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Goals
1. To convince students that God is sovereign
2. To encourage students that we have God’s very words
3. To inspire students to carry on God’s Word
Topics
Daniel, Evangelism, Godliness, Influence, Provision, Relationships, Serving
Scripture Memorization
Daniel 2:27-28
OPENING PRAYER (5 to 10 minutes)
GROUP BUILDING (5 minutes)
Go over these facts about Daniel and ask students if they are true or false. This is a light way to remind and reinforce students of what you covered in the last lesson.
Discussion Questions:
• Daniel was exiled in Assyria. (False, it was Babylon)
• Daniel was selected to serve in the King’s Court. (True)
• Daniel refused to eat any meat sacrificed to idols. (True)
• God judged Daniel and his friends by making them sick. (False, God blessed them with health)
• Daniel and his friends were 5 times better than everyone else in their areas of expertise. (False, they were 10 times better)
• Daniel was faithful to God even in small things. (True)
GETTING STARTED (10 minutes)
(Read this story to introduce today’s scripture.)
A little boy had to write a report for school, so he went to his mother and asked, “Mom, where did I come from?”
Surprised at hearing such a question from her child, his mother discreetly answered, “Um, the stork brought you.”
“And where did YOU come from?” the boy continued.
“Well, the stork brought me, just like he brought you. Now go to your room. No more questions, please.”
But the boy persisted. “What about Grandma? Where did Grandma come from?”
“Look, the stork brought Grandma, the stork brought me, and the stork brought you! Now go to your room. I do not want to talk about this anymore!”
So the little boy went to his room and began writing his report.
“Our family hasn’t had a normal birth in three generations.”
King Nebuchadnezzar was in charge of Babylon. As a dictator over much of the known world, he threw his weight around however he saw fit. In the passage, we’re going to read today, he asks a very difficult question (a more difficult question than the boy in our story, even!). What we’ll discover is how Daniel deals with the King’s request and find that it is still a good model for us when we take God’s Word to those around us.
DIGGING IN (30 minutes)
Read Daniel 2:1-9
Discussion Questions:
1. What was King Nebuchadnezzar’s problem? (He had dreams that needed to be interpreted)
2. Whom did the King turn to for answers? (His enchanters)
3. Why do you think people automatically turn to these types of people when difficult things come up in their lives instead of turning to God? (Allow for discussion)
4. Why do you think the King required that they not only interpret the dream, but also tell him what his dream was? (He wanted the enchaanters to prove themselves.)
Read Daniel 2:10-19
Discussion Questions:
1. What do the enchanters say about these dreams? (There is no one who can do this!)
2. Who did the enchanters say could complete this task? (The gods, who do not live among men)
3. If you could do something like this for God, what would you want to do? (Allow for discussion)
It may seem far-fetched, but you can do something great for God. While it may not be to interpret a dream, you can carry God’s message on His behalf.
Read Colossians 1:25-27
Discussion Questions:
1. How is this comparable to what Daniel did? (Paul was also a servant of God who faithfully proclaimed God’s message to those around him.)
2. How can we make Christ known to others? (Allow for discussion)
3. Do you think we look at sharing the Gospel differently today? Why? (Allow for discussion)
MAKING IT REAL (10 minutes)
We can learn to serve God like Daniel did by following his example. Let’s go back to the second chapter of Daniel to see how Daniel did it.
Read Daniel 2:17-28a
Discussion Questions:
1. When faced with a challenge, what did Daniel do in verses 17-18? (He asked his friends to pray for him)
2. Did Daniel rely on his own power to reveal the dream? (No)
3. What was the source of Daniel’s ability? (God’s power being used through Daniel)
4. What was Daniel’s response to this revelation? (He praised God)
Daniel is faced with a difficult task and what he does is instructive to how we should face life’s challenges.
Ask People To Pray For You.
1. Why is it important not to face challenging times alone? (So you don’t get discouraged, etc.)
2. Who are some people in your life who you can go to for prayer in times of need? (Have students name 1-2 people each)
3. How can we be there for each other during difficult times?
Stop right here and ask if there is anyone going through a hard time. If so, challenge another student to pray for them right there on the spot.
Depend On God’s Power.
1. How do we practically depend on God’s power? (Allow for Discussion)
2. What does Daniel do? (He waits, he listens)
3. How can we wait and listen for God? (Prayer, Bible reading, seeking wisdom from other believers, fasting, etc.)
Praise God For What He Does.
1. Why is praising God when He comes through an important step? (It reminds us of who is really in control, it testifies to others of the same)
2. Do you feel like you do this, or do you ignore God except in times of crisis. (Allow for Discussion)
Remember this–if you trust God to bring you through difficult times, He is deserving of your praise afterwards, too.
CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)
In many ways, our lives as Christians are much like this story from Daniel. While Daniel’s message made sense out of Nebuchadnezzar ‘s dream, God reveals a mystery to us today.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
Many people around us are deceived, confused, and looking for answers to this mystery called life. We carry the truth! We have the answers! We have hope that we can offer!