Dreams and Destiny P2 - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

King Nebuchadnezzar had seen the eternal God’s miraculous signs and wonders. And
yet, he refused to follow God Almighty. This king took credit for his empire and believed he was above God. Everyone is tempted with pride, and comparing one’s self to others is how pride is cultivated over time. Pride can then give you a false sense of security and superiority. But pride always leads to a fall. You can combat pride by developing a healthy self perception, by learning to serve others because they deserve to be loved just like you. Pride destroys, so stop comparing yourself to others and heed God’s warnings. And when we live out our Christian faith, we become influencers for Christ—like Daniel. Don’t take seven years to repent from pride and refusing to admit mistakes. Instead, respect God and give Him praise and all the glory. For God is able to humble the proud and restore the humble.

1. Can you remember a vivid dream that you could briefly share with the group? Was
   there something about it that scared you?
   

2. Can you share a really humbling event that you experienced with the group?

Consider This

“The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished.” And, “Pride goes before
destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:5, 18). “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6b).

1. What is pride, and why does God hate it?
   

2. Impressed with his statue dream of chapter two, Nebuchadnezzar erected the golden
   statue of chapter three. Are you tempted to make an idol to yourself as
   Nebuchadnezzar did? How?
   

3. List some ways pride is demonstrated in other people’s life? How about in your life? What can you do to change that?
   

4. How has God most recently revealed Himself to you, or warned you?
   

5. “… the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:25c). God’s sovereignty over governments is repeated three times in this chapter (4:17, 25, and 32).
   

   
   a. Why do you think God wants to focus on His sovereignty in this chapter
   rather than on His love?
   
   
   b. What do these verses tell you about the current leaders in our government?
   About the recent election?
   
   
   c. What will be the end of all government leaders if they don’t repent and follow
   God (see verse 37)?
   

6. According to Daniel 4:8-9, 27, how do you think Daniel lived out his faith in God?
   What was the result?
   

7. Review Daniel 4:19-27 and discuss how Daniel broke the bad news to his benefactor, the king. Can you share any takeaways you could use for sharing bad news with a friend?
   

Moving Forward – Application

1. List some times when you ignored what seemed a warning from God about specific sinful behavior? What was the result?
   

2. How many warnings does it take to get you to turn around? Is there a warning you
   could heed this week? How will you turn it around?
   

3. Like Nebuchadnezzar, sometimes we need help to weed through circumstances,
   advice and our conscience to understand the message of warning. Is there a godly
   Christian whom you could ask for wise advice this week?
   

4. How can you pray about God’s warning to you this week?
   “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3a NLT2).
   

5. How long has it been since you talked to a non-Christian about God and your faith? Is there someone you could pray for an opportunity to share with this week?