Sermons

Sermon Description

It is not an overstatement to say that Daniel 7 may be the most influential chapter in the Hebrew Scriptures when it comes to the life and work of Jesus. As we approach this challenging section of apocalyptic Scripture, there is great hope to be had in trusting Jesus, even as the nations rage.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the different genres of literature in the Bible? How does each genre contribute something to the overall collection? Why is “apocalyptic” important?

2. What fears do you have when it comes to understanding the Bible? How can we help each other have confidence as we search the Scriptures for truth?

3. Why might Daniel 7 be the most important section of the Hebrew Bible when it comes to understanding the life and ministry of Jesus? Consult the PDF of “Son of Man” references for understanding how important this is to the life and teaching of Jesus.

4. Where are you currently experiencing stress, worry, fear, and confusion? How does Jesus step in and help us in that state?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that Sound City Bible Church would be the kind of church who diligently searches the Scripture for truth, guidance, and comfort in a harsh and sinful world.

2. Pray for opportunities to share the Son of Man with those who have yet to come to faith and are experiencing the hardships of this fallen world.

From Nebuchadnezzar’s madness to prophetic visions of goats, rams, and lions, the book of Daniel is chock-full of references to animals. When we understand that the central hero of the book is one like a “son of man,” we can better live out our true vocation  as God’s image-bearers in the world.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to define “image bearer” not as some ability that we possess but as what it means to be human? What are the implications of being an “image bearer”?

2. Why does pride and sin make us act like animals? How do we see this lived out in our world? How do you see it play out in your own life?

3. Why is it important that Jesus is the perfect image-bearer of God? How is it good news for us that he perfectly lived in that space between angels and animals?

4. What does it mean for us to be good stewards as followers of Jesus in the north Puget Sound suburbs? How can we work while we await the final return of Jesus?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would continue to restore his image in you, “from one degree of glory to another” as you grow in sanctification.

2. Pray for opportunities to go into the world and exercise God’s wise and loving rule. Pray for opportunities to share about Jesus, the one who is the perfect “image of the invisible God.”

Sermon Description

The last story in the book of Daniel is arguably one of the most famous stories in the entire Bible: Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Through this account, we learn that exiles will only be able to endure if they deeply rely upon the Lord through prayer.

Discussion Questions

1. Why can we trust the Scriptures even if we don’t have all the information (historical or otherwise) that we might want?

2. What can we learn about the nature of being an exile from this chapter of Daniel’s life? How does this story encourage us to not put our ultimate hope in human political rulers?

3. Consider the parallels between Daniel and Jesus. How can we find inspiration from the life of Daniel? And how is that different from finding living power from Jesus?

4. How does Daniel encourage us to be public with our faith? What fears and insecurities keep you from loving non-believers by sharing the gospel with them?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that Sound City would truly be the type of church that is deeply committed to both Scripture and prayer.

2. Pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done in the north Seattle suburbs. Pray that he would use us to share his kingdom.

Sermon Description

Daniel is now an old man, and a young, impetuous ruler named Belshazzar sits on the throne of Babylon. As Persian forces gather to conquer Babylon, the hand of the Lord appears in the Babylonian throne room; a sign of great terror for the wicked king, but a sign of great comfort for the exiled Hebrews.

Discussion Questions

1. Read 2 Kings 24:10-17 and 2 Chronicles 36:5-8. Why do all these writers mention the “vessels” from the house of the Lord? What is their significance in the story of Daniel?

2. How is “the hand of the Lord” both a symbol of his judgment and his grace? What verses come to mind for you when you hear this phrase?

3. How did Jesus experience both the hand of God’s judgment and redemption? How is this good news relevant to us?

4. As a Christian, the “hand of the Lord” should now be a source of great comfort, but is there anywhere this phrase brings fear in your heart? Why? How can we help one another think differently about this phrase?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that you would walk in humility before the Lord and others, and that you would experience God’s hand of grace, power, and providence.

2. Pray for the non-Christians in your life to be humbled before the hand of the Lord so that they can experience his grace and redemption.

Sermon Description

Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, and once again requires the assistance of Daniel to interpret its meaning. In the dream, God warns Nebuchadnezzar that if left unchecked, his pride and arrogance will lead to his downfall. For Christians, the passage serves as a comfort—God is sovereign over even the most prideful kings—and as a warning: none of us are exempt from the corruption of pride.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the differences between good and bad pride? How can we cultivate a healthy self-respect while actively fleeing from sinful pride?

2. When pride shows up in your life, what does it typically look like? How can those who are closest to you help you to see your pride? How can you practice humility by truly hearing their perspective and learning from them?

3. In what ways did Jesus display humility during his earthly ministry? How is the cross the ultimate example of humility? Why is Jesus’ humility our only hope?

4. How can we demonstrate gospel humility to our prideful culture and broken world?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that you would pursue humility so that God would not have to break you of pride through hardship and discipline.

2. Pray that we would demonstrate gospel humility to our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who don’t yet know our humble King Jesus.