Key Question: How do I live life without compromising my faith?Background (v. 1): WHAT is happening?Two Realms (v.2): WHY is it happening?Four Strategies The World Uses to Dismantle You (v. 3-7)1. Isolation (v. 3)2. Indoctrination (v.4)3. Compromise (v. 5)4. Confusion (V. 6)HEBREW NAME | BABYLONIAN NAMEDaniel: God is my judge | Belteshazzer: Bel protects my lifeHananiah: Yahweh has been gracious | Shadrach: Command of Aku (moon god)Mishael: Who is what God is? | Meshach: Who is what Aku is like?Azariah: Yahweh has helped | Abednego: Servant of Nebo (god of wisdom and agriculture)Conclusion: Start with ConvictionSmall Group Discussion Questions:As we begin a new sermon series on the book of Daniel, it would be helpful to know the overview of the book. The Bibleproject.com offers a good summary of Daniel. You may watch the free video as a group or individually prior to your meeting. Overview: DanielIn 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon had conquered Judah and deported many of its inhabitants to Babylon – Daniel included. Daniel served in the royal court of Nebuchadnezzar and several rulers who followed Nebuchadnezzar. The Book of Daniel records the actions, prophecies, and visions of the Prophet Daniel.—https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Daniel.html1. Describe a time when you were forced to do something you didn’t want to do. What were your thoughts and feelings as you had to do it?2. Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (all young men, v. 4) were forced to move out of the comfort of their homes and exiled to the land of their conquerors. What do you think were their initial reactions (vv. 3-6)?3. Knowing that they were chosen from among all Judah with the highest standards to serve the king of Babylon and fed from the royal food and wine (vv. 4-5), would that have changed their mindset or attitude? Why or why not?4. Why do you think their names were changed (v. 7; refer to June 7 sermon)? Note: All four Jewish names honored the God of Israel. El means God and -iah (or -yah) is an abbreviation of Yahweh.HEBREW NAME | BABYLONIAN NAMEDaniel | BelteshazzerHananiah | ShadrachMishael | MeshachAzariah | Abednego5. How did Daniel and his friends persist in retaining their identity with the God of Israel (v. 8; cf. 2:28, 3:16-18)?6. How do we make sure we remain steadfast in fearlessly proclaiming we are Christians?7. Take some time to pray for each other. Pray especially that we be faithful ambassadors of Christ no matter what oppression or trial we may face.

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