Daniel

Written By Citylight Bennington

Living Faithfully in Babylon

Sermon Date: OCT 5

Sermon Text: Daniel 1:1-7

  • Time Setting: ~600 B.C.

  • Location: Babylon – cultural, political, and religious superpower

  • Biblical Focus: Daniel 1, Jeremiah 29, 1 Timothy 4, Hebrews 10

Context Brief:

  • The people of Israel have been exiled to Babylon.

  • Their journey: Egypt → Exodus → Empire → Exile

  • Babylon wasn’t just geography; it was a full-blown culture shift: pluralism, power, pressure.

  • The goal? Assimilation. Stripping away identity. Reprogramming the people of God.

PART 1: ISOLATION

Read: Daniel 1:1–2 | Hebrews 10:25

Key Idea: Babylon cut the Hebrews off from everything familiar – their land, community, and worship rhythms.

Discussion Questions:

  • What was the contrast between life in Jerusalem and life in Babylon?

  • What forms of isolation do we face today (emotionally, spiritually, relationally)?

  • How can we intentionally stay connected to spiritual community?

Challenge:

  • Are you prioritizing regular community with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)?

  • Who do you need to bring back into community?

PART 2: INDOCTRINATION

Read: Daniel 1:3–7 | 1 Timothy 4:8

Key Idea: Babylon re-educated Israelite youth with the "language and literature" of its empire – a 3-year indoctrination campaign.

Modern Parallel: We’re constantly being shaped by media, academia, and online algorithms.

Discussion Questions:

  • What’s shaping your beliefs more: God's Word or the world’s noise?

  • Where do you see cultural narratives directly contradicting Scripture?

  • What role does the family play in countering worldly indoctrination?

Quotes, from the message, to Discuss:

“Family discipleship is indoctrination… without yielding to the contrary opinions of the world.”

“Your faith is your children’s best possible inheritance.”

Challenge:

  • Where do you need to grow in biblical literacy and discernment?

  • How can your family be a space for intentional spiritual formation?

PART 3: IDENTIFICATION

Read: Daniel 1:6–7 | Jeremiah 29:1, 5–7

Key Idea: Babylon changed the names of Daniel and his friends – a symbolic stripping of identity and rewriting of their purpose.

Hebrew Name & Meaning and their changed name and meaning:

  • Daniel- God is my judge > Belteshazzar- Bel protect his life

  • Hananiah- The Lord is gracious > Shadrach- Under command of Aku

  • Mishael- Who is like God? > Meshach- Who is like Aku?

  • Azariah- The Lord helps > Abed-Nego- Servant of Nabu

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do names matter? What identity did God give you?

  • What labels or lies from the world have tried to rename you?

  • How do you reclaim your God-given identity?

Challenge:

  • Write down or declare the truth of who you are in Christ (see spiritual practices on website)

  • What false identities do you need to renounce?

PART 4: PURPOSE IN EXILE

Read: Jeremiah 29:5–7 | Daniel 1:21

Key Idea: God didn’t abandon His people in exile. He planted them there for a purpose.

Quote:

“To be asked to live in Babylon... was to find oneself at the center of God’s positive mission to the world.” – David Helm

Discussion Questions:

  • What does it mean to seek the welfare of the city?

  • How does God use the ordinary (mundane) faithfulness of His people for long-term impact?

  • What’s the connection between standing firm in big moments and serving faithfully in the small ones?

Challenge:

  • Where can you serve your church or city this week?

  • What does “standing firm” look like in the ordinary rhythms of your life?

PRAYER (5 min)

Pray for:

  • Courage to live distinct lives in a pluralistic world

  • Families to disciple well

  • The church to remain rooted in truth

  • Strength for everyday, mundane faithfulness

Citylight Bennington
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