The Playbook
“How to Thrive in A Chaotic World”
Daniel 1:1-21

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

How do we thrive in a chaotic world?

Daniel 1:1-21

Babylon = A world without God 

“She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.” – 1 Peter 5:13

“Babylon the great…the abominations of the earth.” – Revelation 17:5

“…Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:10

How do we thrive?
1. Stay connected to godly people. – Daniel 1:3-4

We often separate from God's people before turning away from God himself.

How do we thrive?
2. Fill your mind with God’s truth. – Daniel 1:5

Babylon’s message
Find yourself 
Discover your truth 
You only live once 
God will understand 

They didn’t want to teach Daniel about Babylon. They wanted to turn him into a Babylonian.

“Not of the world, but sent into the world” – Jesus’ prayer, John 17:15, 18

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …” –Romans 12:2  

How do we thrive?
3. Live from your identity in Jesus. – Daniel 1:6-7

Hebrew names
Daniel = God is my judge 			
Hananiah = God has been gracious 		
Mishael = Who is like God 			
Azariah = God has helped 	

Babylonian names
Belteshazzar = Baal provides 
Shadrach = command of Aku
Meshach = who is like Aku
Abednego = servant of Nebo

How do we thrive?
4. Let nothing replace God in your life. – Daniel 1:8 

“Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.” – Daniel 1:21

Daniel served five kings:
Nebuchadnezzar II 
Amel-Marduk 
Neriglissar 
Labashi-Marduk 
Nabonidus
Cyrus the Great

We live in Babylon with the values of Heaven.

Let’s be grace-driven and truth-led.
Some compromise Truth to show grace.
Some reject Grace because of a strong conviction in truth.

Let’s thrive!