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In the 1950s, a professor named Solomon Asch conducted a series of experiments to measure the influence of peer pressure on an individual. In the experiments a group of college students was brought in and told that they were undergoing a perception exercise. After being shown a line, the students were asked to correctly match it to another line of the same length. All of the students except for one in each group had already been told what answer to give.
The test was designed so that the correct answer would be obvious. The true subject of the experiment would be seated last in the group so that everyone else would answer first. After a few trial runs during which everyone gave the correct answer, the real experiment would begin. On some questions, all of the other students would deliberately give the same wrong answer. In many cases, the test subject would go along with the group—in fact 75% of the subjects gave at least one wrong answer during the tests. -- Paul Chappell, Daily in the Word DevotionalHelps for this Session:
- I have provided PowerPoint slides that recreate the experiment previously described. There are instructions on how to use this in the LOOK UP portion of your study. In addition, the PowerPoint provides a set of discussion questions to be used with Daniel 1:8-10. You may print and use the slides as a handout if PowerPoint is not available.
- I have provided you with several resources to help you with word pronunciations and background of the book of Daniel.
- Use caution as you discuss “visions and dreams” (1:17). Do not turn this lesson into a debate of whether dreams and visions can be interpreted today, but focus on the abilities that God gave Daniel at that time and the reason he gave Daniel those abilities—to gain favor in the eyes of the king. This ability certainly set Daniel apart from the other captives, contributing to the fact that the king thought that Daniel and his friends had no equal in the kingdom.
Outline Progression: I have basically revised the entire plan in order to better connect the outline points to the question: "How can I stay faithful to God when I’m influenced to compromise my devotion?"
- First: We Should Protect our Faith from Compromise due to Circumstances or the Demands of Others. (Daniel 1:1-7)
- Second: We Should Determine to Act Boldly. (Daniel 1:8-10)
- Third: We Should Have a “Plan B.” (Daniel 1:12-15)
- Four: God Will Enable Us to Witness in More Challenging Situations if we Don’t Compromise our Faith. (Daniel 1:17-19)
I pray this study will challenge you and your group to remain faithful to Christ in our fallen world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- SUMMER GAMES/BROWN BAG PICNIC, July 30, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Be sure to announce this to your group Sunday. This is a great opportunity for your group to fellowship with other groups as we challenge each other to volleyball and/or corn hole tournaments. You also have a chance to DUNK A PASTOR! You don't want to miss that. Even if your group doesn't sign up for a tournament, come and enjoy the fellowship and the fun!
- 200 BACKPACKS IN 2 WEEKS
This is a great opportunity for your group to participate in a mission project that will impact the children in our community. Encourage your group to fill a backpack with school supplies that we will be delivering to children who will be starting school without adequate supplies or a backpack.
- EQUIPPING U FOR CONNECT GROUP MINISTRY, AUGUST 21
Keep this on your calendar. Sign up will begin next week!
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