Daniel 1

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Nebuchadnezzar’s First Invasion of Judah

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. It is not wrong for believers to adjust and accommodate in this world.

  2. It is wrong for believers to compromise and conform to this world.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Dare to be a Daniel!

QUESTIONS

  1. How is the book of Daniel categorized in the Old Testament?

  2. What historic events occurred in 605 B.C.?

  3. What was taken from Jerusalem as a result of this siege?

  4. In what ways did Daniel adjust and accommodate to his new world?

  5. In what ways did Daniel refuse to compromise and conform to his new world?

ANSWERS

  1. Daniel is one of the four Major Prophets, beside Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

  2. The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar defeated the allied forces of Assyria and Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish. Later that year Nebuchadnezzar made his first of three invasions of Judah, and he besieged Jerusalem.

  3. Nebuchadnezzar took the temple treasures away to Babylon along with a number of royal and noble young men as captives.

  4. Daniel accepted the new Babylonian name that was given to him and he learned the language of Babylon. He studied hard and excelled in his training from the king.

  5. Daniel did not compromise in matters of the faith. Babylon’s goals did not become Daniel’s goals. Babylon’s glories did not become Daniel’s glories. Babylon’s gods did not become Daniel’s gods. Daniel did not disobey the Word of God. He did not compromise in his faith. He did not conform to this world

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the balance for believers to be “in the world, but not of it” (John 17:14-18). Give some practical examples. If we do not have the proper balance, two dangers could occur: 1) By being in the world we can get too involved in this world system and develop worldly values and attitudes. 2) By being extremely not of this world in our lifestyle we can fail to meet our responsibilities in this world.

  2. Daniel did not conform to the goals and glories of Babylon. Discuss what this means for you in your culture. What worldview do you find the hardest to resist?

CHALLENGE

  1. Will you dare to be a Daniel? You can read more about this in the Devotion for Growing Christians entitled “Dare to be a Daniel” on our website: http://www.growingchristians.org/devotions/dare-to-be-a-daniel

KEY VERSES

  • “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

  • “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:9

Daniel, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsDaniel 1