God’s mandate to influence and thrive in Babylon.  Jeremiah 29:1-9

• Make it your home. (5a)
• Self-sustain/avoid dependence upon Babylon—grow your own food. (5b)
• Grow your families. (6)
• Pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon for mutual benefit. (7)
• Be careful of false teaching. (8-9) 

Daniel’s Journey as a persuasive influencer.

• Slave with zero influence to most impressive of all the wise men. Daniel 1:17-20
  • Remaining committed to godly principles dictated this opportunity.
  • Able to set their own menu.
  • Taken notice by the king.

• From respected wise man among his peers to leader over them and governor of the province. Daniel 2:45-48
  • This happened because he sought and relied upon the Lord for direction.
  • Chief of the wise men.
  • Governor of Babylon
  • Promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as administrators.

• Daniel’s friends succeed under him thus giving him more influence. Daniel 3:30
  • It is likely that Daniel moved up to overseeing multiple provinces with their promotion.
  • This happened because they chose God over king.

• Daniel becomes God’s tool in leading the king to God. Daniel 4:37
  • This happened because he was willing to speak a hard truth.

• Daniel becomes the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Daniel 5:29-30
  • Again, Daniel is faithful in speaking the truth.
  • This opportunity came because of his historical reputation of hearing from God.
  • This is to a new king.

• Daniel becomes one of three administrators of a third king and became the most distinguished among them. Daniel 6:1-3
  • This was the continuation of faithfulness and character.
  • He succeeded to live beyond the lion’s den because he trusted God. Daniel 6:23 

Keys to persuasive influence in Lancaster region. 

1. A deep love for and worship of God.
2. Align your life to God’s principles not culture’s.
3. Trust God for the outcomes.
4. Surround yourself with those of same heart and passion.
5. Speak truth with gentleness and respect.
6. Become a master of cultural awareness to serve them.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

7. Pursue excellence in your role.

Communion: Aligning ourselves to the one we can trust.

Benediction: Jeremiah 29:22 “So you will be my people, and I will be your God.”