Part eleven of our series, "Kingdoms In Conflict," a Study on the Book of Daniel.
Discussion/Reflection Questions
We are engaged in a long conflict
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. -Daniel 10:1-7
1. How do you think Daniel felt when he learned that even after the decree to go home and rebuild Jerusalem, he would stay behind and his people would continue to experience conflict under the kingdom of man?
2. In what way can you relate to Daniel and the rest of Gods people in their experience of long, drawn-out, repeated struggle and conflict?
3. How might we mistakenly expect our faith in Jesus to provide quick and permanent fixesto our problems and to provide a life protected from trial and affliction?
4. Why does God consistently remind us throughout the entirety of the scriptures that as long we live as His people in this world, we will face trials?
5. If affliction is the identifying mark of the Christian, why do you think so many Christians cling so desperately to comfort and ease?
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. -Acts 14:22
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33
We are engaged in a potentially frightening conflict
So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you. And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. -Daniel 10:8-12
1. What is Daniels response to seeing the vision and hearing the message from God through the messenger? What do you notice about Daniels demeanour and posture?
2. Can you recall other instances in scripture where people react similarly when they encounter God in some way?
3. How might we be too casual in our approach to God when we hear/read His word, encounter a move of His Spirit, and go to Him in prayer? What does it mean to have a healthy fear (reverence and awe) of God?
4. What about the world, our cultural moment, the context you are immersed in, is frightening or unfriendly toward you as you follow Jesus?
5. How does knowing that God hears you and loves you bring comfort and confidence to your heart in the midst of a frightening future?
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? -Mark 4:39-41
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. -Exodus 2:23-24
We are engaged in a spiritual conflict
Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage. And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me. Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. -Daniel 10:18-21
There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. (C.S. Lewis)
1. When you observe the events and conflicts of the world, do you often think of spiritual forces being at work behind such conflicts?
2. How can we under or over-spiritualize things that happen in the world and our lives? How can each extreme be harmful? Which side of this dichotomy do you tend to fall into?
3. How did Daniel engage with the spiritual battle at hand? (see vv.2-3)
4. How can we be more aware of spiritual realities, and practically engage the world spiritually in our day to day lives? What are the weapons and armour of our warfare?
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. -2 Corinthians 10:4
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. -Ephesians 6:12-13
Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZj-BJlAg7M File Downloads: https://crossridgechurch.ca//df_media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDUvMDYvMTUvMzcvNTgvOWI3Y2M0NzItNTE0Yy00YzIxLTk5OWEtODE2NjUxMGVmMTllL0RhbmllbCAxMCAtIENvc21pYyBDb25mbGljdCBDRyBTdHVkeS5wZGYiXV0/Daniel%2010%20-%20Cosmic%20Conflict%20CG%20Study.pdf?sha=ffc7e72e85164e9c
