Daniel 1:1-9 (NKJV)
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. 3.Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
CG Discussion Points
- Do you find yourself conformed to this world, especially as you climb up the corporate ladder or in operating business? Discuss how you can consecrate your life to God like Daniel and not compromise your Christian values under pressure or temptations of this world. (Dan 1:8; Pro 16:18; Rom 12:1-2)
- Explain what “submission” means to you from Daniel’s life of serving under different kings. Discuss What you should do when there are changes in governing authorities at country level or management at corporate level? (Dan 1:1-2)
- Do you only submit when your will and mind agree with governing authorities? Discuss what you can do in situations where you struggle to submit and what the non-negotiable conditions are as a believer of Jesus Christ. (Heb 12:9; Rom13:1-2; Dan 6:10)