Daniel 1

"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it." These are the first words of the book of Daniel.

1. The verses continue and we see that Judah was exiled to Babylon.

-How did this happen?

-Why didn't Judah listen to the prophets that warned them of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry?

2. Daniel and his friends- (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)- are some of the first to be deported to Babylon?

-Who are they?

-What role are they to play in Babylon?

3. Review vs 5-17

-Why would Daniel and his friends avoid eating the food presented to them?

-What does this action say about Daniel and his friends? Are they being rebellious?

4. God blesses these men w/ knowledge and understanding- see vs 17.

-Why would these be useful in Babylon?

-Why is God orchestrating events in favor of these men?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Daniel 1

 

Zechariah 7-14

In the last entry, we discussed the reference to Jesus in chapter 6. The second section of Zechariah makes even more references. Let's discuss a few of these.

Chapter 9

Review vs 9,10

-These verses refer ultimately to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, (see Matt 21:5.) 

Why would a King enter His royal city in this manner?

Chapter 10

Review vs 4. (See also Gen 49:8-11)

What does this prophesy mean?

-What is a cornerstone? Who is the Cornerstone that Zechariah is referring to?

Chapter 11

Review vs 12, 13  (See also Mathew 26:14,15)

30 pieces of silver would be the price of a slave among the Isrealites in ancient times

-This was also the amount paid to Judas for the betrayal of Jesus.

-What does this transaction say about the teachers of the law and their perception of Jesus?

Chapter 12

Review v 10. (See Psalms 16-19

-Do you think that one day people will mourn that Jesus was pierced for their transgressions? Do you?

Chapter 14

Review vs 3-9. (See Acts 1: 11, 12; If time is available, Revelations 19,20,21)

-V9 indicates the over-arching theme of the whole Bible

-Discuss the magnitude of these verses and the events noted in this section.

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Zechariah 7-14

Zechariah 1-6

*** This entry is affected by a system error. Please forgive any editing issues.

Along the theme of the book of Haggai, Zechariah attempts to motivate the people of Judah to complete the rebuilding of the temple. He also reveals God's hope for spiritual renewal.

Chapter 1 begins with a call to return to the Lord.

1. Verse 3 says, "Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you."
-Do you sometimes feel that your sin is so great that God would not want you to return to Him?
-Does this verse provide you a sense of comfort that God will respond in Love and Forgiveness to a repentant heart?

2. The angel of the Lord indicates that the nations around Judah feel secure despite how they oppress Judah.
-Why would this bother God?

Over the course of a night, Zechariah has a series of visions. One of these has a high priest standing in filthy garments- chapter 3. In this vision, Satan- the accuser, is making accusations against the priest.
-What kind of accusations would Satan have against this priest?
-What accusations would he have against you?

As the vision continues, these filthy garments are removed and the priest is given clean garments- symbolic of the removal of sin.
1. What can we gather from this vision in regard to sin in our own lives?
2. After review of this section, do you see any references to Jesus Christ?

Further discussion questions:
Describe the discouragement people would have felt in regard to the temple construction that came to a dramatic halt.
-Have you ever had plans that were dramatically changed?
-Why was this discouraging?

What are some things that you can take from the book of Zechariah that point to the grand will of God?
-Does it bring you comfort to know that God is orchestrating plans for your life beyond what you can see?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge
Zechariah 1-6

Haggai 1-2

Background: Solomon's great temple has been destroyed. A decree was given that would allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. However, disobedience and inactivity by the Jews led to the halt of all construction.

A Call to Build the House of the Lord

1. God notes that His people live in splendor while His house remains a ruin.

-Do we sometimes choose to retain the best for ourselves and hold back from giving to God? (For example, in your tithing...)

-What does this say about our view of God and His Blessings?

2. Review vs 5-7

-God tells the people that their work will not yield great results, because He is not blessing them anymore. Why would God choose to not bless His chosen people?

The first chapter closes with a response by the remnant in Jerusalem. Hearing the message, they began to work on the house of God.

Chapter 2

The Promised Glory of the New House

God begins this chapter encouraging His children.

1. God reminds His people of the covenant that He made with them when they left Egypt.

-Why does God continue to be faithful to His promises when His children often are not?

-What does this say about the character of God?

2. Review vs 6- 10

-Why would the future judgement of the nations encourage the remnant in Jerusalem?

-Does it encourage you?

Blessings for a Defiled People

When the temple was originally made, God let the people of Jerusalem know that with obedience there would be blessings and with disobedience- there would be curses. He presents this warning again.

1. What is the message that we should take from this book?

2. Are you aware of the consequences of your sin and disobey God anyway? 

3. What should God's response be to your disobedience?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Haggai 1-2