RESOLVED

As we close the first six chapters of Daniel, take a moment to reflect on all you have gleaned from Daniel’s life and faithfulness to God…and God’s faithfulness to him!

Re-read or skim through Daniel 1-6 asking the Lord to highlight the following for you:

1. What was the biggest theme or lesson in Daniel 1-6 for you?

2. Which chapter had the greatest impact on you? Why?

3. What did you learn from Daniel’s prayer life that you would like to do more consistently?

4. What did you learn about God? His attributes?

5. If you could put yourself into one of the stories, who would you be? Why?

6. What did you learn about being resolved to follow God?

Resolutions

As a young man, Jonathan Edwards resolved to honor God with his life.

After graduating from Yale University in 1722, Edwards began to prepare for his vocational life as a pastor. Though he was only 19 years old, Jonathan Edwards was keenly aware of his need for radical dependence upon God. To this end, the young man composed a list of 70 resolutions – ways in which he would endeavor to conduct his life for the glory of God. These resolutions addressed things like prayer, time management, relationships, and more. For example, one of Edwards’ resolutions regarding Bible study reads: “Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.” Although Jonathan Edwards compiled these resolutions in his journal over a period of months, all 70 were recorded before his 20th birthday! Edwards returned to his list of resolutions each week as part of his ongoing prayer and devotional life.

Jonathan Edwards went on to become one of the most influential pastors of the 18th century. He was involved in the First Great Awakening and famously delivered a sermon entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Truly Jonathan Edwards was resolved to follow God.

(You can read all of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions at desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards)

Our study this semester has caused us to consider ways in which Daniel and his friends were resolved to follow God, regardless of their circumstances.

1. How might the Lord be inviting you to grow in your resolve to follow Him? Prayerfully reread the titles of our lessons. Ask the Lord to impress one of these resolutions upon your heart. Write your resolution below:

2. What are some things that prevent you from standing firm in your resolve to follow God? (Examples might include fear, time restrictions, old habits, etc.)

3. Jonathan Edwards’ list of resolutions begins with these words: “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.”

Like Jonathan Edwards, we are unable to do anything without God’s help! We, too, must ask for God’s grace as we resolve to follow Him. Write a prayer of resolution to the Lord. Acknowledge your need for His help as you endeavor to stand firm. Ask God to give you strength and grace as you resolve to follow Him.

4. Now consider sharing your resolution with a spouse, friend, mentor, small group leader, etc. godly accountability and prayer support are so helpful as you resolve to follow God!

Almighty and Sovereign God, You are compassionate, faithful, unwavering and just. You are a way-maker, able to break any chain that holds me back from having a real and deeper relationship with a You. From sunrise to sunset, You are a part of every life, every breath, every emotion, and every circumstance and nothing escapes Your watchful eye. You have opened my eyes to Your truth through the book of Daniel and I pray as I end this study that I do not leave unchanged. Cause my heart to recognize that You are calling me into repentance and restoration through the cleansing of your Word. For You do not want this to be just a study of the Scriptures but a transformation of the heart. Forgive my stubbornness and hard-heartedness, where my pride is resistant to change. Forgive me for the many times I have not sought You first, for idols I have allowed to take Your place, and for not recognizing You as sovereign over my life. You are transforming me, You are transforming this world, and I praise Your name that I am able to count on You to bring all things under Your control. You have taught me week after week to be resolved, resolved to follow, trust and submit to You. Give me the courage to let You search my whole heart in order to identify areas in my life where I need to submit to Your authority and let Your will be done. Your Word is alive and powerful, able to penetrate and expose any dark areas that need Light. I acknowledge my need for You and thank You that You never forsake me despite my failings. I trust that You go before me and will be with me so I need not not fear what lies ahead. Thank You for the gift of grace, the power of Your forgiveness, the inspiration of Your Word, and the wonderful fellowship of believers. Help me each day to remember who I am in Christ, who You created me to be, and strengthen me from within so I can bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 NIV