Unshakable Faith

KEY VERSES:

• Daniel 1
• Matthew 7:24-27

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Daniel’s Resilient Faith (Daniel 1)
   • Daniel is taken captive to Babylon, losing everything he’s known.
   • The Babylonians manipulate Daniel and friends by offering top-tier treatment and even renaming them.
   • Despite heartbreak and confusion, Daniel is resolved to follow God’s plan and ways.
2. What Are You Resolved About?
   • We can be firmly committed to the wrong things while waffling on what really matters.
   • Daniel chooses to obey God’s instruction—even if it puts him at risk—because he trusts God’s plan is better.
3. Jesus’ Parable: Wise vs. Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
   • Building your life on hearing and practicing Jesus’ words sets you on an unshakable foundation.
   • Same storms, different outcomes: The foundation (Jesus and His teaching) is what keeps you standing.
4. A Call to Real Faith
   • Faith in Jesus means trusting Him enough to actually put His words into action.
   • When life’s “croc moments” come, we find stability only in God’s grace and truth.
   • Make 2024 (or this new year) about following Jesus in practical ways—resolutions of the heart, not just appearances.

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. When have you experienced a “croc moment” that suddenly derailed your plans, and how did you respond?
2. How does Daniel’s unwavering resolve in Babylon inspire you to hold onto your faith under pressure?
3. What does it mean to you personally to “build your house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-27)?
4. In which areas of your life are you resolved about unimportant things and less committed to spiritually crucial matters?
5. How can believing God’s plan is better help you make difficult choices in everyday life?
6. Which specific teaching of Jesus do you find challenging to practice, even though you’ve heard it many times?
7. What steps can you take to move from a passive belief in Jesus’ words to an active, resilient faith?
8. How do you balance the idea of being saved by grace yet still actively seeking to obey and follow God’s instructions?

APPLY IT:

• Check Your Foundation: Ask if you’re just listening or actually living out Jesus’ teachings.
• Be Resolved About What Matters: Identify areas where you’ve been wishy-washy and commit them to God’s better plan.
• Practice Daily Obedience: Start small—maybe it’s daily prayer, a Bible reading plan, or stepping out to help someone in need.
• Remember Daniel’s Example: When you’re tempted to give up, remind yourself that God’s way is ultimately the best.
• Embrace Grace, Not Perfection: It’s not about flawless performance; it’s about consistent reliance on God’s grace and truth.