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Sermon Guide
Thriving in Babylon Week 2: Humility (Book of Daniel)
Big Idea: You’re only as spiritual as the kindness you show to those you disagree with.
Daniel 1:5-15
The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.” Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.
3 Questions to Ask about Your Interactions with Others
1. Is my tone about culture/people angry or respectful? (James 1:19-20)
2. Do I focus on the hypocritical areas of my life as much or more than I focus on other people?
3. Are there any non-christians in your life who disagree with your beliefs but respect you as a person? (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Discussion Questions
1) What words would you use to describe “Christianity”? Has your definition changed over time?
2) Do you find it hard to show kindness and respect to someone who disagrees with you? Do you feel like there are situations when you don’t have to show kindness or respect?
3) Of the 3 questions asked about your interactions with others, which one do you struggle with the most?
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