January 25, 2026

God Qualifies Those He Calls – Daniel 1:17-21

Ice Breaker

1. Read Daniel 1:17-21 as a group.
2. If you were a missionary overseas, what strengths and abilities would you bring to your calling?

Loving God Unreservedly

3. How might we discern God’s wisdom in our own lives as Daniel did when faced with challenging situations?
4. What does this passage reveal about God’s provision for those who remain faithful to Him?

Loving People Sacrificially

5. What do you find most impressive about the character and capabilities of Daniel and his three fellow exiles as they’re described in verses 17–20?
6. In evaluating the four men at the end of their training, what did Nebuchadnezzar conclude concerning them? (1:18–20)
7. How is Daniel’s leadership demonstrated in this chapter?
8. How can we apply the principles of loyalty and integrity demonstrated by Daniel in our workplaces or communities today?
9. Daniel served until the first year of King Cyrus. (1:21) Why do you think this is mentioned? What does it say about Daniel? What does it say about God?

Making Disciples Purposefully

10. How can sharing our testimonies of faith help others navigate their own challenges in standing firm?
11. With whom can your life story, with a presentation of the gospel?

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)

12. Research: The Bible contains numerous examples of God endowing individuals with specific abilities and gifts for His purposes. (Jas. 1:17) Take some time to read and reflect on the following examples:

Old Testament Endowments:

God filled Bezalel with the Spirit, granting him ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship to devise artistic designs and work in gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. (Ex. 31:1–6) God also inspired him to teach others, including Oholiab. (Ex. 35:30–36:2) The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from the day of his anointing forward. (1 Sam. 16:13) The Spirit of the LORD empowered Othniel to judge Israel and gave him victory in war. (Judg. 3:10) The Spirit clothed Gideon, enabling him to summon warriors. (Judg. 6:34) The Spirit rushed upon Samson, granting him supernatural strength to tear a lion apart. (Judg. 14:6)

New Testament Endowments:

John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. (Lk. 1:15) At Pentecost, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1–4) The Spirit distributes varieties of gifts—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and discernment—to each person individually as He wills. (1 Cor. 12:4–11) Romans identifies gifts including prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy. (Rom. 12:6–8)