Bible Reading
Daniel 7 “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. Daniel declared, 'I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.' After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
[05:29]Jeremiah 29:7 “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
[32:58]Romans 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
[32:00]Observation questions
- In Daniel 7:9–14, what details set the Ancient of Days and his throne apart from the terrifying beasts? [07:07]
- What does the Son of Man receive in Daniel 7:13–14, and how does his kingdom differ from the kingdoms represented by the beasts? [17:34]
- In Daniel 7:21–27, what happens to God’s people before they receive the kingdom? What brings their suffering under the little horn to an end? [26:43]
- What practical examples of seeking the city’s welfare were given, especially concerning vulnerable women and children? How do these connect with Jeremiah 29:7? [33:10]
Interpretation questions
- Why does Daniel 7 show both the terrifying power of earthly kingdoms and God sitting in judgment over them? How might this help believers take political events seriously without being ruled by fear? [20:17]
- The little horn appears to defeat God’s people for a time. How does this challenge the idea that God’s favor always leads to safety or earthly success? [26:43]
- People from every nation and language serve the Son of Man. What does this reveal about who belongs in Christ’s kingdom, and how should it shape the way a church welcomes people of different backgrounds? [17:46]
- How do Jeremiah 29:7 and Romans 13:1 help explain why heavenly citizenship calls believers to serve their communities rather than withdraw from them? How is respecting government different from placing ultimate trust in it? [32:26]
Application questions
- When political news unsettles you, what do your conversations, thoughts, or habits reveal about where you place your trust? What might help you turn your attention back to God’s lasting rule this week? [35:55]
- Worship is a foretaste of eternity, not entertainment. When you gather with the church, what helps you focus on loving Jesus, and what tends to distract you? Is there one way you would like to prepare your heart differently? [16:59]
- Is there an area where following Jesus has left you tired or discouraged? How might the promise of his everlasting kingdom help you remain faithful without pretending the struggle is easy? [26:43]
- What need among vulnerable people in your community has caught your attention? What realistic step could you or this group take to help meet that need? [33:10]
- Which leader outside your preferred political party do you find difficult to pray for? What could you sincerely ask God to do in that person’s life and work this week? [35:26]
- Christ’s kingdom includes people from every nation and background. Is there someone in your church or community whose background differs from yours whom you could get to know better? What might a simple first step look like? [17:46]
