EVEN WHEN WORLDLY KINGDOMS FALL, GOD’S KINGDOM LASTS FOREVER.

SCRIPTURE | Daniel 7:1-14

CENTRAL TRUTH

God used prophets like Daniel to assure His people that He had not forgotten them and that a coming Messiah would deliver them and reign over all the earth. Believers today can be encouraged by these visions because they offer hope of God’s coming kingdom­—one that will last for eternity, enjoyed by people from every nation and tribe.

KEY QUESTION

READ VERSES 15-27. WHAT DO YOU THINK GOD WANTED THE EXILES (AND US) TO KNOW FROM THIS VISION?

KEEP IN MIND

Since God has authority over everything, students may struggle with why He doesn’t prevent evil people from having any power in this world. We must assure them that it’s okay to ask this question. Honestly, them asking a question like this shows that they recognize God is good, and what they’re wrestling with is mostly the problem of evil. We must remind students that no ruler has authority without God giving it (Rom. 13:1). At times, God has allowed evil rulers to act as judgment against His people for their sin—like the kings we’ve been reading about in Daniel. We don’t always know why God allows evil humans to take power, but we do know that our good God works all things for His glory and for our ultimate good—the good of the gospel (Rom. 8:28). We also know that God holds those evil leaders accountable and judges them for their sins. They may have the temporary opportunity to lead, but their kingdoms will fall; they will give an account for their sin.

APPLICATION

WHAT DO YOUR WORLDLY KINGDOMS LOOK LIKE? WHY IS IT DANGEROUS TO POUR OURSELVES INTO BUILDING THEM?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Students often build on the unstable ground of sports, academic achievements, and goals. Their kingdoms sit on top of the shifting sands of popularity, culture, and social media. Reading about the outcome of worldly kingdoms in Daniel’s vision reminds students that worldly kingdoms will fall and only God’s kingdom remains.

FOR THE LEADER: We’re building our own kingdoms too­ —kingdoms of wealth, success, and comfort. God calls us to build His kingdom—the one built on the firm foundation of Jesus, the Rock and Cornerstone of our salvation (Ps. 62:2; Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:6).