Stanley Tavaziva

Q3. What does it mean when you pray "in Jesus' name"? Do you use the phrase "in Jesus' name" as you pray? Why or why not? How does praying "in Jesus' name" limit what we will pray for? Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with His authority and asking God the Father to act upon our prayers because we come in the name of His Son, Jesus. Praying in Jesus' name means the same thing as praying according to the will of God, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5: 14 -15). Praying in Jesus’ name is praying for things that will honor and glorify Jesus. Prayer in Jesus’ name is taught in John 14: 13 -14 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Some misapply this verse, thinking that saying “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer results in God’s always granting what is asked for. It is not the words in the prayer that matter, but the purpose behind the prayer. Praying for things that are in agreement with God’s will is the essence of praying in Jesus’ name.

Q2. In what ways does taking Jesus' name on ourselves, or identifying ourselves with him, open us to shame and persecution? Have you seen examples of this in your own experience? What actions might show that a Christian is ashamed of Jesus? What actions might show that a Christian is unashamed of Jesus? God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers”(Matthew 5:11). Christ will send his Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. This does not mean that all suffering is the result of good Christian conduct. Sometimes a person will grumble, “He’s just picking on me because I’m a Christian,” when it is obvious to everyone else that the person’s own unpleasant behavior is the cause of his or her problems. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father”

Q1. How is the meaning of Jesus' name linked to his mission? What is his mission? How did he fulfill this mission? How did he fulfill his mission in your life? Jesus’ name is His mission: He will save His people from their sins,Yahweh's salvation embodied in human form. Christ had a twofold goal in coming to earth as a baby: to provide us with a tangible image of who God is, and to die in our place to pay our penalty for sin.Jesus The Savior - who was fully God, fully man, and 100 percent innocent - died a humiliating, excruciating death to pay the debt we couldn't afford. He is the only one who could lay down His life to save us and bridge the gap between each person and the Father. There is no possible way for me to earn salvation. It is an awesome gift that the Father freely offers to each one of us. The only "condition" is that we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and follow Him.

Q3. (Daniel 12:2) What do we learn about resurrection? How does this compare with New Testament teaching? What is the future of the righteous who are raised? Why do you think the unjust will be raised also? To accurately define the resurrection is death the separation of the body and the spirit. Thus, resurrection is the reuniting of the body and spirit into a perfect being. The body and mind will be perfect; there will be no diseases, illnesses, deformities, or other disabilities. The body and spirit will never again be separated- and die. "Resurrected beings have bodies of flesh and bones, tangible, corporeal bodies, bodies that occupy space, digest food, and have power, outwardly, to appear as mortal bodies do. To accurately define the resurrection is death the separation of the body and the spirit. Thus, resurrection is the reuniting of the body and spirit into a perfect being. The body and mind will be perfect; there will be no diseases, illnesses, deformities, or other disabilities. The body and spirit will never again be separated- and die. "Resurrected beings have bodies of flesh and bones, tangible, corporeal bodies, bodies that occupy space, digest food, and have power, outwardly, to appear as mortal bodies do Every person who has been born (and thus died) on Earth will be resurrected. It is a free gift to all and is not the result of good works or faith Although every person will receive a resurrected body, not all will receive this gift at the same time. Jesus Christ was the first to break the bands of death. At the time of His resurrection, all the righteous dead who had lived from the day of Adam were also resurrected. To those who lived before the resurrection of Christ, this was known as the first resurrection. Thus, in the Old Testament death is viewed as the end of physical life but not the termination of existence. The dead, though separated from this life, continued to exist. This is a clear reference to the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, although the eternal destiny of each will be quite different. Up to this point in time, teaching about the resurrection was not common, although every Israelite believed that one day he or she would be included in the restoration of the new Kingdom. This reference to a bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost was a sharp departure from common belief. Job 19:25-26; Psalms 16:10; and Isaiah 26:19 for other Old Testament references to the resurrection.

Q2. (Daniel 12:1) What will happen during the great distress of God's people? In what ways does this time seem to conform to the "great tribulation" spoken of in the New Testament? Great suffering is in store for God’s people throughout the years ahead. This way of describing the future is also used by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 30:7) and Jesus (Matthew 24:21ff). Yet the great suffering is tempered by a great promise of hope for true believers. It is a future time period when the Lord will accomplish at least two aspects of His plan: 1) He will complete His discipline of the nation Israel (Daniel 9:24), and 2) He will judge the unbelieving, godless inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 6 - 18). The length of the Tribulation is seven years. This is determined by an understanding of the seventy weeks of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27; also see the article on the Tribulation). The Great Tribulation is the last half of the Tribulation period, three and one-half years in length. It is distinguished from the Tribulation period because the Beast, or Antichrist, will be revealed, and the wrath of God will greatly intensify during this time. Thus, it is important at this point to emphasize that the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation are not synonymous terms. Within eschatology (the study of future things), the Tribulation refers to the full seven-year period while the “Great Tribulation” refers to the second half of the Tribulation. It is Christ Himself who used the phrase "Great Tribulation" with reference to the last half of the Tribulation. In Matthew 24:21, Jesus says, "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall." In this verse Jesus is referring to the event of Matthew 24:15, which describes the revealing of the abomination of desolation, the man also known as the Antichrist. Also, Jesus in Matthew 24:29-30 states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory." In this passage, Jesus defines the Great Tribulation (v.21) as beginning with the revealing of the abomination of desolation (v.15) and ending with Christ's second coming (v.30).

Q1. (Daniel 11:36-45) What do we learn about the character of this Antichrist figure? What seems to be his prime motivations? What does he have to do with the land of Israel? Babylon was defeated by Medo-Persia. Medo-Persia was defeated by Greece under Alexander the Great, who conquered most of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern lands. After Alexander’s death, the empire was divided into four parts. The Ptolemies gained control of the southern section of Palestine, and the Seleucids took the northern part. Verses 2-20 show the conflict between the Ptolemies and Seleucids over control of Palestine in 300–200 B.C. Verses 21-35 describe the persecution of Israel under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. In verses 36-45 the prophecy shifts to the end times. Antiochus IV fades from view, and the Antichrist of the last days becomes the center of attention. Some of these events may have been fulfilled in the past, and some have yet to be fulfilled.The Antichrist of the last days becomes the center of attention from this point through the rest of the book of Daniel. God’s messenger described a time of trial when even wise believers would fall victim to persecution. If we persevere in our faith, any such experience will only refine us and make us stronger. Are you facing trials? Recognize them as opportunities to strengthen your faith. If you remain steadfast in these experiences, you will be stronger in your faith and closer to God.

Q4. (Daniel 11) What does this rehearsal of prophecy and history teach you about the world rulers and geopolitics of our own time? How does the "big picture" inform us about the events of our day? Do you believe that God knows and cares about the details of your country's struggles and future? Are you praying for your country's leaders. We do not know when the Lord will come and judging from events of the past it is useless to pin our hopes on any single sign. Knowing that we are living in the times of the last empire (God will come when Europe is divided), it is more useful to look for trends in politics and the church. Yes, the United States of America will be the last great super power, but that does not mean that it will not suffer temporary set backs. Therefore, what we should look for is a pattern of events and a convergence of the signs. If one sign is present and all the rest are not likely to happen then it is not yet significant. It is only a dress rehearsal. At the end of time, three converging political forces must dominate the minds, hearts, people and governments of the world through fear or devotion. These are: Watch the rise and fall of powers and belief systems. The United States as the major political and military power Religious will do miracles as proof of their right to enforce religious laws. Occult.a New Age or spiritualist movements which will do miracles and provide a link with the evil forces. Homosexual Power. They will have social and legal clout. Legal Developments. Laws that will facilitate persecution. Military. Wars are a sign of the end and are usually the biggest emotional trigger. Natural Disasters. A rise in natural disasters in terms of magnitude and frequency. People must study the word of God People must learn to test the spirits by the word of God not by their feelings. People must learn the prophecies People must share the word of God and not accept the new morality that says that it is wrong to convert others and that all religious practices lead to the same god. Pray for our leaders At several points in history significant signs have occurred, but the convergence of all signs was still a distant possibility. Trends were not converging. At the significant moment in history we look for trends that give religion political power, that gives psychic phenomena widespread acceptance and that has the Unites States of America as the dominant global political and economic power. Look for a message calling people back to the Creator. Christ Himself says that wars, by themselves, do not signify the end, so the end might come at a time of peace or cooperation among the nations, as they focus on persecuting the people of God

Q3. (Daniel 11) What is your general impression of Daniel’s vision after reading the prophetic words matched by their historical fulfillment? What other Biblical prophecies can you think of that have been fulfilled so precisely? What does this teach you about God? The vision described a time of trial when even wise believers would fall victim to persecution. If we persevere in our faith, any such experience will only refine us and make us stronger. When you are facing trials? Recognize them as opportunities to strengthen your faith. If you remain steadfast in these experiences, you will be stronger in your faith and closer to God. The angelic messenger was revealing Israel’s future. Only God can reveal future events so clearly. God’s work not only deals with the sweeping panorama of history but also focuses on the intricate details of people’s lives. And his plans—whether for nations or individuals—are unshakable. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah addresses the "house of David," meaning the family and descendants of King David, and speaks of a virgin being pregnant with a child, and giving birth to the child. Isaiah says this in the context of it being a sign from God. He also says that the child would be referred to as "Immanuel," which means, "God with us."

Q2. (Daniel 10:12-13) Why wasn't the angel messenger able to bring his message in a timely manner? Who resisted him? Who helped him? What does this teach us about prayer? About spiritual warfare? Although God sent a messenger to Daniel, a powerful spiritual being (“the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia”) detained the messenger for three weeks. Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God’s messenger eventually arrived, assisted by Michael, the archangel. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don’t expect God’s answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.

Q1. (Daniel 10: 3, 7-11, 15-17) Daniel is old, but why does the vision affect him so greatly? What is the physical effect on him? What is the mental and spiritual effect on him? Why is spiritual "work" so taxing on us? Daniel refrained from eating choice foods and using oils because these were signs of feasting and rejoicing.The dream affected Daniel because he caught a glimpse of the battle between good and evil supernatural powers.Daniel was frightened by this vision, but the messenger reassured him. Daniel lost his speech, but the messenger’s touch restored it. Daniel felt weak and helpless, but the messenger’s words strengthened him. God can bring us healing when we are hurt, peace when we are troubled, and strength when we are weak. We should trust God to minister to us as he did to Daniel. Although God sent a messenger to Daniel, a powerful spiritual being (“the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia”) detained the messenger for three weeks. Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God’s messenger eventually arrived, assisted by Michael, the archangel. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don’t expect God’s answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.

Q3. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel's vision of the Seventy Sevens? What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? The interpretations are several ways. 1. God has punished His own people. Sin is an ongoing problem. 2. God will forgive and restore His people. Salvation is always possible. 3. More problems remain for His people (believing Jews and Gentiles). 4. Messiah is coming, but He will be a suffering servant (cf. Isa. 53), a wounded shepherd (cf. Zech. 12-13) 5. God will judge those who attack His people. There are three negative and three positive in the interpretation: 1. the negative: a. “finish the transgression” b. “make an end of sin” c. “make atonement for iniquity” 2. the positive: a. “bring in everlasting righteousness” b. “seal up the vision of the prophecy” c. “anoint the Most Holy”

Q2. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think people fight with each other over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages? According to Romans 14:1-5, what should be our attitude towards those who disagree with us on the non-essentials of the faith? Many study the Bible—but stumble over difficult verses, leaving them confused and without proper understanding. They are then led to accept twisted, distorted and outright false explanations of what should be God’s plain meaning from Scripture. Each day of these 70 weeks (“seventy sets of seven”) may represent one year. The Bible often uses round numbers to make a point, not to give an exact count. For example, Jesus said we are to forgive others “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). He did not mean a literal 77 times only, but that we should be abundantly forgiving. Similarly, some see this figure of 70 weeks as a figurative time period. Others, however, interpret this time period as a literal 70 weeks or 490 years, observing that Christ’s death came at the end of the 69 One interpretation places the 70th week as the seven years of the great tribulation, still in the future. Consequently the number would symbolize both the first and second comings of Christ. In Romans 14: 1 - 5 Paul is speaking about immature faith that has not yet developed the muscle it needs to stand against external pressures. For example, if a person who once worshiped idols became a Christian, he might understand perfectly well that Christ saved him through faith and that idols have no real power. Still, because of his past associations, he might be badly shaken if he unknowingly ate meat that had been used in idol worship. If a person who once worshiped God on the required Jewish holy days became a Christian, he might well know that Christ saved him through faith, not through his keeping of the law. Still, when the festival days came, he might feel empty and unfaithful if he didn’t dedicate those days to God. Paul responds to both weak brothers in love. Both are acting according to their consciences, but their honest convictions do not need to be made into rules for the church. Certainly some issues are central to the faith and worth fighting for, but many are based on individual differences and should not be legislated. Our principle should be: In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in everything, love.

Q1. (Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? The coming Messiah Jesus as the fulfillment because it is the concluding phrase in a series of culminating phrases. The end has come, victory has been won through God’s character and God’s provision of (1) the holiness of Holinesses (2) the Son of Man (3) the Suffering Servant. This as “fulfill the ministry of the prophets.” In this verse “vision” and “prophecy” are hendiadys. He Himself will be among them, no need for others to speak for Him. “To anoint the most holy place” “to anoint the Most Holy” “to anoint a most holy place” “the holy Temple will be rededicated” “for anointing the holy of holies” The anointed One is anointed in the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21)”1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” or the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 8-9). Jesus Himself is the new temple, He is the new focus of worship.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that "the saints of the Most High" will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God's people? Though there may have been partial fulfillments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? The “holy people of the Most High” are the true Israel, the people ruled by the Messiah. Jesus Christ gave the Kingdom to the new Israel, his church, made up of all faithful believers. His coming ushered in the Kingdom of God, and all believers are its citizens (see also. Although God may allow persecution to continue for a while, the destiny of us his followers is to possess the Kingdom and be with him forever. Belshazzar condemned for three things. 1. He acted irreverently toward YHWH. 2 He desecrated YHWH’s name by using the holy vessels from the temple in Jerusalem for a drunken party. 3. He praised man-made idols instead of YHWH. There were also 10 toes in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. While all do not agree concerning the identity of the10 kings, we are reminded in Revelation 17:12-14 that these kings will make war against Christ, but, as the King of kings, he will conquer them. The other king mentioned here in verse is the future man of lawlessness of 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man"? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself "the Son of Man"? This one “who looked like a man” is the Messiah. Jesus used this verse to refer to himself (Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; John 1:51). The clouds of heaven portray the Son of Man as divine; throughout the Bible, clouds represent his majesty and awesome presence. God’s glory appeared in a cloud in Exodus 16:10 and 19:9 at the giving of the law at Sinai. “‘Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah’” Notice that the king addresses him by his Hebrew name, not his Babylonian name. Also notice that it is mentioned that he is from Judah, the location of the very God that Belshazzar had offended The verse discribe (1) Belshazzar is asserting that Daniel is a captive Jewish person or (2) Daniel is a member and representative of YHWH’s people; the YHWH who controls history and the destiny of kings, our God.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? Chronologically, the chapter takes place before chapter 5. At this time, Belshazzar had just been given a position of authority (553 B.C.), and Daniel was probably in his late sixties. The first six chapters of Daniel present history; the last six chapters are visions relating mainly to the future. Daniel had a vision of four huge beasts, each representing a world empire. This was similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream covered the political aspects of the empires; Daniel’s dream depicted their moral characteristics. These nations, which would reign over Israel, were evil and cruel; but Daniel also saw God’s everlasting, indestructible Kingdom arrive and conquer them all. God is sovereign He does things at His on time for His purposes.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? Ancient kings tried to avoid mentioning their weaknesses or defeats in their monuments and official records. From Nebuchadnezzar’s records, however, we can infer that for a time during his 43-year reign he did not rule. The Bible, however, explains Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and punishment. Nebuchadnezzar’s pilgrimage with God is one of the themes of this book. In 2:47, he acknowledged that God revealed mysteries to Daniel. In 3:28-29 he praised the God who rescued the three Hebrews. Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition that God exists and works great miracles, we see that he still did not acknowledge God as his Lord. We may recognize that God exists and does wonderful miracles. To be a child of God, you must “invite him to be Lord of your life and our message is of hope and abandence life.

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? “the king reflected and said” Pride has always been the major problem of fallen humanity (Gen. 3; Isa. 14; Ezek. 28). This king had much to be proud of, as he is known from the Babylonian Archives as a great builder. Babylon’s Hanging Gardens were one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Nebuchadnezzar exercised total control over a large part of the ancient Near East. He thought he was in a position of authority until the God of Judah stepped in.God is in control of our lives. He is the controller of events, kings, and nations. We should not have pride in ding his work.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God's decrees be conditional? Daniel pleaded with Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways, and God gave Nebuchadnezzar 12 months to do it. Unfortunately, there was no repentance in the heart of this proud king, and so the dream was fulfilled. Man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1,3; 9:6). Mankind was created for fellowship with God. All of creation is a stage or backdrop for God and mankind’s interaction. God wanted His highest creation, mankind, to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and be like Him! Mankind’s loyalty was tested (Gen. 3) and the original couple failed the test. This resulted in a disruption of the relationship between God and humanity (Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-21). However, God requires a covenantal response. God decrees freely, gives and provides, but humans must respond and continue to respond in 1. repentance 2. faith 3. lifestyle obedience 4. perseverance

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? Although much of the world thought that Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty (even divine) king, God demonstrated that Nebuchadnezzar was an ordinary man. The king would go insane and become like an animal for a set period of time (“seven periods of time”). God humiliated Nebuchadnezzar to show that almighty God, not Nebuchadnezzar, was Lord of the nations. No matter how powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life. Pride may be one of the most dangerous temptations you will face. Don’t let your accomplishments cause you to forget God.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? When Daniel understood Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he was stunned, and he wondered how to break the news. He told the king he wished what the dream foreshadowed would happen to the king’s enemies and not to Nebuchadnezzar. How could Daniel be so deeply grieved at the fate of Nebuchadnezzar—the king who was responsible for the destruction of Daniel’s home and nation? Daniel had forgiven Nebuchadnezzar, and so God was able to use Daniel. Very often when we have been wronged by someone, we find it difficult to forget the past. We may even be glad when that person suffers. Forgiveness means putting the past behind us. Can you love someone who has hurt you? Can you serve someone who mistreated you? We ask God to help us forgive, forget, and love. God may use anyone in an extraordinary way in a person’s life!

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn’t present God as legalistic, but as holy – “hallowed be thy name.” We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God’s holiness? Often kings would kill the bearer of bad news. But Daniel was not afraid to tell the truth to the king even though it was not what he wanted to hear. We should be just as courageous in telling the truth under pressure. Belshazzar used the cups from the Temple for his party, and God condemned him for this act. We must not use for sinful purposes what has been dedicated to God. Today this would include church buildings, financial donations, and anything else that has been set apart for serving God. Be careful how you use what is God’s. Belshazzar knew Babylonian history, and so he knew how God had humbled Nebuchadnezzar. We must nevertheless be defiance to God’s authority. We should understand that God is the Creator of the universe should not be foolish enough to challenge him.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar’s confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? It tells that God is great He is most high. Yes I gave a public about my sins and how God Has forgiven me and learned without Him I am nothing. My testimony has brought others to God. Ancient kings tried to avoid mentioning their weaknesses or defeats in their monuments and official records. From Nebuchadnezzar’s records, however, we can infer that for a time during his 43-year reign he did not rule. The Bible, however, explains Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and punishment.

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar’s life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Daniel pleaded with Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways, and God gave Nebuchadnezzar 12 months to do it. Unfortunately, there was no repentance in the heart of this proud king, and so the dream was fulfilled. The king offered Daniel beautiful gifts and great power if he would explain the writing, but Daniel turned him down. Daniel was not motivated by material rewards. His entire life had been characterized by doing right. Daniel was not showing disrespect in refusing the gifts, but he was growing older himself and knew the gifts would do him little good. Daniel wanted to show that he was giving an unbiased interpretation to the king. Doing right should be our first priority, not gaining power or rewards. We should love God enough and do what is right, even if it means giving up personal rewards?

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God's decrees be conditional? Repent, renouce your sinful nature and ask God for giveness. We need to show compassionte to the poor , humility, kind and love. Daniel pleaded with Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways, and God gave Nebuchadnezzar 12 months to do it. Unfortunately, there was no repentance in the heart of this proud king, and so the dream was fulfilled. God's love is uncondititional agape love.