Timeline of Daniel’s Life
Teen & Young Adult Years – 605-562 BC Nebuchadnezzar - Babylonian

• 605 BC - Jerusalem overthrown by Babylonian Empire (King Nebuchadnezzar)
• Trained in Babylonian Culture 3 years, name changed to Belteshazzar
• Chose not to defile himself with King’s Food (Daniel 1)
• Interprets dreams through God’s power (Daniel 2)

Adult Years – 562-539 BC Belshazzar - Nebuchadnezzar’s son

• Friends delivered from fiery furnace (Daniel 3)
• Continues to interpret dreams and writings
• Serves in high places, under changing administrations
  (Daniel 5-6)
• Thrown into a Lion’s Den (Daniel 6)

Older Adulthood  - 539 - 530 BC Darius - Persian

• Continued in Faithfulness
• Receives visions about end times (Daniel 7-12)
• Prophecies in the Lord’s name

Late Years - 530 - Death Cyrus - Persian

• Continued in Faithfulness
• Receives visions about end times (Daniel 7-12)
• Prophecies in the Lord’s name

Exile → Training → Influence → Testing → Promotion → Perseverance → Legacy

Standing for Godly Values In a World That Does Not
“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)
“I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people’, and they will say, “the Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:7-9 (NIV)

Before the blessing is the testing.
“We speak God’s message because God tested us and trusted us to do it. When we speak, we are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our heart.” 1 Thessalonians. 2:4 (NCV)

God’s Blessings Require Character Over Culture
1. Resolve
“Daniel resolved not to defile himself . . .” Daniel 1:8a (NIV)
“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” Romans 12:2 (GNT)
“… let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
2. Discipline
“Daniel made up his mind not to eat the food and wine given by the king.” Daniel 1:8a (LB)
“Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness used for sinning; instead give yourself completely to God . . .” Romans 6:13
3.Courage
“Never follow the crowd in doing wrong, and don’t be swayed in your testimony by the mood of the majority.”     Exodus 23:2 (GW)
“Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong!”   1 Corinthians 16:13
“… He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.” Daniel 1:8b (NLT)
 
 

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Small Group Discussion Questions