SERIES TITLE
Stand Firm Week 1 outsiders
series overview
Culture is shifting. We see it all around us. So, how do people of faith live and love well in a culture of compromise? How do we stand firm without alienating the very people who need the grace and love of Jesus? Join us for a brand new 5-part series from the book of Daniel, and let’s discover together how Daniel and his friends personified courageous faith in a spirit of love and truth.
sermon TITLE
Outsiders
Sermon Summary
The sermon “Outsiders” explores standing firm amidst cultural challenges using the story of Daniel. Gene emphasizes the relevance of Daniel’s early life and the need for Christians to stand out in love. He presents three responses to cultural shifts: freaking out, blending in, or standing firm in love. The sermon highlights principles of remembering God’s identity, resolving not to compromise, and relying on community for strength.
DISCUSSion
Select 3-4 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- How can we ensure that we maintain our identity as children of God in a culture that promotes compromise and shifting values?
In what ways can you personally remind yourself of your identity in Christ during difficult or tempting situations? - Read Daniel 1: 1-15. Based on the story of Daniel, how can we practically prepare ourselves to not compromise our faith when faced with temptation?
What areas of your life do you need to establish a firm resolve in, and what steps can you take to make those decisions before being faced with temptation? - Why is reliance on one another for strength important for standing firm in our faith?
How have you personally experienced the value of having a supportive community in your faith journey, and what steps can you take to cultivate such relationships - How can we apply the principles of loving, serving, and standing firm in our daily lives, especially when faced with cultural challenges?
What specific opportunities do you have to love and serve others around you, and how can you remain steadfast in your faith while doing so? Has your group made a plan for participating in Summer of Serving? - In the context of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, how can we balance standing firm in our faith with showing love?
Can you think of a situation in your life where you have struggled to maintain a balance between standing firm and being loving? What can you learn from this experience for the future?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
- Ask for prayer requests from the group
- Pray for the ability to remember our true identity as children of God and have confidence in our purpose
- Pray for the resolve to make predetermined decisions not to compromise before temptation arises
- Pray for the support and strength found in community, especially within our small groups.