Not A Scratch (Daniel and the Lion’s Den)
Epic – Part 2
May 13-14, 2020
Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love
Daniel 6
“He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” Daniel 6:4b (p.672)
“If you try to hang onto your life you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:25 (p.748)
Series Key Verse: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (p.926)
- Faith Is Empowered With Courage.
“But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’” Matthew 14:27 (p.746)
1. Remain faithful to God’s Word.
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 (p.673)
”Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.’” John 8:31 (p.817)
2. Trust God to deliver me.
“So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, ‘May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.’” Daniel 6:16 (p.673)
“‘My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.’ The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:22-23 (p.673)
“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:25 (p.923)
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (p.881)
Next Step: ____ This week I am taking courage in my faith to trust God ____________________________________.
Discussion/Groups Guide from the Weekend TalkFrom the Weekend Talk of March 13-14, 2021
Epic – Part 2: Not a Scratch
Life Groups use these questions to go deeper into what we talked about this weekend. Dig into them so you will be ready for the discussion at your Life Group. If you are not in a Group, find out more at www.alivechurch.com/groups.
You can also use this guide to discuss the Talk with your family or friends.
Conversation Starters
- What scares you? What simply just scares the daylights out of you?
- Are there any things that you were scared of as a kid that you are no longer afraid of? Why are you no longer afraid of those things?
- What is courage? Some have said that courage is not the absence of fear, but it’s what you do with that fear. What do you think about that statement?
- Who have you known that was a courageous person?
Quick Review
- Looking back at your Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and related Bible verses from this Weekend’s Talk Notes.
The Talk this weekend encouraged us by focusing on the Old Testament history of Daniel, that:
- Faith Is Empowered With Courage. (Read Matthew 14:22-27 (p.746))
- What stands out to you in this account of Jesus walking on water and then assuring His disciples to not be afraid, but to take courage?
- How would you have reacted in that situation?
- What did Jesus know should make the difference in them moving from fear to courage?
We also learned a few principles that will help us live in that courage:
- Remain faithful to God’s Word. (Daniel 6-1-10 (p.672); John 8:31 (p.817))
- What was Daniel’s position in the government of King Darius?
- Why was he in that position?
- What did Daniel’s colleagues think of Daniel?
- Have you ever faced any pushback at work because you rose to a level of authority over another?
- Have you ever had anyone try to sabotage your job?
- How did Daniel respond to the decree of the King?
- Was Daniel aware of the treachery of his colleagues?
- What did he do about it?
- What was Daniel’s position in the government of King Darius?
- Trust God to deliver me. (Daniel 6:11-23 (p.673); Hebrews 7:23-25 (p.923); and 1 Corinthians 16:13 (p.881))
- How did King Darius feel about his decree putting Daniel’s life in danger?
- What evidence do you see of this?
- What were Daniel’s first words to King Darius the morning after he had spent the night with the lions?
- To whom did Daniel give credit for his rescue?
- How did King Darius respond to all of this? What difference did this make for Daniel and the rest of the kingdom? (See Daniel 6:24-28 (p.673))
- Now let’s turn to our New Testament passages from this part of the Talk.
- There is a whole lot of theology contained in the passage from Hebrews 7. But for our encouragement to “trust God to deliver me,” what do you see in Hebrews 7:23-25 that encourages you today?
- What are some ways Jesus is better than the old system of priests and sacrifices?
- What does Jesus do on our behalf?
- What does “intercede” mean?
- How can you do what we are told to do in 1 Corinthians 16:13?
- How does this forceful instruction become reality in your life?
- There is a whole lot of theology contained in the passage from Hebrews 7. But for our encouragement to “trust God to deliver me,” what do you see in Hebrews 7:23-25 that encourages you today?
- How did King Darius feel about his decree putting Daniel’s life in danger?
Digging Deeper
There are many instances of courage and courageous actions in the Bible. Take a look at some of these (listed below) and ask yourself these questions:
- How does the courage described in that account have any relevance for me?
- What can I learn from this story?
- Why is courage important in the story?
- What can apply to my life from this example of courage?
- Here are the examples to look up:
- Joshua 1:6-9 (p.168)
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (p.224)
- Acts 4:13-20 (p.833)
- Philippians 1:12-14 (899)
Next Step
My Next Step: ___ This week I am taking courage in my faith to trust God ____________________________________.
Use the link on the app or go to your Connection Card at www.alivechurch.com/card to indicate you are taking this Next Step so that we can pray for you.
What’s Ahead
Our “Epic” Series continues this weekend for Part 3, “God’s Plans.”
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