Apr 30, 2017
Apr 30, 2017
BELONG 1.
None of us know what will happen tomorrow, but the future can be very exciting to think about! Take a minute or two to think of your life in 10, 15, or 20 years. What are your goals or aspirations over the next 1020 years? Are there any milestones coming up that you are not looking forward to? What are you most excited about?
2.
If you were given the opportunity to take a peek into your life 10 years from now, would you want to see it? Why or why not?
GROW 1.
In Daniel chapter 7, Daniel (s ll in cap vity in Babylon) writes about a personal dream that he had. In his dream, he saw 4 beasts,
each represen ng a kingdom that would reign and then meet its demise over the coming years: a.
Verse 4 (Lion with Eagle’s Wings) – many believe this represents Babylon
b.
Verse 5 (Bear with 3 Ribs in its Mouth) – many believe this represents Medo‐Persia
c.
Verse 6 (Leopard with 4 Heads and Bird’s Wings) – many believe this represents Greece
d.
Verses 7‐8 ( Terrifying Beast with 10 Horns and Iron Teeth) – many believe this represents Rome
Have your group read verses 1‐7 and discuss each beast as well as the general tone of the verses. Does this sound like a good dream or a nightmare? 2.
Daniel is given a very clear vision that spans decades into the future. It includes some posi ve elements of powerful and
prosperous kingdoms, and some nega ve elements of dismemberment and destruc on. How do you think Daniel felt about being entrusted with this message? 3.
If you were given this message, what would you do with it? Who would you tell? Would you be bold enough to share it with the
world, or would you struggle to boldly proclaim this informa on? 4.
Star ng in verse 9, we start to see the tone of the chapter turn, and we are introduced to our hero(s), “the Ancient of Days” and
the “Son of Man.” Have one of your group members read verses 9‐14. Discuss as a group the implica ons of the fire (purifica on and jus ce) and the eternal and unrivaled nature of the Son of Man’s Kingdom.
REACH 1.
If you felt that Daniel had an obliga on to share his learnings with those around him, do you think you have the same obliga on?
We may not know what na ons will rise and fall over the next few decades, but we do have a view into the future (either eternal separa on from God or eternal glory)…shouldn’t we be sharing this message with urgency? 2.
What things do your small group members have coming up that could use your prayer and support for this week? End the group
prayer and with a reminder that although our near future may be unclear, our eternity is certain!
