FEBRUARY 19th, 2023

Have you experienced a “rock bottom” moment in your life where you had no other option but to look up and ask for help? Or maybe not quite “rock bottom”, but a jolting moment that woke you up to the reality of a bad direction your life was going? What happened as a result of these experiences? 

1. Take the time to read through all of Daniel 5 and answer the following questions:
   • What stands out to you about Daniel in this story? 
   • What stands out to you about the king’s actions in this story?   
   • What differences do you notice between the way Belshazzar responds to his rock bottom moment, versus the way Nebuchadnezzar does in the previous chapter? 
     
2. Read Daniel 5:3-4 again. Here, we witness the depth of Belshezzar’s pride- pure blasphemy against God. According to scholar Dr. Wendy Widder, blasphemy is “the failure to take God seriously for who He is- that is, who has revealed himself to be in the pages of Scripture. This may happen through speech, lifestyle, or handling his word.”
   
   • Examine your own heart and life. Here are some examples of how blasphemy may show up in sneaky and subtle ways:
     •  Are there ways you are careless when it comes to how you speak about Him, portray Him with your life or beliefs?
     • Are there ways you are forming God into your own image instead of being formed into His? 
     • Do you treat God as if he is a part of your story or that you are a part of His? 
     • Do our pursuits in life (even unknowingly) speak the narrative that you are your own god? 
       
3. Read 1 Peter 5:5-6. How is humility portrayed in this passage? What opportunity is available to us when we humble ourselves before God? 
   
4. Belshezzar was given the opportunity to humble Himself before God, but he refused to. Are you teachable? Will you respond with humility when disobedience is called out? 
   
5. Spend time confessing to God any areas of sneaky pride and blasphemy that have been revealed in your heart or life. Then, receive His forgiveness and ask for help to walk in humility in the way that Jesus modeled for us.  

Scriptures: 

• Daniel 5 (5:3-4)
• 1 Peter 5:5-6

Next Steps:

1. If this Digging Deeper revealed some needed areas of growth in your life, the best environment for growth is in the context of community. Consider checking out one of our groups or classes here: https://www.gatewaychurch.com/grow/ 

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Parents: 

Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.

THIS WEEK – our kids learned from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about how to live generously.

• THE BIBLE:  Giving: Matthew 6:1-4; Psalm 20
  
• THE BIG IDEA: Jesus taught us how to make a difference

ASK THIS – Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t, “So . . . how was church?”

• Why do you think it is so important that we share with others? Why is our motive for sharing also important?
• How do you feel when someone shares with you?

REMEMBER THIS -This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse:

John 13:15 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.

EC: “…you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15b

Elem: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

PRESCHOOL: “…you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15b

ELEMENTARY: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

NEXT WEEK

Next week, kids will learn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about the Lord’s prayer.