Life Group Questions 9/22/19

 
 

Sunday’s Sermon Text

Daniel 3:1–7

Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image

[1] King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. [2] Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. [3] Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. [4] And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, [5] that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. [6] And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” [7] Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (ESV)

Summary: Everyone worships. The object of our worship determines where we spend eternity. We can choose the God of never-stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always, and forever love.

Observing the Text: Read Daniel 3:1-7

  1. What elements in this passage heighten the tension?

  2. What are some of the repeated terms and lists?

Interpreting the Text:

  1. Nebuchadnezzar’s statue was an overt symbol of worship. What aspects of worship are described in this passage?

    [coercion by the king, elites represented, act of bowing down, royal music, public display, etc.]

  2. How can using smartphone be an act of worship? What are other modern examples of worship?

  3. Why is worship necessary to sustain earthly kingdoms?

  4. Why is worship an appropriate response to God alone?

  5. Andy Crouch says “Every idol makes two simple and extravagant promises: ‘You shall not surely die.’ and ‘You shall be like God’”. What scripture does this passage refer to? How would you define an idol in your own words?

  6. What do you sacrifice when you worship an idol?

  7. How is the cross an act of substitution? Why is that good news?

Applying the Text:

how can you receive god’s grace today?

What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?

To Announce:

  • Celebrating Santa Clara County Social Workers: Each Life Group can supply one case of water and 3 packs of rolls/bread to Marta Jones on Tuesday, October 22nd. The celebration luncheon is the next day and Marta is planning to go and take the supplies. We need for supplies for 350 people! Sign up here and email marta.c.jones@gmail.com for her address.

  • Serve the City Team: Interested in helping reach our community and city through service? Join the Serve the City team. For more info, email amber.antle@outlook.com.

  • One Month Away! - From All-Church Retreat! This is one of our favorite weekends of the year and the deadline for registration is quickly approaching. Join us for an incredible weekend together in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains as we worship together, hear from our guest speaker Eden Chen, share meals together, have fun together, and get to know one another better.



 
Life Group QuestionsKarly Underwood