Standing Strong
Connection Points
May 5, 2019

Daniel 6:1-28

Why was Daniel successful in his job?

1.His

.

Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Daniel 6:3

2.His

.

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. Daniel 6:4

3.His

.

So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” Daniel 6:5

HOW DID DANIEL RESPOND TO THE TEST?

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. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. Daniel 6:10-11

Daniel’s

with God was the source of his power.

6 Benefits of Standing for God

Standing for God…

1.…

my fear.

2.…

my faith.

3.…

God’s power.

Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 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 6:19-23

4.…

Christians.

5.…

unbelievers.

“He rescues and saves his people;” Daniel 6:25-28

6.…

my heavenly reward.

Jesus: God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:11-12

Connection Group Discussion Questions

  1. What point from this sermon impacted you most? Why?
  2. Has anyone ever been jealous of something you did and felt good about? What happened?
  3. Have you ever been jealous of someone else’s talent, knowledge, or possessions? What happened?
  4. Read Daniel 6:1-9. Why were the other administrators jealous of Daniel? What “wrong” did they think they would find in Daniel?
  5. How often do you pray? What does this look like?
  6. Read Daniel 6:10-18. What “trap(s)” did the other administrators set up for Daniel? Why do you think Daniel opposed the king’s decree by still praying to God?
  7. Where do you find it most difficult to exercise your faith? What would make it easier?
  8. Read Daniel 6:19-24. What actions did the king take as a result of God rescuing Daniel from the lions’ den? Who is watching you and your actions when it comes to your personal faith?
  9. Share an example of how God has “saved” you from something that was expected to bring you harm or worse. What happened?
  10. How can your Connection Group pray for you and support you this week?