Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group!  If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you!  We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him!  We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth! 

INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the second meeting of the Fall 2026 Semester for the Called Men’s
Growth Group. We have 10 weeks left this semester; we will meet every Wednesday through November 11, 2026.

Tonight, we are continuing our SOAP Bible study - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and Questions, of the
book of Daniel. Reminder: there are no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend, and you do
not have to have been at a previous meeting to attend tonight.

Our purpose tonight, is to come together, read and study God’s word; we should develop an understanding, grow in
our faith and have a friendly discussion. Keep in mind, we are all in different places in our faith journey; we all come
from various backgrounds and have different points of view. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a believer for 10 seconds,
10-years, or an entire lifetime; everyone is welcome; everyone has a voice and everyone has value. If there are
different points of view, we should not be hostile to one another or feel attacked; it is our various points of view that
adds to the discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in Christ, and we should leave the same -
friends and brothers in Christ.

We need to remember – often there is no clear right or wrong answer; there is only interpretation of scripture. Biblical
scholars don’t even agree all the time; ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

Reminder: Sometimes we are the only Bible people will ever read. So, we need represent Christ well in all situations.
/// Go around the room and have people introduce themselves. ///

BACKGROUND, HISTORY AND AUDIENCE:

The Book of Daniel stands out in the Old Testament as a unique combination of stories and visions. Written partly in
Hebrew and partly in Aramaic, it captures the tension of God's people living as exiled minorities in a hostile, pagan
empire.
It is also a survival manual for believers living as a minority in a secular culture. Written in a blend of court narrative
and visions, the Book shows how God remains sovereign even when His people are living under pagan rule.

1. Historical Setting: The Babylonian Exile
The book begins in 605 BC, during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon besieged
Jerusalem. Rather than destroying the city immediately, Nebuchadnezzar took the young men of noble and royal
families back to Babylon. The goal was forced assimilation: strip them of their culture, rename them after pagan gods,
re-educate them in Babylonian literature and science, and deploy them into royal service.
Daniel (renamed Belteshazzar) and his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (renamed Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego)—were swept into this system as teenagers and subjected to a three-year Babylonian re-education
program designed to strip them of their Jewish identity and assimilate them into pagan service.

Daniel served faithfully through the rise and fall of two world empires: the Babylonian Empire (under Nebuchadnezzar
and Belshazzar) and the Medo-Persian Empire (under Darius and Cyrus).

2. Structural Overview: Two Distinct Halves, The book splits cleanly into two major sections across 12 chapters:
Chapters 1–6: Court Narratives -- Daniel and his friends standing firm under pressure in Babylon and Persia (Fiery Furnace, Lion's Den, Writing on the Wall).

Chapters 7–12: Apocalyptic Visions -- Symbolic visions granted directly to Daniel, predicting the rise and fall of world empires and God's final victory.

The Book of Daniel speaks to two distinct audiences—the immediate historical readers and future generations:
1. Jewish Exiles in Babylon and Persia (6th Century BC):
The primary audience consisted of God’s displaced people living in captivity. Stripped of their land, the Temple,
and political independence, many Jews wondered if the pagan gods of Babylon had defeated the God of Israel.
Daniel was written to reassure them that God had not lost control.

2. Believers Facing Cultural & Political Pressure, The bilingual structure of the book highlights its dual audience:
The Two Languages: Uniquely, Daniel was written in both Aramaic, and Hebrew.
o Aramaic Section (Chapters 2–7): Written in the common trade language of the empire to declare
God’s ultimate authority to the gentile nations and surrounding cultures. , making it readable to the
broader ancient world.
o Hebrew Sections (Chapters 1 & 8–12): Written specifically for the Jewish people to provide comfort,
hope, and prophetic clarity about the future.

3. Timeline of Empires
Daniel lived a remarkably long life, serving through the fall of the Babylonian Empire and into the rise of the Medo-
Persian Empire.

• 605 BC: Deportation to Babylon, Reign of Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel is taken captive to Babylon as a teenager

and enters royal service (Daniel 1).

• 539 BC: Fall of Babylon, Reign of Belshazzar - Babylon falls in a single night after the "handwriting on the wall"

judgment (Daniel 5).

• 539–536 BC: Medo-Persian Rule, Reign of Darius & Cyrus - Persia takes over; Daniel serves under King Darius

and experiences the lions' den (Daniel 6).

4. Core Purpose and Takeaways
For a reader navigating the text today, the Book of Daniel delivers three primary themes:
1. Uncompromising Integrity: Showing how to draw a line in the sand or establishing a boundary on convictions
while maintaining respect and excellence in work (Daniel 1 & 6).
2. The Limits of Human Power: Kings, presidents, and empires think they hold ultimate power, but God sets
boundaries on every earthly ruler (Daniel 4).
3. The Coming Kingdom: The visions in the second half point forward to an eternal kingdom established by
"someone like a Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13–14)—a prophecy Jesus directly applied to Himself in the Gospels.

5. Major Themes in Daniel
The Book of Daniel serves as the apocalyptic anchor of the Old Testament, bridging ancient Near Eastern history with
end-times prophecy. The book is structured around five major visions and prophetic dreams that outline the rise and
fall of world empires, the arrival of the Messiah, and the ultimate establishment of God's everlasting kingdom.
A. The Sovereignty of God Over World Empires
The dominant theme throughout the book is that human kingdoms, no matter how powerful, are temporary. God
determines who rises and falls.

B. Faithfulness in Culture (Uncompromising Integrity)
Daniel and his friends demonstrate how to live faithfully under hostile pagan rule without compromising core
convictions, whether refusing non-kosher royal food (Ch. 1), refusing to bow to an idol (Ch. 3), or continuing daily
prayer despite a royal decree (Ch. 6).

C. The Coming Eternal Kingdom
Daniel's visions introduce the foundational Old Testament imagery of the "Son of Man"—a messianic figure who
receives an everlasting kingdom from God (the Ancient of Days). Jesus frequently used this exact title ("Son of
Man") for Himself in the Gospels.

PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, you want us to go to you in prayer in all things. In our misery and sorrow; in our delight and joy. Lord,
please remind us to honor you and represent you well in all things. – Amen

Scripture - Read:  Daniel Chapter 2 (49 verses)

Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Daniel Chapter 2
In Daniel chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream .The king demands that his advisers not only interpret
the dream but describe it without being told what the dream was. Daniel and his friends turn to God in desperate
prayer. God reveals the mystery: a preview of human empires destined to crumble before an indestructible Godly
kingdom.
"During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed; no one will
ever conquer it. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever." — Daniel 2:44

1. The Impossible Demand (Daniel 2:1–11) Nebuchadnezzar commands his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and
astrologers to tell him what he dreamed, not just the interpretation, but what the actual dream was - threatening
execution if they fail. The astrologers answer in verse 11: "No one on earth can tell the king his dream! No king... has
ever asked such a thing... only the gods can do that, and they don't live here among people."

• Question: The Babylonian advisers admitted that human systems and pagan gods have limits. Do we look to

self-reliance first, or do we turn to God in prayer for answers? What can we do to remind ourselves and
encourage others to turn to God first?

2. A Response of Wisdom and Composure (Daniel 2:12–16) When the furious king orders the execution of all the wise
men in Babylon—including Daniel and his companions—Daniel responds to Arioch, the commander of the king's guard,
with "tact and discretion." He then boldly asks the king for time to discover the dream.

• Question: How do you react when put in unfair, high-pressure, or life-threatening situations? What can we

learn from Daniel's composure and disciplined communication in the face of sudden panic?

3. The Power of United, Desperate Prayer (Daniel 2:17–19) Daniel goes home and explains the situation to Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), urging them to "ask the God of heaven to show them his
mercy by telling them the secret." God reveals the secret to Daniel in a vision that night.

• Question: Why was Daniel's instinct to gather trusted, faithful friends for prayer rather than trying to figure

out a solution alone? Who are the people in your life you can call on for immediate, focused prayer in
moments of crisis?

4. Praising the Sovereign God (Daniel 2:20–23) Before running to the king, Daniel stops to praise God with a prayer
declaring: "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world
events; he removes kings and sets up other kings."

• Question: Why is it crucial to thank and praise God before moving forward into prayer? How does knowing

God controls world events and political leaders help calm our anxiety about cultural and global instability?

5. Deflecting Glory to God Alone (Daniel 2:24–30) When brought before the king, Daniel explicitly rejects taking credit
for uncovering the mystery. Verse 28 states: "There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King
Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future." He adds in verse 30 that the secret was revealed not because he is
wiser than anyone else.

• Question: When God gives you insight, success, or professional victory, how tempting is it to accept the credit?

What practical habits help ensure God receives the glory for our achievements and abilities?

6. The Colossus: A Picture of Human Pride (Daniel 2:31–33, 36–43) Nebuchadnezzar’s dream featured a massive,
dazzling, and terrifying statue made of four metals of decreasing value but increasing strength: a head of gold
(Babylon), chest and arms of silver (Medo-Persia), belly and thighs of bronze (Greece), and legs of iron with feet of iron
mixed with clay (Rome and divided successor powers).

• Question: The statue depicts human empire as glittering and imposing from the outside, yet its foundation

ends in brittle clay mixed with iron. Why are worldly achievements, systems, and empires inherently fragile
despite their impressive appearance?

7. The Supernatural Rock (Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45) Daniel describes a supernatural stone "crushed from a mountain,
but not by human hands." It strikes the statue on its feet of iron and clay, pulverizing the entire structure until it blows
away like chaff on a threshing floor. The stone then grows into a huge mountain that fills the whole earth.

• Question: Verse 44 declares that God’s kingdom will "never be destroyed; no one will ever conquer it." What

does it mean for your daily peace of mind that Jesus and His kingdom are an unbreakable rock that outlasts
every earthly power?

8. The Pagan King’s Acknowledgment (Daniel 2:46–47) After hearing the dream and its interpretation,
Nebuchadnezzar exclaims: "Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries."

• Question: Nebuchadnezzar was struck by God's supernatural revelation, though his heart was not yet fully

converted to worship of Yahweh. How can consistent integrity and reliance on God cause non-believers around
us to acknowledge God's reality?

9. Remembering Your Teammates (Daniel 2:48–49) The king places Daniel in a high position, showers him with gifts,
and makes him ruler over the whole province of Babylon. In response, Daniel immediately makes a request to the king
to appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province while Daniel remains at the royal court.

• Question: When Daniel is promoted, he ensures his brothers are honored and positioned alongside him. How

can we actively look out for, elevate, and support our Christian brothers and sisters when we experience
career growth or open doors?

Supporting Scripture to Review: (Discuss Among the Group)
1. On God as the Only Revealer of Hidden Mysteries -- Deuteronomy 29:29 "The Lord our God has secrets known to
no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed
to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions."

• Connection: Connects directly to Daniel 2:22 and 2:28, where Daniel confesses that human astrologers are

powerless, but there is a God in heaven who uncovers deep and secret things.

2. On Praying in Agreement with Believers -- Matthew 18:19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth
concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you."

• Connection: Mirrors Daniel 2:17–18, where Daniel gathers Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to plead for mercy

from the God of heaven to reveal the king's secret.

3. On God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Earthly Rulers -- Proverbs 21:1 "The king’s heart is like a stream of water in
the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases."

• Connection: Aligns with Daniel’s praise in Daniel 2:21, declaring that God controls the course of world events,

removing kings and establishing new ones according to His sovereign plan.

4. On Giving God Sole Credit for Wisdom -- Jeremiah 9:23–24 "This is what the Lord says: 'Don’t let the wise boast in
their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast
should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord...'"

• Connection: Reinforces Daniel 2:30, where Daniel clarifies to Nebuchadnezzar that the mystery was made

known not because Daniel was wiser than any other living person, but so God would be revealed.

5. On Christ as the Supernatural Cornerstone -- Isaiah 28:16 "Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'Look! I
am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build
on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.'"

• Connection: Previews the "rock cut without human hands" in Daniel 2:34–35, which shatters the fragile

kingdoms of man and becomes a massive, unshakable mountain.

6. On the Rock That Crushes All Opposition -- Luke 20:17–18 "Jesus looked at them and said, 'Then what does this
Scripture mean? "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." Everyone who stumbles over
that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.'"

• Connection: Jesus directly alludes to the imagery of Daniel 2:44–45, describing Himself as the stone that

shatters worldly opposition and human rebellion into dust.

7. On the Everlasting, Unshakable Kingdom -- Hebrews 12:28 "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable,
let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe."

• Connection: Directly echoes Daniel 2:44, which prophesies that the God of heaven will establish a kingdom

that will never be destroyed or conquered by another power.

8. On Earthly Empires Blowing Away Like Chaff -- Psalm 1:4 "But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff,
scattered by the wind."

• Connection: Matches Daniel 2:35, where the pulverized metals of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay blow away

in the wind like chaff on a summer threshing floor, leaving no trace behind.

9. On Believers Elevating and Supporting One Another -- Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 "Two people are better off than one,
for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls
alone is in real trouble."

• Connection: Aligns with Daniel 2:49, where Daniel, immediately upon being promoted by King

Nebuchadnezzar, uses his influence to ensure his faithful prayer partners are appointed to oversee the
province of Babylon.

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Other questions to explore:

• What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
• What and where is this happening?
  • What makes what was happening meaningful?
  • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
• Who is involved?
  • How do they respond to God?
  • What character traits do you notice about them?
  • What is the significance of their involvement?
• What do you think is the key message?
• Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
• Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
• Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

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• Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and

research.

• Biggest takeaway?

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Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens- true-images-revolution/
4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
7. https://www.jeremiahstudybible.com/Daniel/

August 2026:
_X_ 001, 08/26 Daniel, Introduction, Chapter 1
September 2026:
_X _ 002, 09/02 Daniel, Chapter 2
_ _ 003, 09/09 Daniel, Chapter 3
_ _ 004, 09/16 Daniel, Chapter 4
_ _ 005, 06/23 Daniel, Chapter 5
_ _ 006, 06/30 Daniel, Chapter 6
October 2026:
_ _ 007, 10/07 Daniel, Chapter 7
_ _ 008, 10/14 Daniel, Chapter 8
_ _ 009, 10/21 Daniel, Chapter 9
_ _ 010, 10/28 Daniel, Chapter 10
November 2026:
_ _ 011, 11/04 Daniel, Chapter 11
_ _ 012, 11/11 Daniel, Chapter 12*