June 21-25, 2021
City Church Discipleship Group Guide
The Book of Daniel
Now that the sermon series The Greatest Commandment series is complete, we are heading into the book of Haggai. All the readings our DGs have done over the last month have been preparing us for Haggai. So far we've looked at history in Ezra, narrative in Esther, and historical documentary in Nehemiah. For this week we are going to look at a book of prophecy. The reading for this week is the book of Daniel. All of these books shape our understanding of the time and events of Haggai. This will be our last read-aloud, so take turns reading with your group and listen to all that God accomplished.
Background
Daniel was written in the 6th century BC and is all about God's rule over the nations. He raises up rulers and brings down empires. As the Babylonian king points out, "God's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation."
Daniel is full of exciting tales and also confusing visions. The first six chapters are familiar tales and I would encourage your groups to at least get through those. The second half of the book contains several prophetic visions. When we read prophecy our tendency is to look for modern day interpretations. Spoiler alert, Daniel's prophecies have been fulfilled. Daniel's kind to interpret some of his visions for us, visions of Babylon, Persia, and Greece. He also prophesies about the restoration of Jerusalem that begins in Ezra and Nehemiah, and about the coming of Christ. Prophetic visions are always strange, but don't get caught up in them; Daniel was pointing to something, and on this side of the cross, we can look back and know that what he was pointing to has been fulfilled. God has established His King who will reign forever!
Reminder
When you’re reading, don’t try to master the content. Think of it like a drive through the country, you can’t memorize every tree and bird and flower, but when the drive is over you can look back and know it was a good time because you saw trees and birds and flowers.