03: From Mystery to Revelation – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: The rise and fall of nations seems to happen based on human whim. But Daniel 2 shows it is the God of heaven who actually moves human history to its finale.
January 18, 2020

1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 2:1-6.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What crisis did the Hebrews face because of the dream the Lord gave to Nebuchadnezzar?
Personal Application: What does this dream tell us about how close God is to humanity? How close do you think God is to you? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why does Nebuchadnezzar get impatient and want to kill the astrologers, but is patient and gives Daniel time to pray and interpret the dream?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Daniel 2:17-23.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What was the first thing Daniel did when he was granted time? What are the two kinds of prayers offered by Daniel and his friends?
Personal Application: In what ways can we be thankful regardless of our circumstances in life we face? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does God answer some people’s prayers for safety and preservation, while He doesn’t protect His people in other situations or circumstances? You know, Elijah was translated, Elisha died a slow lingering, painful death from disease. Where’s the equity and assurance when each situation is not answered the same way?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Daniel 2:38-44.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does this dream say is the fate of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom?
Personal Application: Why are church leaders and members so reluctant to tell people when they are doing something wrong and that judgment will come upon them if they don’t change? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “What does this statue tell us about the future? How does this dream give us confidence in the accuracy of prophecy and Scripture? Why did God give this dream to a heathen king rather than to His own faithful people?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Daniel 2:44,45..

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does this tell us about the ultimate fate of this world?
Personal Application: How does it disagree with those who believe in the US and Israel against the rest of the world in end-time prophecy? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!