Bible Study, Spiritual Formation

Daniel 6–Small Group Questions

In Daniel 6, we find Daniel, advanced in years (probably in his 80s) still serving–but now in a new empire. 

The story in Daniel 6, Daniel and the Lion's den, is a story that is intended to cause the original readers and us to understand that

God’s plan for His people will be accomplished
therefore, His people should remain faithful so that God can honor them
they must also trust as they wait for God to establish His promised kingdom (ch 2 and 7)

Small Group Questions

Engage—connect with each other

1. Agree or Disagree

New believers or those who have seen a great transformation in their lives—seem to have a greater passion/zeal for the Lord, than other Christians.

Why do we lose that “excitement?”

2. What is the difference between “zeal” and “excitement?”

3. Is there a correlation between “zeal” and commitment?

Examine and Explore—what the passage says before you decide what it means, then begin to discuss the implications of this passage

4. What do you notice about the difference between the character traits of Daniel described in 6:2-3 and those in 6:4-5? What do you notice about his intentionality?

5. Remembering that Daniel is advanced in years (probably in his 80’s), what strikes you about his character and influence? Add to the previous verses, 6:10, 22-23.

Encounter—read God’s Word to get to know Him

6. In this story, as in several others in Daniel, some of the most profound descriptions of God come through the mouth of pagan king (6:26-27).  What attributes, essence and character traits are highlighted in this story?

Embrace—What is the one thing you need to know or do?  What is your next step in response to this passage?

7. Implications, Application and Personalization

Daniel demonstrates, unquestioning obedience, commitment and conviction with zeal or passion for God.

Great characteristics, often associated with 1st Generation Christians:

         Conviction and Commitment

         Passion

         Perspective—God First  (you see it in their checkbook and calendar)

         Focus: The present and the future

Too often, there is a loss of passion or zeal in the those who are 2nd Generation Christians:

         Conviction but no passion

         Leads to compromise

         Perspective—God and me  (you see it in their checkbook and calendar)

         Focus: The past

By the third 3rd Generation, it is common to see…

         No conviction, no passion

         Leads to conflict

         Perspective—Self  (you see it in their checkbook and calendar)

         Focus: The present and future personal interests

So what can we learn from Daniel, conviction and zeal?

Application

          1st Generation

       Pass on your Passion

            Model to others

          2nd Generation

       Possess your own Passion

          3rd Generation

       Begin the Process

Where are you in this journey?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Steve

I love to study the Bible and I love to engage with others in learning. I had been privileged to do this on a regular basis through church ministry and through part-time teaching at a local Bible colleges. Helping individuals learn to feed themselves through their own study of God’s Word is joy-giving to me. Influencing groups to do life and church from a biblically grounded, theologically faithful perspective is my passion.

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