The Rise Of The Church: The Church In The World

Dr Freddy began by reading from Daniel 6:1–14 and 24-28. Daniel was known as a prophet. He was not ‘full-time (church) worker.’ First and foremost he was a ‘civil servant’ as he served in the kingdom of Babylon during his exile. He was a young Jewish boy who was taken into captivity to learn the Babylonian culture and to serve the enemy. He continued to obey God even when he was living in the enemy’s territory under the authority of the Babylon. It is important to observe his ministry but even more so, his character.

God enabled Daniel to serve with righteousness in his workplace. The workplace occupies a huge part of many of our lives. If you cannot find the purpose of God at your workplace then life will be purpose-less. Dr Freddy then shared about how much he was so enamored in serving God during his school days that he got very concerned if he would not be able to do so when he entered the workforce. His mentor assured him that being consistent is more important than doing big things at work. Consistency is important and it is an indicator to show that you have lasted the distance.

Serving in the enemy’s court, Daniel knew Israel was being punished by God not men. He could live through life in his enemy’s court because he was very clear about the purposes of God in his life. It was not about his rank, his promotion, his needs nor his well-being or about what people thought of him. Daniel was consistent and continued to walk in love alongside his ‘enemies’.  

Is your work life only centred on how you are being appraised at work? Where is your purpose of God’s kingdom at the workplace? If your life is just surrounded by appraisals then you will always be unhappy. You might have unrealistic expectations of yourself as you spend long hours at work. If you have found God’s purposes and you focus on these at work, then promotion will never be your problem. But if you are promoted, have you ever asked God why? Promotion is more than just success for yourself. God wants you to grow beyond ‘giving us our daily bread’ to ‘for thine is the kingdom’. We must understand what God is doing through us at the workplace so we can impact the world and society.

Daniel gave pre-eminence (used in Colossians 1:15-17) to God and gave God the highest of all other priorities. This is what will guide you at the workplace and you must be consistent in it. Even though he knew he was being persecuted and indicted by law, Daniel did not appeal to the king but continued to pray as was his custom. He knew the Word of God will keep him from straying. Therefore, we must have the Word of God to guide us at the workplace because God’s Word is consistent. As we read verses 24-28, we see Daniel impacting the nations when the King gave praise to God and finally, he was exonerated! Do not fear as God will make things right for His purposes. We must get drilled with the Word of God and stay true to it. Now, even at times when we feel the Holy Spirit’s presence and perceive that we hear from Him, it is still important to know what His Word says and verify with godly counsel. We know that the Word of God stays true even though circumstances change. When you do what is right and righteous at work, the wrongs will be exposed which will bring about opposition and retaliation from others.

Therefore, work at doing right and walk through the ‘jungle’ path God has paved for you. Do not worry about what others may say, for His desire is for us to impact the society and the world.

Discussion Questions

1. Dr Freddy mentioned that ‘being consistent is important as it is an indicator showing that you have lasted the distance’. In relation to Daniel, why was being consistent important as he served in the court of King Darius? Why should this be important to us? [15 mins]

Leader’s notes: Leaders can start off to recap the story of Daniel. Daniel was away from his people and in exile yet he did not compromise both in his beliefs and values, and cower in fear when pressure against him was building up. His character shown through his consistent behaviour in fact spared him as all could see his life’s testimony since the day he was sworn into the enemy’s court as a Jewish boy. His consistent behaviour in the courts won the King’s favour (Daniel 6:14) as the king was also determined to save him.

Read Colossians 3:22-25 and 2 Timothy 4:7. Work life takes a bulk of the time and especially, our attention in our lives. We must find the purpose of God at our work and our workplace, and see them as our ministry. How we walk the talk in our lives shall be put to the test both at work and home. When we walk in righteous ways and work unto the Lord, we will in fact not only have favour with God but also with men. God should have the highest priority in our lives not because we want to have His blessing and success at work but rather so we can fulfil God’s purposes, bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and have an impact in the society, our nation and the world. It is the distance we run that counts which shows our perseverance; not the blessing at work we should be after. God wants to shape our character and it matters.  

2. What are God’s purposes for you at work and how does that affect your work life? [15 mins]

Leader’s notes : A relate & reflect question. Knowing clearly God’s purposes for you sets your heart at the right place. Share briefly what is God’s purpose for your vocation. As you put God first in all you do, you will find the necessity to consult God in His Word and through prayer with regards to all the decisions you might have to make at work (not just at home). This will include the time you put and the priority you place into work, family, church and ministry. Are there tough decisions to make at work? It is important to meditate in God’s Word in order to keep from going astray – to walk righteously and according to His Will. Listening to God’s voice and being assured by the Word of God or with godly counsel are important. Often, such calls for a resolution you need to make personally before God.   

3. How do you think you can be an impact to society at your workplace? [15 mins]

Leader’s notes : A response question. It is not just about evangelism or sharing the gospel with people. Rather it is being a light to the world as a disciple of Christ through our behaviours and actions at work that is more important ie our testimony – see Matthew 5:16. It is about character, which is shown through consistent behavior, and not so much about the big things we do. What are the challenges your cell members might have faced or are facing as their beliefs or values are being questioned or tested at work? How did they overcome their challenges?

Members can share on the present difficulties they face and commit these to God in prayer. Or, share about how God is using you as an instrument to reach out to others and intercede for them. It is about staying true to the Word of God and honouring God with our work and at our workplaces as we all need to walk through the path of righteousness. See Esther 4:14 where God placed Queen Esther to bring about deliverance for His people. God has placed us in a place of influence and in a position to make an impact for God!