How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon:
background
The sovereignty of God is evident throughout the book of Daniel. While some of the most well-known stories include God delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace and Daniel from the lions' den, the story begins with God delivering Jerusalem into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
In Daniel 1, we are introduced to Daniel and his friends. They have been taken from their homeland and recruited to serve the purposes of a pagan king. Their exile in Babylon might cause some to think he had severed his special relationship with Israel. In reality, the book of Daniel demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends beyond what people might imagine. He rules over all history, including the most severe conflicts. God remains faithful to his promises far beyond the borders of the Promised Land. Those who remain faithful in these difficult times will find their faithfulness rewarded with everlasting life (12:1-3).
In Daniel 1, we are introduced to Daniel and his friends. They have been taken from their homeland and recruited to serve the purposes of a pagan king. Their exile in Babylon might cause some to think he had severed his special relationship with Israel. In reality, the book of Daniel demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends beyond what people might imagine. He rules over all history, including the most severe conflicts. God remains faithful to his promises far beyond the borders of the Promised Land. Those who remain faithful in these difficult times will find their faithfulness rewarded with everlasting life (12:1-3).
OPEN
1. Can you recall a time when someone showed remarkable faithfulness to God during a difficult situation? What was notable about their actions?
REFLECT
2. Read Daniel 1:1-9. In this passage, we see that God handed over Jerusalem to King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. What were Nebuchadnezzar’s plans for Daniel and his friends? Why would God allow his people to be conquered by another kingdom and taken into exile?
3. Verse 8 shows the strength of Daniel’s faith as he decides not to eat the food and drink offered at the King’s table. What does this choice reveal about his relationship with God? How does this passage highlight God’s desire for obedience and holiness?
4. Read Jeremiah 29:5-7. God promises to provide for the Israelites during the Babylonian captivity. What are some ways we see this provision in the story of Daniel? How is God’s presence evident in the difficult circumstances he faces?
3. Verse 8 shows the strength of Daniel’s faith as he decides not to eat the food and drink offered at the King’s table. What does this choice reveal about his relationship with God? How does this passage highlight God’s desire for obedience and holiness?
4. Read Jeremiah 29:5-7. God promises to provide for the Israelites during the Babylonian captivity. What are some ways we see this provision in the story of Daniel? How is God’s presence evident in the difficult circumstances he faces?
APPLY
5. Daniel found himself in a culture that did not honor God. Likewise, living by Jesus’ teachings today runs counter to much of what our modern culture promotes. What are some ways we can demonstrate faith through action in a culture that does not honor God? How can trusting in God’s sovereignty (i.e., his absolute authority over everything) encourage us when it feels like we live in a hostile environment?
6. Daniel’s education in Judah equipped him to resist Babylonian indoctrination. What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to resist the influence of a culture that is hostile to God? How can these disciplines help us remain faithful in the face of temptation?
7. How can we put Daniel’s example into practice in our lives this week? As a group, what are ways we can support and motivate each other in this area?
6. Daniel’s education in Judah equipped him to resist Babylonian indoctrination. What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to resist the influence of a culture that is hostile to God? How can these disciplines help us remain faithful in the face of temptation?
7. How can we put Daniel’s example into practice in our lives this week? As a group, what are ways we can support and motivate each other in this area?
RESOURCES
If you are interested in joining a group next semester, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
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