Sermon Date: Jan. 19 & 20, 2013 Sermon Title: Intellectually Fit Sermon Text: Daniel 2 Introduction
Discussion
We recently celebrated the dream of a man who based his dream on the something bigger than himself. Martin Luther King Junior believed in a better world where no one would be judged by the color of his or her skin but by the content of their character. The most encouraging part of this dream is that it included a beautiful promise and great hope, even if it meant standing against others and facing conflict. In this study, Daniel, has the opportunity to interpret the dream of an ill-tempered King Nebuchadnezzer, who lived by a different belief system than those that guided Daniel’s life. Share with the group of a time when you’ve had to speak some tough words of truth to a leader who was above you. How did it go? Read Daniel 2:1-23 &44-49 1. Based on what you’ve read in Daniel 2:1-3. How would you describe the king’s religious beliefs? What does that look like in our day and culture? 2. What’s the immediate risk of working under a ruler like Nebuchadnezzer? How can you relate to Daniel? 3. When Daniel faced this life threatening challenge, he immediately went to a small cluster of friends and asked them to pray. Why is it essential for every follower of Jesus to have people in their life who can come lift you up in prayer during challenging and difficult times? (v. 17-23)
Application
1. What qualities of leadership/character do you see in Daniel? Of these qualities, which of them do you see in yourself? Which could you grow? 2. What do you excel in, or what are you good at? When Daniel was challenged with a difficult task, he was humble in prayer but confident in God’s provision for his life. How can you use what God has gifted you with to impact your environments? (gifts or resources) (v.14-16) 3. God used Daniel to interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, and in doing so he left a powerful witness of God’s power to the king and to all who were observing. How are you impacting others around you? What will you do to ensure that God’s light is shining through your life?