Life Group Questions 11/10/19
Sunday’s Sermon Text
Daniel 6:1–13
Daniel and the Lions' Den
[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; [2] and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. [3] Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. [4] Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. [5] Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
[6] Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! [7] All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” [9] Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.
[10] When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. [11] Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. [12] Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” [13] Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” (ESV)
Summary: Jealousy is a deadly poison and seeking the Spirit of God is the antidote. In times where we face antagonism to our faith, to rely on God continually in prayer is a hill worth dying on.
Observing the Text: Read Daniel 6:1-13
Compare and contrast some features and content in this section versus previous sections/chapters of Daniel? [examples of similarities: Ch.1 Daniel distinguishes himself repeatedly, ch. 3 is persecution against Jews, coercion of worship through law. Differences include: new king and Empire, Daniel and prayer as the targets, and jealousy as key motivation]
How would you describe the other satraps’ approach to discrediting Daniel?
Interpreting the Text:
What’s a not-so-serious hill you’re willing to die on?
Racism can be difficult to detect in scripture. Where do you see ethnic discrimination in this text? [Ben mentioned V.13 Daniel is described by the men as “one of exiles from Judah”]
Ben shared that social media is a struggle for him as its usage can trigger jealousy. How do you relate to this? Share an example if possible.
When have you experienced the poison of jealousy? How does seeking the Spirit help you in those moments?
Why do you think Daniel believed his prayer life was worth dying for? What hill would you die on?
All we know about Daniel’s prayer life is he did it three times a day, with a window open towards Jerusalem, and gave thanks on his knees. What do these details teach us about prayer? Why is physical posture important?
Applying the Text:
What’s a prayer practice you want to begin or renew today?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
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 This Friday - 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.
Meet & Greet Team Interest Meeting - This Sunday, November 17th @ 3 PM, we will be having an interest meeting to discuss how you can help with our monthly Meet & Greet dinner celebrations. Meet upstairs in the 2nd-5th grade room. Email Fred Mok for questions/details.
Family Dedication This Sunday! - On November 17th, we celebrate Family Dedications. Family Dedications are a weekend where we celebrate dedicating families to the Lord. If you would like to have your family dedicated or for more information, please contact our Kids’ Director Cindy Garcia at cindy@gardencitysv.com by November 14th.
Membership Class 5:30 - 7 PM - After service, on Sunday, November 24, we'll have the membership class in the Seminar Room (upstairs in the youth wing adjacent to the youth room). Dinner provided. No childcare. Contact your LG leader or Fred Mok if you plan on attending! More info here.