Who hasn’t heard the story of Daniel in the lions’ den in Daniel 6:1-28? Moving beyond the children’s rendition of this story, we see Daniel facing death without flinching. What does it look like to hold onto God even when powerful forces are coming against us?
Sermon Outline
“For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” Daniel 6:26b
Faith in God will not flinch if we cherish the Word of God (Daniel 6:1-9; Psalm 1)
Faith in God will not flinch if we go to Him in prayer (Daniel 6:10-12, Psalm 121)
Faith in God will not flinch when we believe He is able to save to the uttermost (Daniel 6: 13-24)
Faith in God will not flinch when we believe there is no one like him (Daniel 6:25-28)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever seen a lion in real life before, including at a zoo or wildlife preserve center? When you think of a lion, what comes to mind?
- This week we continue our series, “Daniel: Apocalyptic Imagination and Exile Faith,” by looking at chapter 6. Quiet yourself before God, and then ask God to speak to you before reading Daniel 6:1-28 aloud.
- Prelude: This story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den is a highly beloved Bible story-and no wonder. There are so many remarkable parts in this story-the jealousy of co-workers, the pride of a King, the integrity of a man, the power and salvation of our God, wild and majestic animals. It shows that God is alive and active in the affairs of men. His eyes are ever on his children and is mighty to save when they are in trouble.
- Read verse 5-8, how did Daniel’s co-workers intend to trap him and destroy him?
- Verse 5 notes that the Word of God directed Daniel’s life. Read Psalm 1 and see the contrast noted between a person who delights in the law of the Lord and a wicked person.
- Read Daniel 6: 6-9; why were the evil advisors able to trick the king into signing the decree to pray to him only? What is the danger of being prideful?
- In what ways is the present situation both similar to, yet different from, that found in Daniel 3.
- In Daniel 6:10-11 The Bible reveals to us that Daniel was also a man of prayer. Why do you think that Daniel did not “hide” the fact that he prays to the one true God from his co-workers? He could have waited 30 days and then resume prayer as usual. Discuss.
- Read Daniel 6: 12-23, we see here how God saved Daniel from the Den of Lions? Has the Lord saved you from your own “Den of Lions”? Share with the group.
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.
DIG DEEPER
- Read Daniel 3 and consider the connections between how the Lord delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace in that chapter and Daniel’s deliverance from the Den of Lions in Daniel 6.
- Explore resources on the book of Daniel at The Bible Project.