Summary: The #1 responsibility that a parent has is to lead and teach their kids. Scripture makes it clear that parents are to be teachers, leaders, and models for their kids spiritually.
Text:
-Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-2; 3:1; 4:1-2; 5:1; 6:20; 10:1; 15:20.
-2 Timothy 3:15-17
-Psalm 145:4
-Deuteronomy 6:7
-1 Timothy 4:8
1. Reread the verses from Proverbs chapters 1-6. The repetition shows the significance of the task that Solomon is undertaking. List out the top 5 responsibilities that you think a parent has/should have. Where does "spiritual leader/teacher" fall on your list?
2. Read Proverbs 10:1 and 15:20. Why should a parent be focused on passing down wisdom to their kids? What results will be produced in YOUR life if your kids grasp Godly wisdom? Do you have any stories in your family or maybe of families that you know where the parents are living a difficult life because of the folly, lack of discernment, and bad decision making by their kids?
3. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and answer the following questions:
a. When were the people taught about the Bible?
b. What were the kids given when their parents teach them the Bible?
c. What does Paul say that the Bible is good for?
d. What does God use the teaching of the bible by the parent to do in the life of the child?
4. Read Psalm 145:4. Whose responsibility is it to tell the next generation about God? What are some of the things that we try to push this responsibility off on? (church, pastor, relatives, school, friends, let them find their own way).
5. Deuteronomy 6:7 is a great example of how you can lead and teach your kids in a simple and effective way. What are ways that your parents taught you? What really worked and had an impact on you? What are the ways that you are trying to lead and teach your kids spiritually?
6. Read Luke 11:2-4. Look at the list of phrases below and talk about why each one is important. How can you use this model to help teach your kids about Jesus.
a. Father (God's relationship with you)
b. Hallowed be your name (you are worthy of my praise and honor and worship)
c. Your kingdom come (whatever you want with me and with this day God, then so be it!)
d. Give us each day our daily bread (provide for my needs)
e. forgive us our sins (forgiveness and repentance)
f. help us to forgive others (showing forgiveness to others)
g. lead us not into temptation (help show us the right path and protect us)
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
PG, Week 2
Summary: Last week we talked about engaging in your child's life. Now, how do you do that exactly? Scripture teaches us 2 basic truths to help parents engage in the life of their children: training your child and doing everything for your child in love.
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 16:14; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24; 3:11-12; 4:10; 19:18.
Training As Discipline:
Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
1. When we hear the word "discipline" we usually associated it with something negative. Yet in Scripture, Paul describes athletes and soldiers as people with great discipline in that they have habits, routines, and positive aspects of their life that they practice and do daily in order to achieve a goal.
a. In parenting, what are the things you are training and disciplining your children to do?
If you're not a parent, what are the things you are training and disciplining yourself to do right now in various aspects of life?
(examples: finances, school, job, relationships, health, other goals you are working towards).
b. In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions that all of the things listed above are great to do. But what about spiritually? What are you doing in your life to train spiritually?
(examples: Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, finances, church involvement, serving).
c. What are the big things that you are passing (or would want to pass) on to your kids? How do you plan on teaching them these things?
d. 1 Corinthians 9:25 mentions that many people train for something that is perishable and doesn't last long. How is spiritual training more important? Why should you be interested in your spiritual health even more than your financial/physical/professional health? Why is there such an urgency about our kid's health and academics and success in life, but generally a lack of urgency and intentionality with spiritual things?
2. As parents (and with other relationship in our lives as well), our motto should be to do all things in love.
a. What does Proverbs 13:24 and 3:11-12 say about loving your kids? What should you do for them and in their lives? (reproof, discipline, training, equipping, encouraging). What does Scripture say you are doing to them if you don't do these things? (hating them, causing their life to be harder and shorter)
b. Oftentimes, kids struggle with discipline because they don't see the love and purpose behind it. Read Proverbs 19:18, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21. What are practical ways that you can show love to your kids, even during discipline? If you dont' have kids, what are ways that you can show love even during a difficult conversation at work, during a conflict, or when dealing with a difficult person?
Read Luke 22:42. Did you know that even though we sinned against God, that Jesus took our punishment, the wrath of God? John 3:16 explains that he did that because God loves us. When it comes to sin in our lives, what does this story say about you? What does this story say about God? Now, how should you respond to this incredible gift?
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 16:14; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24; 3:11-12; 4:10; 19:18.
Training As Discipline:
Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
1. When we hear the word "discipline" we usually associated it with something negative. Yet in Scripture, Paul describes athletes and soldiers as people with great discipline in that they have habits, routines, and positive aspects of their life that they practice and do daily in order to achieve a goal.
a. In parenting, what are the things you are training and disciplining your children to do?
If you're not a parent, what are the things you are training and disciplining yourself to do right now in various aspects of life?
(examples: finances, school, job, relationships, health, other goals you are working towards).
b. In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions that all of the things listed above are great to do. But what about spiritually? What are you doing in your life to train spiritually?
(examples: Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, finances, church involvement, serving).
c. What are the big things that you are passing (or would want to pass) on to your kids? How do you plan on teaching them these things?
d. 1 Corinthians 9:25 mentions that many people train for something that is perishable and doesn't last long. How is spiritual training more important? Why should you be interested in your spiritual health even more than your financial/physical/professional health? Why is there such an urgency about our kid's health and academics and success in life, but generally a lack of urgency and intentionality with spiritual things?
2. As parents (and with other relationship in our lives as well), our motto should be to do all things in love.
a. What does Proverbs 13:24 and 3:11-12 say about loving your kids? What should you do for them and in their lives? (reproof, discipline, training, equipping, encouraging). What does Scripture say you are doing to them if you don't do these things? (hating them, causing their life to be harder and shorter)
b. Oftentimes, kids struggle with discipline because they don't see the love and purpose behind it. Read Proverbs 19:18, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21. What are practical ways that you can show love to your kids, even during discipline? If you dont' have kids, what are ways that you can show love even during a difficult conversation at work, during a conflict, or when dealing with a difficult person?
Read Luke 22:42. Did you know that even though we sinned against God, that Jesus took our punishment, the wrath of God? John 3:16 explains that he did that because God loves us. When it comes to sin in our lives, what does this story say about you? What does this story say about God? Now, how should you respond to this incredible gift?
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Breaking Point: Writing on the Wall
Text: Daniel 5
Summary: King Belshazzar leads a life of sin and turns his back on God, despite seeing his Father's example (Daniel 4) and how God dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which foretells the death of King Belshazzar.
1. In vs 1-4, we see the sinful lifestyle that the king is living, and in verse 5, we see God put "the writing on the wall." That phrase means that it's easy to see what's going to come next in life. Has God ever revealed himself to you through some "writing on the wall?" Not in a literal fashion, but in the sense that you were confronted with some choices in life that you had made or a lifestyle that you were currently living? How did you heed that warning?
2.a. Did you turn back to God? How did your life change? How did that event shape your future and where you are today?
b. Did you continue to live a life outside of God's instruction? What damage was caused as a result of that decision? How did that decision effect where you are today?
3. Some people are in the middle of a breaking point, and some are coming out of one. David's advice on Sunday as it pertains to perseverance during the tough times was to remain faithful wherever you are in whatever you do as you wait on what's next from God. How are you being faithful where you are right now? What does it mean to be faithful where you are currently? How can you show faithfulness to God in the different areas of your life so that your obedience and faithfulness in the small things ensures that we are given opportunities with the bigger things (relationships, finances, family, job).
Summary: King Belshazzar leads a life of sin and turns his back on God, despite seeing his Father's example (Daniel 4) and how God dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which foretells the death of King Belshazzar.
1. In vs 1-4, we see the sinful lifestyle that the king is living, and in verse 5, we see God put "the writing on the wall." That phrase means that it's easy to see what's going to come next in life. Has God ever revealed himself to you through some "writing on the wall?" Not in a literal fashion, but in the sense that you were confronted with some choices in life that you had made or a lifestyle that you were currently living? How did you heed that warning?
2.a. Did you turn back to God? How did your life change? How did that event shape your future and where you are today?
b. Did you continue to live a life outside of God's instruction? What damage was caused as a result of that decision? How did that decision effect where you are today?
3. Some people are in the middle of a breaking point, and some are coming out of one. David's advice on Sunday as it pertains to perseverance during the tough times was to remain faithful wherever you are in whatever you do as you wait on what's next from God. How are you being faithful where you are right now? What does it mean to be faithful where you are currently? How can you show faithfulness to God in the different areas of your life so that your obedience and faithfulness in the small things ensures that we are given opportunities with the bigger things (relationships, finances, family, job).
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Breaking Point: Fear
Text: Daniel 3:8-30
Summary: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago faced a huge fear when their lives were threatened if they refused to worship another god. However, God used the fire in their life to teach them and the king a few things. God uses fire in our lives to help us draw closer to Him. We can actually benefit from the correct response to fears in our lives, and can also help get other people to Jesus in the process.
1. Some of our greatest fears can be curbed through good planning. What am I going to do when I can't work anymore? (we save for retirement from the time we start working). What happens to my family when I die? (we get life insurance to cover our expenses and take care of our families). What happens if I have an unexpected expense? (we save money in a rainy day fund to cover car repairs, emergencies, and other unplanned expenses).
So what are you doing to plan spiritually to avoid facing fears in the future? Is your relationship with God solid so that it can withstand the grip of fear? Is your familiarity with Scripture strong so that you can remember the promises that God has told you? Do you have a rehearsed response when bad things happen so that you'll be faithful instead of buckling to fear and making irrational decisions?
2. The 3 men were walking around in the fire, unharmed and unfazed by what had happened. How could they possibly have peace at a time like that?! How can YOU have peace despite your troubles, worries, and fears? These men decided that no matter what happened, they would remember that God loved them, God would never leave them, and that God would always take care of His people. Have you decided that no matter what fears hits you, you can rest in the same 3 things?
3. When these 3 men were thrown in the fire, the only thing that was burned off was the rope that had them BOUND. Sometimes God uses the fires of life to free you from the things that you keeping you enslaved (like fear) and helps purify your life to be closer to Him.
Would anyone be willing to share a story of a time in your life that you had to walk through "the fire," but God used it for your benefit and growth and prosperity once you got through it?
4. Scripture shows that the way that the 3 men handled the fire that they were going through actually had a profound effect on the king. Did you know that the way you handle fear and worry and anxiety in your life can actually help other people know more about Jesus? Let's compare and contrast. How should a person that knows Jesus respond to difficulty? How is that different for someone without a relationship with Jesus? How can you use this difference as a way to help your non-Christian friends understand the incredible value of an authentic relationship with Jesus?
Summary: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago faced a huge fear when their lives were threatened if they refused to worship another god. However, God used the fire in their life to teach them and the king a few things. God uses fire in our lives to help us draw closer to Him. We can actually benefit from the correct response to fears in our lives, and can also help get other people to Jesus in the process.
1. Some of our greatest fears can be curbed through good planning. What am I going to do when I can't work anymore? (we save for retirement from the time we start working). What happens to my family when I die? (we get life insurance to cover our expenses and take care of our families). What happens if I have an unexpected expense? (we save money in a rainy day fund to cover car repairs, emergencies, and other unplanned expenses).
So what are you doing to plan spiritually to avoid facing fears in the future? Is your relationship with God solid so that it can withstand the grip of fear? Is your familiarity with Scripture strong so that you can remember the promises that God has told you? Do you have a rehearsed response when bad things happen so that you'll be faithful instead of buckling to fear and making irrational decisions?
2. The 3 men were walking around in the fire, unharmed and unfazed by what had happened. How could they possibly have peace at a time like that?! How can YOU have peace despite your troubles, worries, and fears? These men decided that no matter what happened, they would remember that God loved them, God would never leave them, and that God would always take care of His people. Have you decided that no matter what fears hits you, you can rest in the same 3 things?
3. When these 3 men were thrown in the fire, the only thing that was burned off was the rope that had them BOUND. Sometimes God uses the fires of life to free you from the things that you keeping you enslaved (like fear) and helps purify your life to be closer to Him.
Would anyone be willing to share a story of a time in your life that you had to walk through "the fire," but God used it for your benefit and growth and prosperity once you got through it?
4. Scripture shows that the way that the 3 men handled the fire that they were going through actually had a profound effect on the king. Did you know that the way you handle fear and worry and anxiety in your life can actually help other people know more about Jesus? Let's compare and contrast. How should a person that knows Jesus respond to difficulty? How is that different for someone without a relationship with Jesus? How can you use this difference as a way to help your non-Christian friends understand the incredible value of an authentic relationship with Jesus?
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Breaking Point: The Economy
Text: Daniel 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Summary: In Daniel 3, we see a society that is controlled by money, and worships it. In 1 Timothy 6, we see a biblical outline of how to properly respond to the economy (world, national, and personal) and avoid a financial breaking point in your life.
1. In Daniel 3, the king makes sure that the financial symbol is visible for everyone to see. He rallies the politicians and the leaders to convey the same message. He puts pressure on people to have the same mindset and beliefs about finances as he does. So what about the world today? What is the message that culture is telling us about money? What pressures do we often fall into when it comes to money?
2. There are many sayings about how money proves things about us. "Put your money where your mouth is." "If you want to know what matters most to someone, then look at a person's checkbook." So let's look at our spiritual lives. Are you putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to God? Do you believe that you can follow Jesus and be surrendered to him without giving generously to him?
Take a look at your checkbook and calendar. The places you spend the most amount of money and time are the things that matter the most to you. So what are the top 3 things? Where on the list does God appear?
3. There were 4 things that Paul tells Timothy in order to find true peace, happiness, and contentment when it comes to finances.
a. Life is short. If you were told you were going to die tomorrow, what would your regrets be? It probably won't be "I wish I would have worked more" or "I wish I would have made more money" or "I wish I would have grown my business more." Scripture says that we aren't promised tomorrow, so how can you live your life NOW and enjoy and value the things that God has already given you?
b. God takes care of His people. When we fret over money and the economy, we are really showing what we place our trust and faith in. When we worry over money, what does that communicate to God? (You can't handle it, you're not good enough, you can't provide for me, you need some help, I don't trust you).
c. Remember where your hope is. Why do people want money so much? Why do we always want more? Why is it so important to us? (because it gives us security and it gives us hope in the future). As Christians, our hope and security is found in Jesus. A dangerous result of being rich is that we begin to lose our trust and hope and reliance on God and trust/hope/rely on ourselves and our money. No wonder God warned rich people so often in the Bible!
d. Remember the purpose of your economy. Why do you think money exists? Why does God provide it? Do you believe that God provides it for you? Which makes more sense: that God would give you something like money to distract you from Him, to cause your faith and trust to dwindle as a result of His gift of money to you? OR, do you think God gives us money in order to use as a TOOL to accomplish His mission here on earth?
REMINDER: There IS a great reason for you to constantly worry about finances. That reason is if you aren't being faithful with what God has given you. God won't continue to give you money and bless your life if you are just going to throw it away on selfish, useless things. If you're doing that, then you should be VERY afraid about your financial stability and future.
If you're being faithful, obedient, and generous with your finances, and treating them as a tool to use to get other people to Jesus, then Scripture is very clear that God will give you everything you need AND MORE to accomplish what He's called you to do, and promises to take care of you!
Summary: In Daniel 3, we see a society that is controlled by money, and worships it. In 1 Timothy 6, we see a biblical outline of how to properly respond to the economy (world, national, and personal) and avoid a financial breaking point in your life.
1. In Daniel 3, the king makes sure that the financial symbol is visible for everyone to see. He rallies the politicians and the leaders to convey the same message. He puts pressure on people to have the same mindset and beliefs about finances as he does. So what about the world today? What is the message that culture is telling us about money? What pressures do we often fall into when it comes to money?
2. There are many sayings about how money proves things about us. "Put your money where your mouth is." "If you want to know what matters most to someone, then look at a person's checkbook." So let's look at our spiritual lives. Are you putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to God? Do you believe that you can follow Jesus and be surrendered to him without giving generously to him?
Take a look at your checkbook and calendar. The places you spend the most amount of money and time are the things that matter the most to you. So what are the top 3 things? Where on the list does God appear?
3. There were 4 things that Paul tells Timothy in order to find true peace, happiness, and contentment when it comes to finances.
a. Life is short. If you were told you were going to die tomorrow, what would your regrets be? It probably won't be "I wish I would have worked more" or "I wish I would have made more money" or "I wish I would have grown my business more." Scripture says that we aren't promised tomorrow, so how can you live your life NOW and enjoy and value the things that God has already given you?
b. God takes care of His people. When we fret over money and the economy, we are really showing what we place our trust and faith in. When we worry over money, what does that communicate to God? (You can't handle it, you're not good enough, you can't provide for me, you need some help, I don't trust you).
c. Remember where your hope is. Why do people want money so much? Why do we always want more? Why is it so important to us? (because it gives us security and it gives us hope in the future). As Christians, our hope and security is found in Jesus. A dangerous result of being rich is that we begin to lose our trust and hope and reliance on God and trust/hope/rely on ourselves and our money. No wonder God warned rich people so often in the Bible!
d. Remember the purpose of your economy. Why do you think money exists? Why does God provide it? Do you believe that God provides it for you? Which makes more sense: that God would give you something like money to distract you from Him, to cause your faith and trust to dwindle as a result of His gift of money to you? OR, do you think God gives us money in order to use as a TOOL to accomplish His mission here on earth?
REMINDER: There IS a great reason for you to constantly worry about finances. That reason is if you aren't being faithful with what God has given you. God won't continue to give you money and bless your life if you are just going to throw it away on selfish, useless things. If you're doing that, then you should be VERY afraid about your financial stability and future.
If you're being faithful, obedient, and generous with your finances, and treating them as a tool to use to get other people to Jesus, then Scripture is very clear that God will give you everything you need AND MORE to accomplish what He's called you to do, and promises to take care of you!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Breaking Point: When Bad Gets Worse
Text: Daniel 2
Summary: The king asks his wise men to tell him about a dream that he had, and when they can't deliver the entire group of men (including Daniel who wasn't present for the meeting) are ordered to be killed. Daniel focused on God, spent time with his godly friends in prayer, and God gave Daniel what he needed. Daniel told the king his dream and Daniel was elevated to a higher position in the kingdom.
1. When you reach a breaking point, what are the directions that you turn to? (parents, friends, self-help books, Oprah, culture, yourself). Why do we tend to try to fix the problem ourselves and turn to everyone else before turning to God? In verses 10-11 and 27-28, scripture makes is clear to us that there are some situations that can only be handled by God. So go to Him first!
2. There are 2 great examples of what Daniel DID do and what he DID NOT do in response to reaching his breaking point:
What he DID:
1. Pray.
2. Involved his godly friends.
-Read Psalm 50:15 and Lamentations 2:19. What are our instructions when we reach a breaking point? (call out to God and depend on God).
-What does prayer do to your focus? (It turns your attention and focus to God. You are admitting that you can't handle it anymore and you are asking for help).
-Here are 4 easy steps that you can take in order to help a friend that is at their breaking point.
1. Show up. Just being there for someone and being with them is a big comfort and help.
2. Shut up. Don't think you have to explain anything to them or get theological. Most times that only complicates things and make it worse.
3. Share the pain. Grieve with them, cry with them, mourn with them.
4. Take the initiative. Never say "call me if you need anything." That puts the responsibility on them. Everyone has to eat, so take them meals. They need a break, so watch their kids. Their house and yard are going to get messy, so help with work.
-What are some examples of how these 4 things have helped you in the past when godly men/women stepped up and did them for you?
What he DID NOT do:
1. Ignore the problem.
2. Play the blame game.
-Daniel didn't just slam the door in the face of the man trying to kill him in verse 13. He didn't ignore it, pretend like it wasn't a big deal, or play it off. He confronted it, acknowledged it, and knew that it had to be fixed. Are there issues in your life that you have been closing the door on? What usually happens when problems are ignored and swept under the rug?
-What's more productive to get you through your breaking point: Asking "why is this happening to me" or "what do I need to do in response to it?"
3. In verse 46-49, God used Daniels difficult situation to save other people around him. Have you ever used a difficult situation that you've been through to help, encourage, or bring other people close to Jesus? God can turn your situation into someone else's salvation!
Summary: The king asks his wise men to tell him about a dream that he had, and when they can't deliver the entire group of men (including Daniel who wasn't present for the meeting) are ordered to be killed. Daniel focused on God, spent time with his godly friends in prayer, and God gave Daniel what he needed. Daniel told the king his dream and Daniel was elevated to a higher position in the kingdom.
1. When you reach a breaking point, what are the directions that you turn to? (parents, friends, self-help books, Oprah, culture, yourself). Why do we tend to try to fix the problem ourselves and turn to everyone else before turning to God? In verses 10-11 and 27-28, scripture makes is clear to us that there are some situations that can only be handled by God. So go to Him first!
2. There are 2 great examples of what Daniel DID do and what he DID NOT do in response to reaching his breaking point:
What he DID:
1. Pray.
2. Involved his godly friends.
-Read Psalm 50:15 and Lamentations 2:19. What are our instructions when we reach a breaking point? (call out to God and depend on God).
-What does prayer do to your focus? (It turns your attention and focus to God. You are admitting that you can't handle it anymore and you are asking for help).
-Here are 4 easy steps that you can take in order to help a friend that is at their breaking point.
1. Show up. Just being there for someone and being with them is a big comfort and help.
2. Shut up. Don't think you have to explain anything to them or get theological. Most times that only complicates things and make it worse.
3. Share the pain. Grieve with them, cry with them, mourn with them.
4. Take the initiative. Never say "call me if you need anything." That puts the responsibility on them. Everyone has to eat, so take them meals. They need a break, so watch their kids. Their house and yard are going to get messy, so help with work.
-What are some examples of how these 4 things have helped you in the past when godly men/women stepped up and did them for you?
What he DID NOT do:
1. Ignore the problem.
2. Play the blame game.
-Daniel didn't just slam the door in the face of the man trying to kill him in verse 13. He didn't ignore it, pretend like it wasn't a big deal, or play it off. He confronted it, acknowledged it, and knew that it had to be fixed. Are there issues in your life that you have been closing the door on? What usually happens when problems are ignored and swept under the rug?
-What's more productive to get you through your breaking point: Asking "why is this happening to me" or "what do I need to do in response to it?"
3. In verse 46-49, God used Daniels difficult situation to save other people around him. Have you ever used a difficult situation that you've been through to help, encourage, or bring other people close to Jesus? God can turn your situation into someone else's salvation!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Breaking Point: FOCUS
Text: Daniel 1
Summary: God allows Daniel's city to be sacked, overtaken, and overthrown by a foreign government that doesn't worship God. Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon and are victims of human trafficking. Everything in Daniel's life gets turned upside down and he reaches a breaking point. Instead of focusing on his problems and letting his identity be defined by his circumstances, Daniel focuses on God and finds His identity in Him.
1. In verse 1-2, Scripture records that God "allowed" His people in His city to be taken captive. Why would God allow bad things to happen, especially to His people? (to teach them something, to draw them closer to Himself, to simply give them what they are asking for and allow them to reap the negative consequences of their sin).
What is God's desired response from us when we encounter hardships in life? (seeking Him, turning away from our sin and coming back to Him, growing our relationship with Him, gaining more intimacy with Him, seeing our own folly in the bad decisions we've made and in return learning to trust in Him more).
2. When you are at your breaking point, what happens when you start focusing on your problem? (it consumes you, it depresses you, it discourages you, and overwhelms you).
What happens when we focus on God instead of our current situation? (it helps put things in perspective of how big and grand God is compared to our situation, it reminds us who is in control, and it redirects our trust to the savior as oppose to the situation).
3. Read verse 9. When Daniel chose to focus on God, God gave Daniel favor, compassion, and elevated him above his circumstances. What does verse 9 mean for us today?
4. Read verse 10. What are your most common doubters and haters when you decide to move forward in your relationship with God and fully focus on Him? Does the discouragement come from the outside? Or does the doubt creep in from inside because of the lack of dedication and failed attempts in your life in the past? How can you put those doubts aside and continue to be faithful?
Summary: God allows Daniel's city to be sacked, overtaken, and overthrown by a foreign government that doesn't worship God. Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon and are victims of human trafficking. Everything in Daniel's life gets turned upside down and he reaches a breaking point. Instead of focusing on his problems and letting his identity be defined by his circumstances, Daniel focuses on God and finds His identity in Him.
1. In verse 1-2, Scripture records that God "allowed" His people in His city to be taken captive. Why would God allow bad things to happen, especially to His people? (to teach them something, to draw them closer to Himself, to simply give them what they are asking for and allow them to reap the negative consequences of their sin).
What is God's desired response from us when we encounter hardships in life? (seeking Him, turning away from our sin and coming back to Him, growing our relationship with Him, gaining more intimacy with Him, seeing our own folly in the bad decisions we've made and in return learning to trust in Him more).
2. When you are at your breaking point, what happens when you start focusing on your problem? (it consumes you, it depresses you, it discourages you, and overwhelms you).
What happens when we focus on God instead of our current situation? (it helps put things in perspective of how big and grand God is compared to our situation, it reminds us who is in control, and it redirects our trust to the savior as oppose to the situation).
3. Read verse 9. When Daniel chose to focus on God, God gave Daniel favor, compassion, and elevated him above his circumstances. What does verse 9 mean for us today?
4. Read verse 10. What are your most common doubters and haters when you decide to move forward in your relationship with God and fully focus on Him? Does the discouragement come from the outside? Or does the doubt creep in from inside because of the lack of dedication and failed attempts in your life in the past? How can you put those doubts aside and continue to be faithful?
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