Dare to Live Differently
What Exile & Return Teaches About Living for Christ
Mark Vroegop
BSF Guest Contributor
I’m sure this is not news to you: we are in the midst of a very tumultuous cultural moment.
How do we live in today’s culture for Christ? How do we avoid a Christianity that is indistinguishable from the culture around us without building a Christianity that walls itself off from the very people we’re called to reach with the gospel?
My hope is that you will be motivated, encouraged, and challenged by the lives of people like Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, while recognizing that the end goal is not to be like them. Ultimately these stories are not about them. My hope is that you are encouraged to embrace what it means to follow Jesus in our culture and to stand in line with countless men and women in history who dared to live differently because of their passion to honor God.
As you look ahead toward this year’s study, let’s take a closer look at what Daniel teaches us about living differently in today’s culture.
How do we live in today’s culture for Christ?
Examining Daniel
God had warned the people of Israel and Judah that if they continued to disobey Him, foreign nations would be sent as the agents of divine discipline. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom fell to the invasion of the Assyrians. Subsequently the Southern Kingdom (Judah) was repeatedly warned that they were next if they didn’t repent.
God raised the Babylonian Empire, the dominant superpower in the Ancient Near East, to become His rod of discipline for Judah.
They set their sights on living as believers in a foreign country, in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Daniel and his three friends were part of a systematic Babylonian indoctrination program. They were political prisoners and had been kidnapped from their homeland. They were quite young—likely teenagers. And yet they set their sights on living as believers in a foreign country, in less-than-ideal circumstances.
They figured out how to follow their God in the midst of a hostile culture. Daniel was a deeply God-centered man and was able to shine in the midst of a life-or-death situation. He dared others to believe with dependent faith.
What can we learn from the lives of Daniel and other people of faith in the Old Testament? How should we think about our own culture? How do we preserve the uniqueness of the gospel without retreating from our culture?
1. Dare to believe that God is in control.
The Bible is very clear that God is the one who “changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21). In Ezra 1:1 we read that “the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia.”
This truth means that you can rest knowing that God controls who owns your company, who moves in next door, who becomes your boss, which employees report to you, and who will be your nation’s next leader. God is never out of control. He is always working. Therefore, Christians ought to be the most calm, faith-filled, and joyful people—regardless of circumstances.
2. Dare to resolve to live a godly life.
The Bible calls us to be a people who are marked by godliness and good works. Daniel resolved not to stop praying despite the king’s edict. His friends resolved not to bow to the king’s image. Are there any areas of resolve in your life? Or have you just allowed the thinking, the affections, and the way of the culture to shape you? Is there anything unique about your life that would mark you as a follower of Jesus?
3. Dare to be wise and tactful.
The message of the gospel has often been hindered because God’s people were unwise, foolish, or unprepared for critical moments. Pray that God would give you wisdom to know which battles to fight, where to draw the line, and how to be gracious and kind in what you say and do. From our Exile & Return study, people like Daniel, Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther each show us how God works through combined wisdom and tact in challenging culture. Our culture today needs to see winsome and gracious conviction on the part of God’s people.
Our culture today needs to see winsome and gracious conviction on the part of God’s people.
4. Dare to be a person of gospel influence.
Mordecai famously told Esther: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). God providentially placed Esther in a position of influence to rescue His people. Why has God placed you where you are in life? What situations or circumstances do you find yourself in? What seat at the table have you been given? Don’t miss the divinely given opportunity to share the gospel or give wise and biblical counsel. And then pray for favor so that you can continue to have even more influence while keeping your pride in check.
5. Dare to be an engaged alien.
The gospel message that Jesus died for our sins is strange to the world. What is amazing grace to us is incredibly strange to them. And yet that should not make us retreat or be silent. Like those from Exile & Return, we, too, are strangers and aliens, and yet we are called to be engaged. Our mission is to go into the world and herald the good news.
As Peter wrote, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)
Christianity needs more people who are both convictional and wise—people like those you will study this year. We need people like Ezra who know their Bible and have a heart to teach others. We need people like Daniel who are both wise and tactful. We need people like Esther who dare to use their influence for God’s purpose. And we need people like Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi who are so captivated by the Lord they are willing to share a strange message in today’s culture instead of retreating from the world around us.
I hope that through your study, you’ll dare to believe and dare to live differently.
This article was repurposed from a 2016 sermon from College Park Church.
About the Author
Mark Vroegop (BA, Cedarville University; MDiv, Cornerstone Seminary) is the president of The Gospel Coalition. He served in pastoral ministry leadership for nearly 30 years, most recently as the lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis. An award-winning author, Mark has written several books, including Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament and Waiting Isn’t a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life. Mark is married to Sarah, and they have three married sons, a college-aged daughter, and two grandchildren.
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Dear Mark
Thank you for your helpful and very encouraging article on Dare to Live Differently – What Exile & Return Teaches About Living for Christ.
(smiley)As my final take-away on Lesson Daniel 3 to 4, God revealed His glory through miraculous deliverance and sovereign power He rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace and humbled King Nebuchadnezzar, showing that He alone rules over all kingdoms.
This week, God displayed His glory to us through unexpected moments of peace and clarity during a stressful situation, reminding us of His presence and control that as we respond, we’ve chosen to pause, give thanks, and trust Him more deeply, knowing He is working even when we can’t see the full picture.
Thank you Mark for this powerful exhortation: “DARE”; In today’s culture, it ‘s a great challenge to not “chock “those to whom we tell about Christ in our daily life! I am personnaly encouraged about wise and tactiful behavior, and I always ask this humility of Christ that the unbelievers can discern through me, so my testimonies should be effective. Blessings!
I’m always amazed as to how God aligns our BSF Studies with the happenings in the world around us. This study of Exile and Return and the message God has in store for us through these prophets is truly for “such a time like this” culture we are living in today. Thank you for this blog as we prepare to follow Jesus more, just like the prophets, while in a culture that rejects Christ.
I was thinking the same thing !!! It applies to us in this world right now !
Thanks a lot for that very biblical, challenging thought. It’s a very helpful message for the culture I am living now.
Im interested and planning to attend the study on Exile and Return beginning September 8th
I will be joining the BSF Bible study this September! Really looking forward to it!
My sister introduced me to BSF Group am very Grateful …BSF is the best study group i have been in, this is my 3rd year of studying … I love the discussions and BSF has helped me to become strong in the Lord ; Love Gods Word as a Love letter From A Loving God .. All Glory be to God Alone ..also i would love to share with others about my Great Awesome God !!!
BSF is the best study group i have been in, this is my 3rd year of studying … I love the discussions and BSF has helped me to become strong in the Lord ; Love Gods Word as a Love letter From A Loving God .. All Glory be to God Alone ..also i would love to share with others about my Great Awesome God !!!
I have been a Christian all my life: baptized alongside my parents when I was 12 years of age. Decades later, I continue to be a believer, practice his teachings. For several years, I have sought a morning women’s bible study, an inspirational, encouraging safe haven. I was, finally, brought by a friend to BSF. I only wish that this was my 30th year attending vs. only three years. I am so grateful for finding BSF. Blessings,
I have been attending BSF Classes for almost 15 yrs and truly enjoy the Bible class studies.
Thanks for the encouragement to live God’s way. I have always tried to do so, even while being ridiculed, dismissed and abused. My words were sometimes deliberately misunderstood or twisted. I lived down lies and gossip. My real friends defended me and told the truth. Like the folks we read about in God’s Word, I am not perfect. I have learned to trust God in every situation, even when He disciplines me. Praise Jesus!
Our friends invited my wife Linda, and me to the BSF study about the book of John. What an immense blessing that experience was. We continued with the next study of Revelation,, that concluded in spring of last year. The Revelation study really came alive to me, as I was blessed to visit the Greek Isle of Patmos twenty years ago, at the site where John is said to have written the book of Revelation!
Looking forward to the Exile & Return study with the rich history of God’s chosen people, and the prophetic words from our God.
Thank you for your challenge to “Dare to Believe” and “Dare to live differently”! I have been studying the Bible with BSF for about 15 years. God’s Word has truly transformed me and my relationship with God. When I became a “group leader”, I actually was terrified and wanted to quit. As I prayed, God reminded me…..Yes, you can’t, but I CAN!. Submitting to His Power changes everything!!! I am so looking forward to this newest BSF study to Grow even deeper roots and to “Dare to Believe and live differently!
The blog is very encouraging – in thriving to live differently in a challenging cultural moment. The examples of the personalities mentioned here provides courage to forge ahead.
Praying for God’s enabling of wisdom and determination.
Thank you Mark
I’m so excited and can’t wait for the next study The exile and Return
Powerful books in the Bible
Thank you B S F I’m enlightened and so much encouraged with studying the word especially in the world full of challenges
Thank you for continuing to teach the beauty and relevance of the Old Testament. Through BSF I’ve learned how to appreciate and love the God of the Bible more deeply with each study.
I have attended BSF now for three years. I’m looking forward to many more years of growing and learning more about the Lord His plans, character and love for humanity and creation ❤️ this blog is a reminder to me to continue to pray and press forward in learning and sharing God’s word ever so much more in today’s time. Thank you
Daniel not only dared to be different for 70+ years; he prayed it, he breathed it, he ate it, he shared it. He lived the truth of God with everything that was in him and that is exactly how I want to be with all I am but…..
BSF is the best study group i have been in, I have seen alot of groups and heard how other groups are the best, but BSF has always been building a believer and making believers stronger.
This has been very thought provoking. Making me look at where I am. I’m looking forward to starting this study.
God is Within!!!
The Power of the Holy Spirit thrive in US… We have Free Will to make the choice to grow in Faith …
This growth Starts when I am in Silence… When I am Conscience How much I souly depend on God’s Blessings and Grace to live and be focused in Light Within… God Bless
Daniel dare to claim God’s promise of 70 years’ captivity foretold by Jeremiah, in his everyday prayers.
We who expect rapture to come anytime should dare to claim the same, to exhibit our faith in God’s Word.
Praise the Lord.
Very excited to start this year’s study. Understanding Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Haggai, and others, I am increasingly convinced of the importance of spreading the gospel to all people so that the great commission of Jesus can be fulfilled according to Matthew 28:19-20.
I love BSF lesson , it’s help me to understand the Bible . It’s give me courage to want to know more about. Jesus Christ.
I love BSF lesson too; Through regular studies I have been understanding many things I did not so before; I am encouraged also to continue to study the Bible like you; Be more courage!
I’m so excited for this years study. I hope and pray that I allow God to elevate my faith so that I can better serve Him.
There are times I feel shaken by what is happening in the world today regarding our nation’s leaders and some of the “go along” people. In studies such as BSF, it brings me back into focus on God, who is in control of all things, and a reminder to me, that I have nothing to fear. I need just to stay in the will of God, for He is the one whose purpose will be fulfilled. God’s got this! Do not fear! 🙏🏽
This insightful and provocative analysis of the Bible and in particular the next Bsf study of Exile & Return seems interesting urging one o look forward to its study.
Last year was my first year to experience BSF . What a blessing!! The study and the ladies in my study group were amazing! God moves when we are willing to follow.
God Bless
Hi Mark! Thank you for your writing! I live outside of Indianapolis and have highly recommended both of your books on my book review blog, OfBooksandBoys.
Apart from salvation, BSF is the best thing I have come across!!
I’m new at BSF. Enjoyed past meetings and pray God will continue to renew my spirit to learn and apply as I go through this walk with Him.
My desire is to leave differently, knowing that God is in control of my life and family.As I study this year.
Am so excited to study Exile & return A book of various prophets used by God for His glory Likewise teaching me to a part of kingdom building for His glory
Am so excited to study Exile & return A book of various prophets used by God for His glory Likewise teaching me to a part of kingdom building for His glory
I really enjoy attending BSF, this Christian experience has enhanced my relationship with God. It has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the world of God. The friendships that I have made is great !
SO looking forward to this year’s study!
For me dare to live differently has both challenged and encouraged me. Yes I can as those Bibiical examples given. I can dare for Christ Jesus. Amen.
This is my 20th year of BSF. I love studying Gods word with BSF.
Last year Revelation was so full of hope.
Seems this year will encourage us to go where God sends us.
Thanks for teaching us to study Gods word with understanding.
I appreciated your blog as a reminder of how I should be daily ready to share Christ’s patience, love, understanding, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. (I have had to pray for patience during this past year due to my husband’s cognitive issues, which is why I gave up leading a small group after years of loving that responsibility, but I’ll still participate in a small group as long as he can function without my presence.
I always learn so much from your blog posts! Once again thanks for enriching my walk with God & stretching me to be more like Him!!!
Such a good article on our study this year. I’m excited to better understand God’s steps for me to be taking so I can glorfy Him as I share with others His amazing grace in my life.
This study is exactly what God wants me to learn.
I love to study BSF notes because they are factual and provide me with a deeper and clearer understanding of the Holy Scriptures. The notes help me as a reference and expansion to questions and answers; the “Take to Heart” and “Application” highlights are helpful pointers that I find personally very helpful in assimilating specific actions for my spiritual development and growth
My goal during the break was to read the Old Testament…I am currently in the book of Daniel. It has been so rewarding and makes me even more excited for Exile and Return!
I love studying the Bible. BSF notes encourages me to think deeper into Gods word. Discussion group is great and often we hear and share different things that God has revealed to us.
I find the lecture explains things I’ve missed.
Great reading explaining our relationship with Christ under very different circumstances than today’s world
It is so easy to fall into sin, so be on guard. Pray and ask the Lord to help you in your time of need. Don’t give up hope.
The word Dare in the Blog is encouraging to Live a Daring Life for Christ in todays culture.