Daniel:  Lessons and thought questions from chapters 1-4 (by Lisa Sawhill)

  1. 1. In chapter 1, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.  His resolution required trust in God and God worked on his behalf and on the behalf of Daniel’s friends.   His resolution provided him with a standard for his actions.

How does being resolved help me deal with situations in my life?  What is one resolution I have made or want to make?  What are some verses that will help strengthen and encourage me in my resolution?  What friend have I shared my resolution with?

  1. As Daniel and his friends went about living a righteous life and carrying out their given duties, they were attacked by forces outside their control that challenged their faith.  Some of these were: the decisions of those in authority over them, unjust or unrighteous laws, the anger, pride and emotional instability of others, the prejudice and jealousy of co-workers, the unrighteous maneuvering of others against them (Daniel 2:5,6,8,12; 3:8,12,13,15,19)

What are the forces in my life that challenge my faith and can tempt me to compromise?

  1. In chapter 2: 17, Daniel urges his friends to plead with God about the difficult situation they faced together.

How might have Daniel’s direction helped his friends deal with their thoughts and feelings?  Is there anyone in my life right now who needs this kind of direction from me?   In the situations I face, do I just “vent” with my friends or seek God’s help with them?  What is the difference in attitude between venting problems and sharing them? Are there situations challenging me that I haven’t prayed about?

  1. 4. In spite of (and through) all the forces working against Daniel and his friends, God brings about his glory being revealed to the king and his servants being elevated to more powerful and influential positions in a pagan kingdom. (Daniel 2:46-49; 3:28-30)  Keeping this in mind, along with Romans 8:28,29 and Eph. 3:20,21 what is the lesson for me to hold onto?  How might God work in the challenging situations in my life?

  1. When faced with the threat of death in chapter 3:15-16, Daniel’s friends respond that they did not need to defend themselves in this matter. Psalm 27:2 reads, “The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (NASB)

What does having God as my defense mean to me, and how can that understanding change how I respond in challenging situations?  Do I often respond defensively?

  1. Daniel and his friends experienced God’s working on their behalf many times.  Throughout the book of Deuteronomy God calls his people to remember how he has worked.  (Deut.4:10;5:15;7:18,8:2;15:15;24:9,18)

How does remembering help me be faithful when facing new challenges?  What are the things I need to remember?

  1. 7. In the end of chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar praises God and says of Daniel’s friends, “They trusted in him and defied the King’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”  (Daniel 3:28)  Their resolution was a great witness to their faith! They trusted in God and defied.

Are there situations in my life where I need to trust God and defy sin or the desires of another?  What does their example teach me about the power of resolution?

  1. In chapter 3, the end of verse 29, Nebuchadnezzar states that “no other god can save in this way.”  What are some other verses that encourage me about God’s power and character?

  1. 9. Chapter 4 opens with Nebuchadnezzar sharing about what God had done in his life!  He says that it is his pleasure to tell, even though what he shares is humbling. 

What are the lessons he shares?  How can my sharing humbling lessons bring glory to God? What are some of the lessons God has taught me?