Attack On Idols- Conformity

Written By Josh Finklea

Attack on idols – Week 1: conformity

In the opening week of Attack on Idols, we explore how Daniel and his friends resisted Babylon’s pressure to conform. They were given new names, new food, and new training — but they refused to forget who God had called them to be. Culture will always try to rename and reshape us, but we are called to stand firm in our God-given identity (Romans 12:2). Attack the idol of conformity by refusing to bow to culture’s definitions. Reclaim your true identity as a child of God.

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  •  Small Group Curriculum: Attack on Idols

    Small Group Curriculum – Week 1 PDF

    Series: Attack on Idols
    Week 1 Title: Cultural Conformity and Identity
    Main Scripture: Daniel 1:5–8 (NLT)
    Big Idea: Attack the idol of conformity by finding your identity in Christ.

    1. Connect (Icebreaker / Relational Start)

    • Option A (Fun): If you had to pick a new name for yourself, what would it be and why?

    • Option B (Thought-provoking): What’s one trend, fashion, or cultural “fad” you felt pressured to follow growing up? Did you go along with it or resist?

    • Transition: Just like Daniel and his friends, culture tries to rename and reshape us. Today we’ll talk about what it looks like to hold onto our God-given identity.

    2. Discover (Scripture & Discussion)

    Read Daniel 1:5–8 (NLT).
    "The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names… But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods."

    Discussion Questions

    1. What pressures to conform did Daniel and his friends face in Babylon?

    2. In what ways do you see our culture trying to shape how people think, act, or identify today?

    3. Daniel “resolved” (made up his mind) not to defile himself. What does it look like for a believer today to make that kind of decision in advance?

    4. How does remembering our identity in Christ help us resist cultural pressure?

    Dig Deeper Scripture: Romans 12:2 (NLT) — “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…”

    • What does this verse add to the Daniel story?

    • What are some practical ways we can renew our minds instead of conforming?

    3. Respond (Application & Prayer)

    Personal Application

    • Where do you feel the strongest pressure to “fit in” with culture right now—at work, school, family, or online?

    • What would it look like to stand firm in your identity in Christ in that area this week?

    Group Prayer Prompt

    • Pray for courage to live with conviction like Daniel.

    • Ask God to strengthen each person’s identity in Christ so they won’t be swayed by culture.

    • Pray for influence—that your group would be lights in the world without conforming to it.

    Challenge for the Week

    • Memory Verse: Romans 12:2 (NLT).

    • Practice: Each time you face cultural pressure this week, pause and say out loud: “My identity is in Christ.”

    ⏱️ Designed for 45–60 minutes:

    • Connect (10–15 min)

    • Discover (25–30 min)

    • Respond (10–15 min)

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Josh Finklea