Clarence

Q2. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think people fight with each other over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages? According to Romans 14:1-5, what should be our attitude towards those who disagree with us on the non-essentials of the faith? According to Romans 14:1-5 that believers accept one another even if they disagree over obscure doctrine based on the scriptures. Jesus also commanded believers to love one another (John 13:34).

Q1. (Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? I interpret "the anointed one" in verse 27 as being Jesus; Therefore, in the light of this, the verse in question (v24), Jesus partially fulfills-for the moment, all 6 components. Dr David Jeremiah (2015 http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio_player.aspx?id=1819) states that, "All six of these events that Gabriel tells Daniel in Daniel 9:24 must ultimately be fulfilled and experienced by the nation of Israel and this wont happen until the end of the four hundred and ninety years of Daniels prophecy since not one of these prophecies was fulfilled in the first 69 weeks there must be a future time in which they will be fulfilled" Jesus said, when he stood in front of his disciples, after his resurrection; "...This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”(Luke 24:44) 1 and 2 To finish transgression and put an end to sin: John the Baptist said of him, "...behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The holy spirit will convict the world of sin (John 16:8). 3 To atone for the wickedness The notes state that Jesus came not only for the forgiveness of the world but to bring reconciliation to the world (1John 2:2) 4 To bring everlasting righteousness Jesus Christ is our righteousness (Daniel 9:18b). 5 To seal up vision and prophecy Perhaps this means that Jesus Christ has and will accomplish all that was prophesied about him. 6 To anoint the Most Holy Place According to the notes this probably refers to the anointing of "...the anointed one". Jesus Christ who will accomplish God's work (Matt 12:6). However Jeremiah (2015) states, "Christ's kingdom can only be established in the future when the holy place in the millennial temple is anointed. "The phrase the most holy is never used of a person it refers to the sacred place in the temple, to the holy of holy's where the reestablishment of religious service will take place in a future temple" Anointing means to be appointed for a specific purpose.

Q4. (Daniel 9:15-19) What was Daniel’s essential prayer? What are the various grounds of Daniel’s appeal? How did God answer the prayer (see Daniel 9:20-23)? Daniel appealed to God's nature-a loving and merciful God. He appealed to God to turn away his anger and wrath from Jerusalem so his name can be honored again. He pleaded for God's forgiveness for the nation of Israel. He appealed to his God who's name has been dishonored because of the state of Jerusalem-the focal point of the nation of God's people, so his name will be honored and not scorned. God sent the angel Gabriel to inform Daniel that his prayer has been answered.

Q3. (Daniel 9:5) Since Daniel is such a righteous man in his generation, why does he identify himself with the sins of his people? He didn’t commit these sins. How does this compare to how Jesus sought forgiveness for his people? Daniel was dedicated to his people, his nation and his God. He had no sense of self righteousness, he acknowledged his need for wisdom from God (2:23). Daniel put himself in the place of his people, he brought the transgressions of his people before God, he also acknowledged his sin before God. Even though he was a righteous man compared to his people, in front of God, Daniel required God's mercy for his sinful nature and rebellion also. Jesus took on the sins of the world, he became a curse for us. The difference is that he was without sin (Galatians 3:13). He..."became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:6-8).

Q2. (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel’s demeanor as he prays? How does he prepare? Why is this so important in this case? In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? Daniel came to his God in humility, as the notes state: "Daniel doesn't come to God in boldness to plead a righteous cause. God owes him and his people nothing. He comes asking mercy for a clearly sinful people." Daniel was determined to "set his face" before God to plead for his people. The way Daniel prepared himself to intercede for his people, is essential for the way that believers today, need to prepare themselves to intercede. Daniel was sincere and burdened for his people so he pleaded for them before his God.

Q1. (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What practice on Daniel’s part leads him to pray? Daniel was always ready to come before God, to seek mercy and help. He knew his place before God, he was eager to be used by God and to do everything he could to honor his creator (1:8, 2:18). As a result of Daniel pondering the word of God through the writing of the prophet, Jeremiah realised that Israel was at a crossroads (9:2). Daniel therefore pleaded before God, for mercy that Israel would do God's will.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that “the saints of the Most High” will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God’s people? Though there may have been partial fulfillments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? This reward will come to those who are faithful to the end (Matthew 24:13). The ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom of God will happen at the second coming of Jesus Christ The Son of God. We do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). This truth is most precious to God's people at any time because believers who are still alive, live in this world that is tainted and polluted by the consequences of the fall (Romans 5:12-19). "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time" (Romans 8:22).

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe “one like a son of man”? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself “the Son of Man”? The notes point out that the term "Son of man" in Hebrew is a way of saying "human being". When a son of man is described as "coming with the clouds of heaven" as in the above passage, implies divinity, he approached the "Ancient of Days", and "He was given authority glory and sovereign power" (Daniel 7:14a). All peoples and nations and men of every language (will) worship him because this son of man has been given authority and sovereign power. His dominion is everlasting and will not be destroyed or pass away. (7:14). The notes state that Jesus called himself "the son of man", a term which described who he really was. However in the context of the politics of the time, this term was not overtly descriptive of his divinity, so his enemies could have an excuse to accuse him of blasphemy, so as to end his ministry prematurely.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? The beastly nations are at enmity with God and one another. They have risen up, rejecting God. They represent all that is contrary to God and his kingdom. God will have the final say and destroy them. God has allowed the beasts to have some control, but he has them on a leash! It is sometimes hard to believe that God is really the one who is in control of the world because there is so much evil in our midst.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn’t present God as legalistic, but as holy – “hallowed be thy name.” We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God’s holiness? One of the ways I act is, if God gives me success, I can often take the credit for the results- in my heart. I may try to act humbly outwardly for show, to give a good impression-as it were. One way I think is that no one is irreplaceable, so if God can't use me because of my pride, he will use someone else. I have witnessed people becoming proud in the church, so that they seem to have the attitude that the place would not run successfully without them. I have also witnessed humility where when our church was running a series of teachings. It seemed that God was using someone else (a deacon of the church to deliver the sermons) more effectively than the pastor. So the pastor let the elder continue to deliver the teaching to the end of the series. Humility is closely related to agape love (1 Corinthians 13).

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar’s confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? Nebuchadnezzar confesses that God is eternal. His kingdom is eternal. Human beings are as nothing compared to God. God is sovereign-he does as he pleases within bounds. God is the God of Gods and the King of kings. God is accountable to no one. Nebuchadnezzar was trying to be like God before this. I rarely give public testimony of what I have learned of God in my trials. My testimony would sound something like this; God sticks to me no matter what, he is faithful to me. God is love (1 John 4:8).

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar’s life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Nebuchadnezzar had all power, he could instruct and it would be done, no body questioned him (Daniel 4:30): Nebuchadnezzar was in awe of what he had achieved and built. He gave himself all the credit, he did not acknowledge the God of Israel, in spite of seeing what God had done for Daniel and his friends. Pride often shows up in my life, often I avoid praying when I have a problem in my life and will say to myself, I should be able to sort this out for myself. Sometimes I try and take the credit instead of giving God the credit. Sometimes, I hate hearing the truth. It is easy to say something, so that I sound as though I have humility, but underneath I am thinking the opposite.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar’s ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God’s decrees be conditional? Daniel told the king that he must do what is right. This implies that the king knew in his heart what he must do. Daniel didn't muck around he told him straight out-"Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed" (Daniel 4:27). Perhaps today, being kind to the oppressed or the poor means to lose ones attitude and prejudices towards other people different from us in society, Jesus spent time with the down and out, oppressed and shunned in the community where he lived when he was in the world (Matt 9:10). It is within our ability, (what God asks of us, we can do-Phillipians 4:13). God's decrees are conditional apon me being obedient to the decree, for example if I trust in him and acknowledge him with all my heart -all my being, he will guide me through my life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? I think I have answered this type of question before, probably in a previous book of the bible study (possibly the book of John). The king has spent all of his life being the 'king pin' and mixed with his heathen religion philosophy and background he is not about to, surrender to this God of Daniel's! It was going to take a lot to knock this stubbornness out of him. Because of pride I sometimes like to take control of my life, it's human nature (1 John 2:15,16)

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? I tend to agree with the "advanced member" that Daniel is probably not afraid of what would happen to him-he has shown this in the past, but more afraid of how Nebuchadnezzar would personally react to the interpretation of the dream. I have appreciated in the past people telling me hard things, perhaps not taken with the best of attitudes at the time. I guess it depends on how the person says it to you. Sometimes I find it hard to decide whether to say something to someone or not. I ask myself questions like: Do I know the person well enough to say something? Has it been said to them before? How do I best tell them? What is my attitude and motive for telling them? So, often I do not say anything.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions’ den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God’s mercy to you? Daniel told the king how it was and what had happened. Daniel made the most of the situation as the king- in his joyous state, was willing to receive Daniel's testimony of what happened in the den and how God had saved him. Daniel did not show any bitterness at all. We are not told for sure, but Daniel probably knew that the king's officials had manipulated the king into issuing the decree. I still think it is important that we believers do not let people treat us as door mats. Paul made it known in no uncertain terms that he was a Roman citizen, and therefore had certain privileges and rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:11). Daniel also let it be known to the king that he was innocent.

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel’s prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? Daniel's prayer practices expressed his devotion to God- he prayed on a regular basis. He was praying and asking God for help (v 11). He acknowledged that he was totally reliant on his God to help him in these difficult circumstances. Life is full of difficult circumstances for us too. In my view posture when praying is not important. God indwells his believers so facing a certain direction is also not important. I like Charisbarak's contribution "Humbling himself before God. He had a very close relationship with God." Bowing before God can be symbolic, for humility before God.

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel’s character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel’s God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? The notes state that Daniel was diligent, trustworthy and honest. He kept on top of and carried out his responsibilities without letting anything slip. He spoke the truth and was true to his word. He could be counted on. He did not accept any bribes, but worked for the interests of those whom he served. His jealous enemies could not find anything against him (6:4). Daniel put his God first and carried out his responsibilities and did his job as if he was serving God (Col 3:23). I do my best but probably fall far short of this.

Q4. (Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? The king acknowledged that the men were willing to defy his commands to obey the true King of Kings. He added that they were willing to give up their lives rather that serve any god other that their own. It would be easy for me to say that yes I would be willing to lay down my life to be faithful to God. I wonder however, how much I am sinning in ignorance now by not standing against the injustice in the society in which I live.

Q3. (Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? The officials of the King were amazed that the fire had not harmed the Jewish men, it had not even singed them. So the people watching crowded around them, perhaps because they could not believe what they had just seen. The king praised God and declared that if anyone was to say or do anything against the God of Israel, he would have them put to death. In addition the King promoted the three men.

Q1. (Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews’ fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? According to the notes, the King may have put this statue and command in place to solidify his rule in his great empire- whence it was expected all his officials in the land attend the ceremony, possibly as a test of loyalty. The King's pride was at stake (from the notes). So when the king found out that not all the officials in the land complied with his orders, he became angry.

Q2. (Daniel 3:16-18) How do the Jews answer Nebuchadnezzar? What is their attitude? How do they witness about their God? Do they face death with resignation or defiance? Characterize their faith. The three men tell the king that worshiping foreign gods or an image is out of the question for them. They also state that God is able to save them, however if he does not they want to remain faithful to their God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Daniel 3: 16-18). The servants of God were defiant before the king, they were resolute that the true God would show his faithfulness to them and honour their trust in Him. The men were prepared to die for their God, if that what it took.

Q3. (Daniel 2:44) What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? What kingdom is this? When does this kingdom come? How is this related to Mark 1:15? When will it destroy all other kingdoms? The kingdom of God, according to the notes will eventually crush all other kingdoms and bring them to an end. Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords-alone possesses immortality...to him “be honor and eternal dominion!” (1 Timothy 6:15). The kingdom of God will be fully realised at Jesus second coming. It was established when Jesus came to earth as Messiah (Matt 3:2). According to the notes, Jesus will hand over the kingdom to his Father (I'm not sure what I think about this), who will set up-a fourth kingdom which will endure forever but will crush all other kingdoms and bring them to an end.

Q2. (Daniel 2:27-28) How does Daniel show humility in this situation? How does he use this situation as an opportunity to witness before the king to his faith in God? According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, should we try to exalt ourselves? If we do so, what will happen? Daniel acknowledged that it was God who gave him his wisdom (2:28). Daniel was not fearful and spoke the truth about what God had done for him -gave him a vision of the king's dream. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says that we must humble ourselves before God and others and God will exalt us in his own time. The things we achieve are not of our own doing, but God's.

Q1. (Daniel 2:17-18) Why does Daniel ask his friends to “plead for mercy”? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? The lives of Daniel and his friends were under threat. If Daniel could not tell the king his dream and interpretation then they would be put to death, along with the Babylonian astrologers. Daniel and his friends were dependent on God to show Daniel what the King wanted to know. Yes intercessory prayer is important and effective (Matt 9:38, James 6:16). In my experience it is hard to get people out to pray at an organised prayer meeting. I think it is more profitable to include intercessory in services and perhaps encourage relationship with God; intercessory prayer as Jesus prayed (Mark 1:35).