Sunday, August 21, 2011
Led by Eric Gintert
- Daniel 1:1-21 - Where was Daniel's family? He never mentions having a father, mother, brothers or sisters. Perhaps they were killed when they were captured by the Babylonians? Right after Daniel was captured he wanted to serve God and not man and therefore God made his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7). God blessed Daniel and his friends because they wanted to serve God more than men.
- Daniel 2:16-23, 27-28 - Daniel was an intercessor for those who the king wanted to kill. Daniel went to the other godly men to receive counsel and prayer. They had a prayer night seeking God's wisdom. Just as the king thought he could get understanding from the magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers, we think we can go to intellectual people for instruction and wisdom but only God can give true wisdom.
- Daniel 6:10-11 - Daniel continued praying to God when the decree was written that men should only pray to the king. The open windows in Daniel's house symbolizes the opening of our hearts toward God as we come to him in prayer. By praying on his knees, Daniel humbled himself before God. Daniel continued praying because it was already an important part of his life... he wasn't just doing it because trouble was coming... he did it because he had a sincere desire to commune with God.
- Daniel 9:1-23 - Daniel sought God by prayer with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. He humbled himself by not seeing himself greater than everyone else. Daniel didn't say everyone but him was guilty, he included himself with the guilty. If they would have prayed they possibly could have been spared from the captivity. Daniel became an intercessor for the people. Daniel prayed "thy will be done" and was greatly beloved before God.
- Daniel 10:10-12, 14-19 - Daniel chastened himself before God. God sent an angel to make Daniel understand. God sought Daniel's heart and even though Daniel sinned he was greatly beloved before God.
- Daniel 12:1-13 - Prophecy being fulfilled today which was given to Daniel.
Children's Lesson: "Daniel in the Lion's Den"
Read Daniel 6:10
Questions to Answer:
1. Why did the king's helpers hate Daniel?
2. How often did Daniel pray?
3. Was Daniel afraid of the king's new law?
4. Where was Daniel thrown?
5. Who kept Daniel safe from the lions in the den?
Bible Verse:
"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths." Daniel 6:22
Prayer Requests:
Church discipline in the Body of Christ
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