Facing the Lions - Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5)

We are His holy vessels.

Ice Breaker:
What is a life event or cultural trend that you “saw coming?” (I.e. The return of bell bottoms, disco, the end of landlines etc.)

Read Daniel 5:1-4
Did Belshazzar know that the goblets were sacred?
What do his actions tell us about his lack of respect for the God of the Israelites?

Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 & Ephesians 1:1
The temple goblets had been anointed and set apart for holy purposes at the dedication of the temple.Who does the New Testament passage say has now been set apart for holy purposes? Who has set them apart? How?

Read Daniel 5:5-9
What is Belshazzar’s reaction to the hand?

Read Daniel 5:10-16
After Nebuchadnezzar's death, Daniel has probably lived in relative obscurity. Who reminds Belshazzar about Daniel, and his abilities?

Read Daniel 5:17-28
What do you notice about Daniel’s response?
What does Daniel say is Belshazzar’s core problem? (see vs. 22-23)
What is going to happen as a result?

Read Daniel 5:29-30
What happens to Daniel?
What happens to Belshazzar?

Applying God’s Word to Our Lives:
Do you think of yourself as “holy?” Why or why not?
What are ways that the Devil tries to desecrate (treat as unholy) what God has consecrated (made holy) in today’s world?
Where do you most feel the temptation to compromise your holiness in Christ?