Friendship:

What are some of the most outrageous interpretations of Bible prophecy that you’ve ever heard? Why do you think it’s so easy to misapply biblical prophecies?

THE SON OF MAN

Read the sermon passage, Daniel 7:9-14. If the LORD is the exalted King how does that establish that the rights of judgment belong to Him alone? What are some markers or details in this passage that show it is a scene of divine judgment? At the end of God’s work to judge, what will be the end results for God and for all who oppose Him?

Knowing what you do of the rest of the Bible, what are some of the most basic causes for judgment? How is pride or unbelief a form of self-enthronement? The sting of adultery for the spouse who is betrayed is in being found insufficient by the spouse who cheats. The adulterer says in effect, “You are not enough for me! I need another lover.” How have you defied the LORD’s rule over you or doubted His sufficiency as if you really need something or someone else to make your life whole? Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to forgive and heal you.

DYING & COMING AGAIN

Read the sermon passage again thinking of the Son of Man as Jesus. Read also Luke 9:18-27. What really was so astounding – given that the Son of Man was exalted as Divine Judge – was that Jesus associated the title “Son of Man” with His crucifixion and resurrection. Why is it significant that Jesus said that He had to die? How does “what has to be done” reveal the depth of damage?
Read Luke 21:25-27 & 22:63-69. In light of what He had to do, what was He willing to do? As the Most High took the lowest place to atone, how does that lead you to hope in His work?

HUMBLES & SECURES HIS PEOPLE

Search through the sermon passage for indicators of how the people in the passage (the thousands and thousands) act – what are they said to do? How does trusting Jesus, the Son of Man who saves, lead you to be full of awe (humble worship)? And how does trusting Jesus lead you to be secure (able to approach the Ancient of Days in Christ)?

Read Daniel 7:18 & Ephesians 1:3-7, 13-14. While the world refuses to serve Jesus, how do they still crave the security that only He can offer? In Christ we possess nothing less than Him, both now & forever! Read Luke 12:31-32. Because it is the Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom what did Jesus imply about our security? Because it is nothing you can earn or achieve, how does this breed humility? Read Hebrews 4:16. Now, obey it! Approach the Lord’s throne with boldness and confidence as you pray for one another.

Prayer:

1. Worship the LORD that He is exalted above all others and that as the King of all existence, He has all ultimate authority. Praise Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that He is good and just.
2. How have you defied His rule over you or doubted His sufficiency as if you really need something or someone else to make your life whole? Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to forgive and heal you.
3. Give thanks to Jesus for His compassion to leave the place of ultimate authority and privilege to take the place of deepest shame and misery on the Cross to save sinners! Thank Him for all that He willingly did.
4. Who do you know that (along with you) struggles with pride or insecurity? Pray for them, asking the Lord to work His Gospel deep into their heart to humble them and also to secure them.
5. Read Luke 12:31-32. Ask the Holy Spirit to calm your insecurities by His rule over all things and circumstances; and to humble your arrogance by the truth that His Kingdom is not anything we have done or earned, but that it is only a gift.