Dare to Be Different

I. Introduction

• Bandwagon Fans vs. Superfans:

  • _____________ Fans cheer only when their team is winning and vanish at the first sign of trouble.

  • ______________ wear their team’s colors year-round, know every player’s name, and remain loyal even during a losing streak.

• Recap:

  • Last week’s message on ____________ Conviction taught us to stand firm in God’s truth.

• Today’s Focus:

  • Undeterred Loyalty: A commitment to putting God __________ in every decision, regardless of popularity or risk.

• Series Tease:

  • This is the second key in our five-part series designed to empower us to live ________ in God’s truth.

II. Defining Undeterred Loyalty

• What Is Loyalty in the Christian Context?

  • Steadfast ____________ and commitment to God.

  • Prioritizing Him above personal desires, cultural pressures, and even elements what we’ve considered our  own _____________.

  • Not blind conformity, but discerning God’s will and choosing Him every day with intentionality.

• Scriptural Anchor (Daniel 3:18 KJV):

“…be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

• Key Insight: Even when faced with the possibility of a fiery death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s loyalty to God was unconditional—they would never compromise their commitment.

III. Biblical Examples of Undeterred Loyalty

• A. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:

  • Faced with King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to bow to a golden idol, they chose loyalty to God over an easy escape.

  • Their declaration wasn’t based on a hope for rescue, but on deep trust in God and a commitment to honor Him, regardless of the outcome.

• B. Jesus’ Call to Discipleship:

  • When Jesus said, “__________ me,” He wasn’t asking for a casual or temporary commitment.

  • True following requires leaving behind worldly comforts and embracing a journey of undeterred loyalty, even when the destination is uncertain.

• C. Sacrificial Loyalty (John 15:13 KJV):

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

• Illustrates that genuine loyalty often involves sacrifice—mirroring __________ ultimate act on the cross.

IV. Historical and Everyday Illustrations of Loyalty

• A. Historical Example: RJ LaTourneau

  • LaTourneau set aside 90% of his salary and company profits for ______ work, living on the remaining 10%.

  • He famously stated, “I shovel out the money, and God shovels it back—but God has a bigger shovel.”

  • His life exemplifies how true loyalty sometimes means standing against the tide, even at personal cost.

• B. Everyday Applications:

  • Personal Testimony:

    • A friend faced intense personal attacks and business threats for standing up for God, yet his unwavering loyalty strengthened his ____________.

  • Personal Experience:

    • I was once threatened with disciplinary action for refusing to work on Sunday—a day set aside for worship. Standing firm in my convictions not only protected my integrity but also earned respect.

  • Key Message:

    • Undeterred loyalty shapes our character and positively influences those around us.

V. The Impact of Undeterred Loyalty

• A. __________ Impact:

  • Creates inner strength and a “spiritual muscle” that resists compromising one’s identity in Christ.

  • Helps us say “no” to fleeting trends and cultural pressures.

• B. Impact on ______________ and Community:

  • When we put God first, our consistent loyalty becomes a powerful testimony to friends, family, and colleagues.

  • A community of loyal believers becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring others to pursue God wholeheartedly.

• C. Impact on Your Future:

  • Each decision made in loyalty to God is an investment in our eternal future.

  • A Church united by undeterred loyalty transforms communities and inspires future generations.

VI. Three Habits to Cultivate Undeterred Loyalty

1. Daily ___________ and Reflection:

   • Set aside dedicated time for Scripture, prayer, and reflection on God’s promises.

   • Consider journaling areas where your loyalty is tested and how God helps you overcome those challenges.

2. ________________, Not Comparison:

   • Join a small group, Bible study, or find an accountability partner.

   • Share struggles and victories with fellow believers who are committed to putting God first.

3. Remember the ROI:

   • True loyalty may require sacrifice, but the eternal rewards are immeasurable.

   • Keep reminders that reinforce the cost and the reward of undeterred loyalty.

VII. Conclusion and Call to Action

• Recap of Key Points:

  • Undeterred Loyalty is a steadfast commitment to putting God first—even when it’s challenging.

  • Biblical examples like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and Jesus’ call to “Follow me,” teach us that loyalty is about trusting God completely.

  • Historical and personal stories show that undeterred loyalty builds character, strengthens relationships, and secures our spiritual future.

• Personal Invitation:

  • As you go through your week, pray for God’s wisdom in every decision.

  • Ask Him to help you discern when to say “yes” and when to say “no” based on His Word.

  • Let your choices—whether at work, with family, or in your everyday interactions—reflect a heart fully committed to God.

• Final Thought:

  • Undeterred Loyalty is not about legalism or perfection; it’s about a genuine, everyday choice to put God first.

• Discussion/Reflection Questions:

  • What areas in your life are challenging your loyalty to God?

  • How can you cultivate habits that strengthen your commitment?

  • In what ways can you be a testimony to others through your undeterred loyalty?

Lord, there are many things competing for our loyalty today. We repent for the times we have placed other priorities above You. Instill in our hearts an undeterred loyalty—a commitment to put You first in every decision we make. Strengthen us to stand firm in our convictions, and help us inspire others through our unwavering dedication to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”