Can humans ever devise a social system that dignifies the value of all people, allow for their flourishing, and promote justice and righteousness in the way we interaction with one another?

The lesson study for this week explains in more detail the hidden entrapments and aggressions of the world's most glorious empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the towering statue. For 600 years before the arrival of Christ were the most impressive world empires the world had ever seen. They would leave a legacy of empire building and behaving that would set the stage for all the peoples around the world for the next 2000 years, except for a people group not organized by ethnicity or territory: the People of God in Christ. The Christians would live and reign by a victory already accomplished above the material wars unresolved and brewing continuously in the hearts of people. Jesus's people live into a life of fulfilled victory, life, hope, and peace.

Talk Outline:

Division 1 – God Rules Over Human Kingdoms (7:1–28)

A. The Beasts Rise (7:1–8)

- Daniel sees four beasts rising from the sea — frightening and powerful.

- They show the reality of fallen humanity — kingdoms marked by pride, cruelty, and rebellion. Humanity’s fall corrupts kingdoms and power.

B. The Throne of God (7:9–14)

- The Ancient of Days takes His fiery throne, the books are opened.Sin and rebellion are judged before God.

- The Son of Man comes with the clouds, receiving everlasting dominion.Jesus is the Son of Man who secures eternal rule.

C. The Saints’ Victory (7:15–28)

- Daniel hears the interpretation: kingdoms rise, the little horn oppresses, but the saints will possess the kingdom.

Principle 1: God’s eternal kingdom outlasts and overrules every human kingdom.

Division 2 – God Limits and Ends Human Powers (8:1–27)

A. Kingdoms in Conflict (8:1–14)

- Daniel sees a ram and a goat clashing, horns rising and breaking, and a little horn exalting itself even against God.

- Worship is halted and truth trampled, but only for a set time. The fall drives rebellion against God, but judgment is certain.

B. Gabriel Explains (8:15–25)

- Gabriel names kingdoms, predicts their rise and fall.

- A fierce king opposes God but is “broken without human hand.” God’s omnipotent judgment ends human power.

Christ’s death and resurrection show God’s decisive power “without human hand.”

C. Daniel’s Response (8:26–27)

- Daniel is overwhelmed but returns to faithful service where God has assigned him. We all have divine assignments.

Principle 2: God determines the rise and fall of every power.