introduction
By reading some of the story of Daniel there are many lessons we can learn about how to live a life that is pleasing to God and full of faith. We can understand more how we can engage in a power hungry, status dependent and often corrupt society, without compromising. We all face those challenges and temptations to some degree, and this study will help us apply God’s ways to our everyday.
welcome
Think of someone who inspires you and has had a great influence on your life. Talk about some of the positive ways they have impacted you and the qualities they have which you admire.
worship
Have a hunt through the Bible and see how many different names and describing words you can find for God. Spend about 15 minutes doing this and then use your list to help you think about the magnitude of God’s character. Try and incorporate some of what you found in your prayer life.
word
We are going to look at the character of Daniel and see what we can learn from him as a person, one who rose to a position of great power in an environment that was hostile towards God. Daniel was taken captive along with his people and exiled to Babylon around 600BC. He was then selected by the King to be trained to be in his service. As time went on, Daniel stood several tests of faith.
share
Before we go on to look at what they were, discuss a time when you felt as if your faith was being tested. Maybe there are situations that people are facing now.
read
question
Why did Daniel do what he did and what were the results?
In the next chapter we see how, by having faith and trusting God, Daniel is able to interpret the King’s dreams. The King was so impressed that he appointed Daniel ruler over the entire province of Babylon (Chap 2:48). Daniel was then called to interpret other dreams and writing on the wall, and his favour with the King grew. As Daniel rose in power and authority other members of the establishment grew jealous and were concerned that he was going to be given rule over the whole kingdom. They set about trying to bring him down but could find no fault in him.
read
question
What key things do we learn about Daniel’s character from this part of the story?
We have seen from the start of the story that through good character and faithful service Daniel was rapidly promoted from the bottom of the pile right to the top.
discuss
How do you think he responded to the power he had? Does he strike you as someone ambitious and hungry for influence?
brainstorm
What do you think are the challenges for Christians today who find themselves in positions of power and influence? How do we see power affecting those in authority around us?
application
Consider the ‘public’ position that students who play a large role in the Student Union find themselves in. If you were in that role how might your faith be tested? What lessons can we learn from Daniel’s life that would help us stand up to those tests?
witness
Think about the different clubs and societies that are run in your university and the various jobs that are available in the Student Union. Are there any that involve pastimes you really enjoy? Consider the possibility of giving some of your time to these activities as a way of getting to know some people who aren't Christians who share similar interests to you. If you have a diary that doesn’t allow for any more commitment see how you could pray for others who are able to participate. Spend some time encouraging each other in the extracurricular stuff you already do.
