God to be used His way, for His glory, and twist and misuse them?

Why is it such a serious offense to take the good gifts of God out of His intended context for our own gratification?

-----------------

Consider the contrast between Daniel and the Babylonian kings, especially when given positions of influence and leadership.

King Belshazzarmade a great feast for a thousand of hislords and drank wine in front of the thousand. -Daniel 5:1

Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion toArioch, thecaptain of the king's guard -Daniel 2:14a

Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation,you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck andshall be the third ruler in the kingdom. -Daniel 5:16b

Then Daniel answered and said before the king,Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.-Daniel 5:17

O king, theMost High GodgaveNebuchadnezzar your fatherkingship and greatness and glory and majestyButwhen his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly,he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him... And you his son,Belshazzar,have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself againstthe Lord of heaven but the God in whose hand is your breath, andwhose are all your ways,you have not honoured.-Daniel 5:18,20; 22-23a,c

To you, OGod of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,foryou have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me whatwe asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter. -Daniel 2:23

What do you notice about their outward projection versus their inner substance?

What differences do you notice in their wisdom and self-control? What about fear versus confidence?

In what ways does the world value and reward appearance over substance? Where are you tempted to do so?

Look at Daniels response to Belshazzar in vv.17. What does it look like to be people who put godly character above worldly status?

What does it mean to be a woman or man of substance in an increasingly shallow world?

Read vv. 18, 20, 22-23 again.

What did Belshazzar fail to learn from the previous king?

How can the consequences of our past sin and the sin of others become tools for our sanctification and growth?

Now these things happened to them as an example, butthey were written down for our instruction,on whom the end of the ages has come.Thereforelet anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.-1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Have you reflected on the reality that absolutely everything you have possessions, jobs, status, loved ones, opportunities are only in your hands because the Most High God [who] rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will has given them to you? What does it mean to be a faithful steward?

How does our approach to life change if we see everything we have as entrusted to us, rather than earned and belonging to us? To be used for the advance of Gods eternal Kingdom rather than our own personal kingdom?

Do you find this difficult when God grants you a level of success, achievement, prosperity, influence?

One who isfaithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?And if you have not been faithful inthat which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? -Luke 16:10-12

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This is the interpretation of the matter:Mene, God has numberedthe days of your kingdom and brought it to an end;Tekel,you have been weighedin the balances and found wanting;Peres, your kingdom is divided and given tothe Medes andPersians. -Daniel 5:26-28

What does it mean that Belshazzar was weighed in the balances by God and found wanting?

How does it make you feel to know that God is not fooled by any front that we put up- that He knows our heart, and it is not the scales of the world that really matter but the judgment of God?

How does the thought of your heart being laid bare before God and weighed in the balance inform how you live?

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but theLordweighs the heart. -Proverbs 21:2

I theLordsearch the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. -Jeremiah 17:10

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. -Proverbs 4:23

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. -2 Corinthians 5:10

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That very nightBelshazzar theChaldean king was killed. -Daniel 5:30

Belshazzar is partying on the eve of his destruction, feasting and drinking while the Persian army surrounds him, ready to take him out. He either failed to recognise his foolishness and the looming danger, or he failed to take it seriously.

What does God want us to hear from this about the seriousness of sin, the importance of examining ourselves, and the urgency of getting our heart right with Him?

Consider The Parable of the Rich Fool:

And [Jesus] said to them,Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.And he told them a parable, saying,The land of a rich man produced plentifully,and he thought to himself,What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?And he said, I will do this: I will tear down mybarns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid upfor many years; relax,eat, drink, be merry.But God said to him,Fool!This nightyour soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared,whose will they be?So is the onewho lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. -Luke 12:15-21

Pray and Reflect:

As you examine yourself, what do you need to repent of? Praise God that He has brought those things to your awareness, showing you what needs to be addressed in your heart and in your life. What gifts have you received from God and have been misusing for your own ambition, pleasure and glory rather than to bring praise and honour and glory to His name? Have you been putting a greater emphasis on chasing status than on developing godliness? Been more about outward appearance than inward substance in a particular area? Have you been squandering the things and opportunities God has given you to steward? What do you need to recommit to the Lord to be used for His Kingdom purposes? If you were weighed in the balance right now, what would be found? What is your life truly about? What do you truly love most? What do the meditations of your heart and the works of your hands reveal? Bring these things before God with a humble and broken heart knowing that it is His great pleasure to forgive, to redeem, and to restore. Where have you seen the mighty works of God in your life and the world around you lately? How are you seeing and experiencing His faithfulness right now? Spend some time praising God for who He is and all He is doing. He who numbers the days of every earthly kingdom, who gives power and takes it away, is holding your life. He is calling you to a life of faithful, meaningful, joyful service to the King of Kings and His Kingdom that will last forever. Watch at: https://youtu.be/o_O8A1FffnA File Downloads: https://churchos-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/04/18/37/31/746f787f-3115-4dbd-8ba1-dc976573e041/Kingdoms%20in%20Conflict%20-%20Week%206%20-%20Daniel%20Ch.5.pdf

Part five of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict: A Study of the Book of Daniel."