There is a huge shift happening in our culture today that has massive implications for the future of Christianity. While culture and Christianity continue to grow further apart, we have to choose to be a “Daniel” in our generation. If we are going to stand out, we must hold onto a godly legacy that is unchangeable, a faith that is unwavering, values that are immovable, and an identity that is undeniable. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: What’s the most turbulent moment you have ever experienced? Share your story.
Read: Daniel 1; 2 Kings 24-25; Jeremiah 6
Discuss:
1. How have you seen our society move away from Christ over the past few decades? What do you believe has accelerated these shifts over the past few years? Describe the background and context of the book of Daniel. How does our current situation parallel Daniel’s experience?
2. Describe Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar. How did they conquer Judah under King Jehoiakim? Read 2 Kings 24-25. What mistakes did King Jehoiakim make? What mistakes have we made that have led to the descent of our nation?
3. Look at Daniel 1:1-2: Jerusalem is besieged; people and articles from God’s temple are carried off and put in the house of Nebuchadnezzar’s god in Babylon. Try to imagine what this might have been like for the Jews to be in exile/deported to Babylon. What might they have felt and experienced? In what ways are we as Christians beginning to feel the same way?
4. What did Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon attempt to change in Daniel and his friends? How were these changes a clear attempt to move them away from God? Describe the meanings behind their Hebrew names and new Babylonian names. In what ways is our world trying to change our heritage, faith, values, and identity? How have you seen this exhibited in your own life? Has it been hard to overcome? Why or why not? How does our faith move back and forth from authentic to mere cultural accommodation?
5. What different attitudes can we have as “exiles” today? How does Jesus give us a heritage worth living for, faith worth dying for, and identity worth displaying?
6. There is a clear distinction between Daniel and his friends standing before Nebuchadnezzar (1:5) and standing in faithfulness with God. How can you set your heart to not surrender your soul to anyone or anything but Christ? Are you doing this? If not, what steps can you take to do this?
Pray: Take a moment to pray for our rapidly changing culture. Ask God to give you a sense of purpose in the midst of a growing secular society. Ask God to reveal the areas where despair, bitterness, or desires to give up seem to be rising in you. Pray that God would help you stand firm with conviction in the midst of our time of “exile” and that you would meet the challenge of our day to follow Christ no matter what the cost.
Memorize/Meditate: Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself…Daniel 1:8
