24/7: Resolving To Honour God

Pastor began by giving two major goals for 2017. They are 1) growing closer to God and 2) growing closer to one another.

In the Gallup Poll on US Evangelical Christians some years back, there were 75% of Christians who believed in the basic doctrines of their faith, 74% believed that God was actively involved in their lives and 67% desired Jesus to be first in their lives. However, only 49% polled thought the Bible was the decisive authority in daily living, 42% were willing to take an unpopular stand for their faith, 35% had inner contentment when things went wrong and only 28% studied the Bible regularly for life’s direction. Additionally, only 22% were only able to control their tongues in their speeches.

In our RiverLife survey done in 2016, it revealed the following results: 63% of the youth never read the Bible with parents, 50% never pray with their parents. 91% recognized that the Bible provides moral direction. For adults, only 49% read the bible and 22% never pray with their spouses. 83% indicated that premarital sex is unacceptable, 30% of youth would go on holiday alone with their girlfriend or boyfriend while for single adults, it is 38%. 83% recognized that pornography is bad with 73%, having viewed it whilst 19% struggle with it.

After giving this report, Pastor gave the historical context of Daniel. In 605 BC, Daniel and friends were captured by the Babylonians after the first and second sieges respectively in 597 BC and 587 BC. The temple was looted and total deportation was in 587 BC. King Nebuchadnezzar was a strong leader who subdued nations by capturing the sons of noble or royal blood and kept them as hostage whilst brainwashing them so they will serve the Babylonian government. These sons were young, handsome, wise and abled and they received Babylonian education. Their names were changed and they lived a beholden lifestyle. However, in the midst of this, Daniel resolved not to defile himself as he was well taught by his parents, having God’s Word to guide him (Leviticus 11:42-44). The law was to keep God’s people separate and holy. If you were Daniel, given all these things, will you compromise? Daniel ran the risk of being punished but he stood up for what he believed in. God honoured Daniel by granting him favour with Ashpenaz who was the chief of eunuchs. Daniel was well respected by people.

In closing, Pastor Lionel mentioned that God desires His people to always honour Him (Malachi 1:6-14). We should give our best time to the Lord and not be half-hearted and lukewarm. Do we have fear and reverence for God? If we have fear of men, how can we honour Him? We should give Him our very best and obey His Word in every situation – also in our tithes and offerings (Malachi 1:11 and 3:6-12). God promises to honour and reward those who honour Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Pastor gave the example of Eric Liddell. A challenge was given to the congregation to live a life like Liddell by consecrating our lives and surrendering it totally to God in all aspects.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the two major goals that the Pastor shared for 2017? How are these two goals related to each other? [15 min]

2. Daniel faced many challenges that went against his beliefs and lifestyle when he was in Babylon. What would you consider are challenges you face at your work place or in your life? [10 min]

3. According to the RiverLife survey, results show reading the Bible and praying with spouse or even as a family are not satisfactory. And for singles who are dating, it seems acceptable for them to go on a holiday together. [10 min each]

a. What could be possible reasons contributing to such lifestyle choices?

b. What is one step forward or change to make so that we can be a God-honouring 24x7 Christian?