[Discussion starters for Lesson 5, July 25—31, 2015]

1. A handbook for missionary activity. Have you ever wished for a, comprehensive handbook for church activity? During my missionary years I could always obtain good advice, but if only I’d had a systematic presentation of all the things I should know…  How could the book of Daniel help the new missionary? What kinds of opposition did Daniel confront that are common to new missionaries? How did he deal with them?

A light in a dark place

2. The exile. Imagine Daniel being marched by force from Jerusalem to Babylon. As he marched along, what do you think Daniel was thinking? In what way(s) was Daniel a representative of God to the heathen nations where he was led? Why was Daniel able to be known and highly respected by his captors? How does his treatment compare with the way Joseph was treated in Egypt hundreds of years before that? Do we face a similar challenge today–to be loyal to the One who created heaven and earth? What would have been a logical compromise for Daniel to follow at that time? Do we ever look for compromises or opportunities to look the other way in our life in the world today?

3. Using his talents. Just as with Joseph, God revealed to Daniel the secret message of the king’s dreams. Why didn’t the king benefit from his information? What got in the way of him accepting the prophecy of the downfall of Babylon? Did he know–or could he have known–enough about the God of all Creation that he could have given his heart to God? Didn’t he see the advantage of such a course? If not, why not?

4. Daniel in Persia. Imagine the king being bound by his position to persecute a man he respected. What do you think that was like for King Darius? I find it amusing that it is the lions trained to take human life who follow God’s command and spare Daniel. Do you? And what are the words of the final chorus that rings out in honor of God? What makes you think Daniel witnessed one-on-one to King Darius? How would Daniel have been given that opportunity? Do we ever have opportunities to deliver a mighty witness? Or a silent but effective one?

5. Daniel’s own visions. These days we spend considerable time and effort studying and learning about Daniel’s prophecies given to him in dreams. Not until John in Revelation do we have an equivalent outpouring of visual images. What is the most important message in all of Daniel’s visions? What does Matthew contribute to an understanding of this end-time message? The prophet says that the end doesn’t come until the gospel message is preached in all the world. Does that mean that when (not if) the gospel is preached in all the world, then the end will come?

6. Other exile missionaries. From the last section of the lesson, as time permits, consider this and discuss: In what situations do we find ourselves where we can be a witness of our faith? Can either a passive or an active witness be effective? What are things we can say or do that would make a powerful impression on others about the goodness and love of our God?

Print/PDF/Email