School of Hard Knocks

Follow Jesus Now

September 21, 2025

Chris Honess, Lead Pastor

School of Hard Knocks

The world desires to form us.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, … to bring into the king’s service … young men without any physical defect, … He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

Daniel 1:3-4

Jesus desires to form us in his image.

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. 

Romans 12:1-2

Daniel’s steps to formation:

1. Remember who you belong to.

Daniel – God has judged.

Azariah – YHWH is their helper.

Hananiah = who gives them grace.

Mishael = who is like their God?

2. Make tough decisions.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Daniel 1:8

3. Practice a counter-formation.

“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Daniel 1:12

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

Daniel 1:17

Action Step: I will take a next step on The Vineyard Growth Track.