The best trip ever

Last Week: Life Maps

What do you expect from college? Where does that expectation come from?

Common expectations

• Beer and Circus
• Grades and Accolades

What's an idol? What are common idols post-high school?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Transformed, Non-conformist

"education for responsible action is easily trumped by education for upward mobility." What's the difference?

Read Colossians 2:8 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. How are they similar/different? Why are they important to remember when learning new things?

Daniel: non-conformist

Babylonian strategy

• Assimilate new nations into culture
• Retrain the best and brightest 
• Provide new language and learning
• Provide positions of authority
• Provide access to wealth/good food

All have been "Babylonianized" in some way. Name a few ways.

Daniel's Resistance

• Stayed true in little things (diet, prayer)
• Trust God for provision of big things
• Make the sacrifice
• Be courageous
• Study hard

What sacrifices do you think you'll need to make to stay true to Christ post-high school?

Is it more difficult to stay true to Christ in a non-Christian environment? How so?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)