Life Group Questions 10/20/19
Sunday’s Sermon Text
Daniel 5:1–12
The Handwriting on the Wall
[1] King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand.
[2] Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. [3] Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. [4] They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
[5] Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. [6] Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. [7] The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” [8] Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. [9] Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed.
[10] The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. [11] There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, [12] because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.” (ESV)
Summary: In a spiritual wasteland, check your pride, know your history, and continue preaching the gospel; for seed can germinate in any season.
Observing the Text: Read Daniel 5:1-12
What would you identify as the climax of this passage?
What emotional arc does King Belshazzar travel through in this passage?
Interpreting the Text:
V.1-4 repeats “wine” three times, describes a connection with Belshazzar’s father, Nebuchadnezzar, and notes the desecration of various objects from the Jerusalem temple (toasting gods of silver, gold, etc.) What does the narrator want to emphasize about King Belshazzar’s character and values?
What’s some evidence of our anti-God culture today? What are some examples you have witnessed in your workplace or community?
If someone outside the church looked at your life, what might he/she identify as hypocrisy? [this is a scary question, use with gentleness and respect and each person only answers for him/herself]
How would you have felt if you were in King Belshazzar’s place when the hand appeared and started writing on the wall? How would you feel if none of your advisers could interpret the handwriting?
What does the queen remember about Daniel? Why is her remembering vital to Daniel’s ministry? Why is it important to remember history - both highs and lows?
Daniel will speak the truth of the writing on the wall even though it’s too late for King Belshazzar to repent. In what areas of life are you afraid to speak truth because you fear either rejection or that it won’t make a difference?
What other examples of people in the Bible who speak truth and endure rejection and unrepentance? How does the Holy Spirit empower us to speak truth?
Applying the Text:
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
Support Friend Training - Foster the Bay will host a Support Friend Training on Wednesday, October 30 from 6:00-8:30 pm. There are so many ways to care for kids in foster care. One of the roles that many can serve in is the role of Support Friend. Sign up here.
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.
Mobile Pack - On Friday, November 15 from 6:30-8:30pm, we're looking for 50 people to help with this year's MobilePack! We're welcoming adults, children, and even your Life Group to serve together to "hand-pack nutritious MannaPack meals specifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition." Sign up here.
Can’t Make Retreat? Join Us Sunday! - We can’t wait to be together at All-Church Retreat. And we know not everyone can make it. Even if you’re not able spend the weekend with us, we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday morning service at 9:00am at Mount Hermon.