SERIES TITLE
Stand Firm
series overview
Culture is shifting. We see it all around us. So, how do people of faith live and love well in a culture of compromise? How do we stand firm without alienating the very people who need the grace and love of Jesus? Join us for a brand new 5-part series from the book of Daniel, and let’s discover together how Daniel and his friends personified courageous faith in a spirit of love and truth.
sermon TITLE
Among Lions
Sermon Summary
In the message “Amoung Lions”, Aaron Brockett explores the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den as a model of living faithfully in a culture of opposition. Despite challenges and false accusations, Daniel’s unwavering faithfulness shines through, leading to a miraculous rescue. Through Daniel’s example, Aaron encourages building spiritual rhythms and being available to God in every season of life. Just as Daniel emerged unscathed from the lion’s den, we can trust God’s faithfulness to sustain us through trials and temptation.
Ice Breaker
If you could swap lives with any fictional character from a book or movie for a day, who would it be and why? Does this character have any similarities to Daniel?
DISCUSSion
Discussion Questions
- Read Daniel 6:3-12. How did Daniel’s consistent practice of prayer enable him to stand firm in his convictions despite the threat of execution? Have you had a spiritual practice that has enabled you to stand in the face of a severe threat or trial?
- Read Daniel 6:16-28. King Darius, after witnessing Daniel’s miraculous rescue, sends a decree throughout his kingdom proclaiming that everyone should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. In your own life, how can you live out your faith in a way that has a positive influence on the people around you and the culture at large?
- A military leader of Israel named Joshua once told the nation to “Choose this day who you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). A commitment is a decision made in advance. It simplifies our lives by telling us which road to take before we arrive at it. Why is it important to decide ahead of time who we will be in the face of trials or temptations? How can you make a personal commitment in advance to respond in a way that aligns with your faith and values when faced with challenges? If it helps, name a potential challenge you might face and an advance decision as to how you will respond.
- How is the story of Daniel’s trust in God and rescue from the lion’s den like the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Sunday’s message ends with a reminder that just like Daniel, Jesus faced false accusations and was condemned to die a violent death, but through his sacrifice, we are saved. In what ways can you draw strength from Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection in your own journey of faith?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
- Ask for prayer requests from the group.
- Thank God for the example of faithfulness shown by Daniel.
- Ask God for the strength and courage to stand firm in our convictions.
- Pray for wisdom in representing God with integrity in our daily lives.
- Request guidance in establishing spiritual rhythms that build character.