
Week 1: Daniel Chapter 1
Jan 9-15
Overview: The resolve of Daniel not to defile himself as he found himself in the new land of Babylon far from his former home is a wonderful example of trusting God. His resolve could have cost him his life. Daniel was one of the young Israelites from the royal family picked to be trained for three years before entering the king’s service. Food and wine from the king’s table assigned to these young men for Daniel would have defiled him, so he was determined not to partake of them, and he did not. In this remarkable stand to honor the Lord with what he ate and drank, Daniel saw God raise him up to be “ten times better than others” in the eyes of the king in matters of wisdom and knowledge. The king found none equal to Daniel and the three friends who also did not defile themselves with the king’s food and drink. God is honored when we stand up for what is right and true.
Day 1: Daniel 1
What does this passage say about God?
What does it say about people?
How does God interact with/relate to people in this text?
Day 2: Daniel 1
What is one thing that struck you about this passage?
Is anything unclear or confusing to you about this passage?
How do you think the people hearing this passage in that time would have received it?
Pick a favorite verse. Write it out. Look up the definition of the major words in that verse and write how that enhances the impact of the text in your heart.
Day 3: Daniel 1
Daniel and his friends resolve to eat vegetables and drink water. How did their appearance compare after ten days with those who ate and drank from the king’s table? What direct consequence resulted from this result?
What long-term consequence did God give to these four young men as a result of their honoring him with what they ate and drank?
What resolve have we determined to undertake as we live as Christ followers? What are the boundary lines we have set for ourselves?
Day 4: Daniel 1
What sins are we being called to avoid?
What commands are we given to obey?
What promises can we claim?
What examples are there to follow?
Any other special truths that stick out to you?
Summarize what you think Daniel is trying to teach the readers of this letter through this week’s reading. Be sure to cover each main point!
Day 5: Daniel 1
Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life.
What do you think God was trying to teach you this week? (Review each day’s notes & mark what stood out to you the most.) And why do you think that?
Keeping in mind what God was trying to teach you this week, what is a SAM application you can make?
S – Specific – What exactly do you want to do?
A – Attainable – Can you accomplish this application in the time frame given?
M – Measurable – Is this something you can track and quantify its progress?
Who can you share with this week what God taught you? What could encourage a believer? What could encourage a nonbeliever?
Sermon Notes:
Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”