Daniel 7-8
“Hope”
1. Advent in a Dark World
📖 Read: Daniel 7:1–7; 8:1–8
Advent is countercultural. It calls us to wait—not wishfully, not sentimentally—but with real, defiant hope. Like Daniel, who saw chaos, violence, and oppressive kingdoms, we are reminded that darkness is real—but God’s promise shines brightest then.
Key Insight:
Hope isn’t denial of darkness; it is confidence in God’s ultimate victory.
Discussion Questions:
• Where do you feel the “darkness” of the world most?
• How does Daniel’s vision help you see that evil is temporary?
• What helps you hold onto hope when life feels heavy?
2. Understanding the Beasts: God’s Sovereignty Over History
📖 Read: Daniel 7:8, 16; 8:19–22
The beasts represent real kingdoms—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome—and the future anti-Christ. God gives these visions so His people understand that nothing escapes His sovereign plan.
Key Insight:
God’s sovereignty is evident even in history’s chaos; no power can overturn His plan.
Discussion Questions:
• How does knowing God controls history shape how you view current events?
• Where might you be tempted to despair because of “beasts” in your life?
• How can this vision shape your prayer and action?
3. Evil Is Real—But Not Lasting
📖 Read: Daniel 7:20–25; Revelation 13:5–6
Daniel does not sugarcoat evil—oppression, blasphemy, and attacks on the saints are real. But suffering, hostility, and sin are temporary. God’s judgment is coming.
Key Insight:
Evil is temporary; God’s judgment is sure.
Discussion Questions:
• Where do you see the weight of evil in your life?
• How does God’s promise of judgment give you courage?
• How do we distinguish suffering for righteousness vs. sin?
4. The God Who Judges and Saves
📖 Read: Daniel 7:9–11, 13–14; 8:25b
Daniel’s visions culminate in God’s throne room. Fire, judgment, and ultimate victory over every beast point to the Son of Man—Jesus. God reigns supreme, ensuring justice and hope.
Key Insight:
Confidence rests not in escaping trials, but in the One who reigns supreme.
Discussion Questions:
• How does Jesus as “Son of Man” encourage you in trials?
• How does God’s victory shape your view of waiting and hope?
• How can we live in the tension of “now” and “not yet”?
5. Waiting for the Coronation, Not Just Rescue
📖 Read: Daniel 7:12, 18, 27; Daniel 8:27
Advent reminds us that we wait for Christ’s coronation—not just rescue. Waiting is active: lament, serve, endure, and remain faithful in exile. Like Daniel, we may feel overcome, but God calls us to rise and go about His work.
Key Insight:
Faithfulness now is rooted in the hope of God’s future reign.
Discussion Questions:
• How do you practice faithful waiting in daily life?
• Where do you struggle to trust God’s timing?
• What helps sustain hope and perseverance?
6. A Call to Advent Hope
📖 Read: Luke 2:1–20
Advent begins small—a baby in a manger—but points to Christ’s ultimate triumph over chaos, sin, and death. Waiting for Jesus means living faithfully in the tension of present darkness and promised light.
Key Insight:
Advent hope is humble and heroic: patience, courage, and trust in Christ.
Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to “wait with hope” this Advent?
• How does Christ’s first coming encourage perseverance in trials?
• How can you participate in God’s kingdom while anticipating His full reign?
🙏 Prayer Prompts
Confession:
“Lord, show me where I’ve lost hope or failed to trust Your sovereignty.”
Courage:
“Give me strength to endure trials and remain faithful while I wait.”
Perseverance:
“Help me go about Your work faithfully, even when weary or discouraged.”
Hope:
“Fix my eyes on the unshakable kingdom of Christ, and help me live in confident expectation of His return.”