The Lion in the lions’ Den Sermon
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The Writing on the Wall Sermon
Matt Stout [College Grove Campus Pastor]
Sermon Points & Scripture References:
Sermon Takeaway = The Lion in the lions’ Den
Scripture Reference: Daniel 6:25-27
Scripture Reference: Daniel 6:1-28
Sermon Point: Boldness is Molded Through
Consistency Not Mustered in a Crisis
Sermon Point: Boldness in the Face of Lions
Comes By Staring at a Greater Lion
Sermon Discussion Questions
Get to know me
The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.
Think of a time when your regular, daily routine was interrupted dramatically. What happened? How long was the interruption? Were you able to get back into your routine soon or did it take a while?
Into the Bible
The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.
Read John 17:17; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We believe in what is called progressive sanctification. Simply said it means to grow in spiritual maturity and greater obedience over the course of our lives. Our salvation from true, believing faith is once for all time. Our sanctification, though, is worked out in us as we live. Based on these verses, how are we sanctified? What can you do to contribute to your sanctification?
Read Ephesians 5:6-10. What does it mean to discern or have discernment? It means to properly distinguish, examine, and make determinations. To have a spiritually discerning mind means to understand the Word of God, or be growing in your understanding, to think through situations and live in obedience to the Lord. What are some examples from your own life where you have seen growth in your spiritual discernment? What are some disciplines or habits you have grown in that have helped your discernment? How do you think you should grow in your discernment in the next 6-12 months?
Application
The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.
Read Daniel 6:1-5. Daniel had been in Babylon and served there for nearly 70 years at this point. He’s seen rulers go and new ones reign. His character was untarnished, which is why it took the deception of those against him to create a situation that would put Daniel in King Darius’ wrath. Read Romans 1:28-31 after the Daniel verses. Which of the sins from Romans were Daniel’s enemies committing in these passages? Think about the sins in the Romans passage. What are some general outcomes when those sins are committed? How can we grow in fighting these sins?
Read Daniel 6:6-13. Love for power and love of self can produce consequences that impact others. Most followers of Jesus wouldn’t say they love power or think of themselves highly (superior), however, we can still want things for ourselves that could push people away or cause problems. Or, like this situation with King Darius and the officials, the officials have malice in mind for Daniel disguised as praise for the king. What questions could King Darius have asked to determine the officials intentions with the decree?
Read Daniel 6:14-18. King Darius is riddled with regret, so much so that he is eaten up with anxiety. This is similar to another king who allowed the desires of his heart to get the best of him. King Herod. Read Matthew 14:1-12 (emphasis on v.9). How is Darius’ and Herod’s situation alike? How is it different? What does King Darius seem to have more of than Herod?
Read Daniel 6:19-28. God’s hand has been on Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It’s been apparent, not only to them but the kings they have served. This situation is no different. Daniel’s steadfast love for the Lord and his obedience stands as one of the best examples of character in Scripture. Daniel’s character comes from faith in a strong God and is shaped by living for Him. Darius witnesses the strength of Daniel’s God, THE God, and proclaims Him as God. What are some evidences that people around you can see that your faith in the enduring, living God is strong? How can you prepare to not only witness with you living but to witness with your words so others can know the Gospel?
