Handed Over

Under siege, government takeover, economic collapse, gender issues, defiled food supply, slave labor, immigration, competing visions, and uncertain futures. How do we live in and through this?! These are not new problems. The book of Daniel gives us the hope and future where we are all invited to discover The God of Daniel.

Starter

BRIEFLY share about a dream you have had.

Pray

Lord we thank you that you are The God of Daniel. You have a plan that you have been carrying out since the beginning of time. We like the people in Daniel’s day are living in captivity waiting for you to restore us to the promised land. Help us to learn from you and each other. May we represent you regardless of what is handed over to us, be determined and remain where you have us, and dream about you and your kingdom because you are The God of Daniel. Amen

Study Questions

Remember where we are in the story. God has raised up the nation of Babylon to discipline his children for their idolatry and punish the nations (especially Assyria) for their treatment of His children. God has been warning for generations through many prophets that all this would happen if people would not listen and repent. Now, He has told his people they should surrender the land and themselves to Babylon. After Nebuchadnezzar’s 1st siege of Jerusalem, Daniel with many other young men of the royal family of David have surrendered and been exiled to Babylon. They are now slaves, have been made eunuchs, and have to figure out how they will follow their God Yahweh for the rest of their lives in Babylon longing for His return.

At fxchurch we talk about the differences between… Promised Land theology- IDEA: We currently live in the promised land that we are trying to keep or a promised land that we are trying to create on earth through our works. Wilderness Theology- IDEA: We are just wandering around living until we die and the next generation takes over so there isn’t much we can do but complain and wait. Captivity Theology- IDEA: We are captives, strangers, and aliens in a foreign land. We are waiting on and telling others about our coming King, His kingdom that He is building, and how to get ready for the promised land He will bring on a new earth with new bodies. (Philippians 3:18-20, John 17:14-18, 1 Peter 2:9-13, Romans 7:21-24)

READ: Daniel 1:17-21

  1. Where did these 4 young captives get their knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? How did they get it?
    1. How can that encourage us when we find ourselves held captive in situations we never dreamed of as believers?

READ: Daniel 2:1-16

  1. What are the modern ways we still see people seeking diviner-priests, mediums, sorcerers, and wise men (Chaldeans) for their dreams in life instead of God?
  2. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we have a lot of anxiety and sleeplessness in our culture. How might the dreams we keep having, chasing, and promoting be aiding to these conditions?
  3. How did Nebuchadnezzar’s request show he did not trust his paid and privileged advisors with his dream interpretation?
  4. What did the answer given to Nebuchadnezzar by the diviner-priests, mediums, sorcerers, and wise men expose about their true beliefs?
    1. How does their answer become prophetic about God later in the story?
  5. Leviticus 19:31 says, ****“Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists, or you will be defiled by them; I am Yahweh your God.”
    1. Based on Leviticus 19:31 and what we know about Daniel’s, Hananiah’s, Mishael’s, and Azariah’s character and faith, why might they not have been present and/or take advantage of the opportunity like the other court officials?
    2. What might we learn for living our lives from them not being present?

READ: Daniel 2:17-23 , Isaiah 8:16-20, Jeremiah 29:4-13

  1. After all that had been done to Daniel, his friends, his family, and God’s people, Daniel could have just thought, “I have dreamed these guys would get what they deserve. If we have to die to take them out, that is fine with me.” However, that was not Daniel’s heart.
    1. Based on the teachings of scripture, especially Jeremiah 29:4-13, why do you think their destruction was not Daniel’s heart attitude?
  2. In Daniel’s decision making, how did he obey the words God had Isaiah and Jeremiah write down?