This small group discussion guide draws directly from Renew Alliance Church's sermon “Follow-Up Materials - Initial Analysis” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Small Group Discussion Guide
Daniel Chapter 2: God Is in Control — His Kingdom Will Last
Renew Church | Week 2 in the Book of Daniel Series
A Note to Facilitators: Welcome! This guide is designed to help you lead a meaningful conversation, not a lecture. Your job is to ask good questions, listen well, and create space for honest sharing. You don't need to be a Bible expert — just a caring guide. Feel free to adapt questions to fit your group's needs and skip sections if you're running short on time. The most important thing is that people leave feeling connected to God and to each other.
OVERVIEW
For the Facilitator — Read Before Your Meeting
This week's sermon came from Daniel chapter 2, where King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret. Daniel and his friends pray, God reveals the dream and its meaning to Daniel, and Daniel boldly gives God all the credit before the king. The dream itself — a statue made of declining metals, shattered by a divine rock that grows into an eternal mountain — is a picture of human kingdoms rising and falling while God's kingdom alone endures forever.
Pastor Charles drew out three big ideas from this passage:
- You're not in control, but God is. God is sovereign over all things — timing, leaders, outcomes, and even the details of our daily lives.
- Your kingdom won't last, but His will. Every human empire, achievement, and plan is temporary. Only what is built on God's kingdom is eternal.
- Only what is unshaken will remain. When God shakes what can be shaken, what's left standing reveals where we've truly invested our lives.
The sermon's central challenge: Stop looking at Daniel — look at Daniel's God. And then ask yourself, am I building my life on the Rock?
GETTING STARTED
Before Your Group Meets
- Pray for each person in your group by name.
- Read Daniel chapter 2 in full so you're familiar with the story.
- Review this guide and select the questions that best fit your group.
- Print or share this guide digitally so participants can follow along.
- Gather any supplies: Bibles, pens, notebooks.
Suggested Time Breakdown (60–90 minutes total)
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Welcome & Icebreaker | 5–10 min |
| Scripture Reading | 5 min |
| Discussion Questions | 30–45 min |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min |
| Total | 55–85 min |
ICEBREAKER (5–10 minutes)
Start here to warm up the group and get everyone talking before diving into deeper content. There are no wrong answers — just get people comfortable sharing.
Choose one of the following:
Option A (lighter, fun):
"Think about a time when you made a big plan — a trip, a project, a life decision — and things went completely differently than you expected. What happened, and looking back, how do you feel about it now?"
Option B (slightly deeper):
"What's one area of life where you find it hardest to feel like things are 'under control'? It could be work, family, health, finances — anything. You don't have to go into detail, just name it."
[Leader Tip]: Don't rush the icebreaker — it builds trust and warms people up for deeper sharing later. If someone gives a very brief answer, you can simply say, "Thanks for sharing — anyone else?" Avoid pressing people to elaborate if they seem hesitant.
SCRIPTURE READING (5 minutes)
Ask a volunteer to read each passage aloud. You don't need to read all of them — the key passages are marked with ★. Others are provided for reference during discussion.
★ Key Passage 1 — Daniel's Prayer of Praise
Daniel 2:20–22 (CSB)
"May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him. He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him."
★ Key Passage 2 — Daniel Before the King
Daniel 2:27–28 (CSB)
"Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, medium, diviner, or astrologer is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days.'"
★ Key Passage 3 — The Unshakeable Kingdom
Hebrews 12:26–29 (CSB)
"His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' This expression, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that what is not shaken might remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
★ Key Passage 4 — Build on the Rock
Matthew 7:24–27 (CSB)
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it fell — and its collapse was great."
Additional Passages Referenced in the Sermon
(For groups wanting to look these up during discussion)
- Isaiah 46:9–10 — God declares the end from the beginning
- Proverbs 21:1 — The king's heart is in God's hand
- Romans 13:1 — No authority except from God
- Matthew 10:28–31 — Do not fear; you are more valuable than sparrows
- James 4:13–16 — Life is a mist; say "if the Lord wills"
- Psalm 146:3–4 — Do not put your trust in princes
- 1 John 2:17 — The world is passing away, but whoever does God's will abides forever
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (30–45 minutes)
Work through as many questions as time allows. Questions are organized from easier to deeper. Feel free to skip questions or spend more time where your group is most engaged. Questions marked ★ are the most important if you're short on time.
SECTION 1: LOOKING AT THE STORY
Start here to make sure everyone is grounded in what the passage actually says.
1. What part of the Daniel 2 story stood out to you the most — either from Sunday's message or from reading the chapter? Why?
[Leader Tip]: This is a great opening question because it has no wrong answer. It also helps you gauge which parts of the message resonated most with your group, which can guide where you spend your time.
2. Pastor Charles made a distinction between passages that are descriptive (telling us what happened) and passages that are prescriptive (telling us what to do). In your own words, what did he mean by that? Why does it matter for how we read stories like Daniel's?
Background for Facilitators: The point was that we shouldn't read Daniel 2 primarily as a "how-to" guide for getting God to reveal dreams to us. Instead, we should read it as a story that reveals something about who God is — his power, his sovereignty, his faithfulness. There are certainly principles to draw from Daniel's character, but the bigger message is about God, not Daniel.
Follow-up if discussion stalls: "Can you think of another Bible story where we might make this same mistake — turning a 'God story' into a 'be like this person' story?"
SECTION 2: GOD IS IN CONTROL
★ 3. Daniel's prayer in Daniel 2:20–22 says God "removes kings and establishes kings" and "reveals the deep and hidden things." What does this tell us about the kind of God we're dealing with? How does that make you feel — comforted, challenged, or something else?
[Leader Tip]: This question often surfaces a range of emotions. Some people find God's sovereignty deeply comforting; others find it confusing or even frustrating ("If God's in control, why does so much go wrong?"). Both responses are valid and worth exploring. Don't rush to resolve the tension — sit with it together.
Follow-up if discussion stalls: "Is there a difference between believing God is in control and feeling like God is in control? What creates that gap for you?"
4. Pastor Charles shared a personal story about watching his son eat dinner and suddenly realizing, "I am in control of nothing." Have you ever had a moment like that — where you were reminded how little control you actually have? What was that like?
★ 5. Romans 13:1 says, "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Pastor Charles applied this to political leaders, saying we shouldn't be "ringing our hands" regardless of who's in office. How do you personally wrestle with the tension between trusting God's sovereignty and caring deeply about what happens in the world around you?
[Leader Tip]: This question can get politically charged. Redirect if needed by focusing on the theological principle — God's sovereignty over all authorities — rather than specific political opinions. A helpful reframe: "Regardless of where we land politically, what does it look like practically to trust God's sovereignty in this area?"
SECTION 3: YOUR KINGDOM WON'T LAST, BUT HIS WILL
★ 6. The statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represented a series of powerful human kingdoms — all of which eventually crumbled. CS Lewis said, "All that is not eternal is eternally useless." What are some "kingdoms" — things we build, chase, or invest in — that feel very important right now but won't ultimately last?
Follow-up: "Which of those are you most tempted to build your life around?"
7. Pastor Charles suggested there are really only three things that are eternal: God himself, his Word, and his people. He then asked, "Look at your life — your time, your passions, your service, your checkbook. Are you investing in those three things?" How would you honestly answer that question for your own life right now?
[Leader Tip]: This question invites vulnerability and self-reflection. Model openness by sharing your own honest answer before asking others. Avoid making people feel judged — the goal is honest self-examination, not comparison.
8. James 4:13–14 says, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." How does the shortness and uncertainty of life change — or should change — the way we make decisions about our time, money, and priorities?
SECTION 4: ONLY WHAT IS UNSHAKEN WILL REMAIN
★ 9. Hebrews 12:26–29 says God will "shake not only the earth but also the heavens" so that "what cannot be shaken may remain." Pastor Charles closed with the question: "How much of your life is going to fall apart when he shakes it?" Where do you feel most "shaken" right now — and where do you feel most "unshaken"? What's the difference?
10. Jesus said the wise person builds their house on the rock — not just hearing his words, but acting on them. In your current season of life, what would it look like practically to build on the rock? What's one specific area where you know you need to act on what you already know?
[Leader Tip]: This is a great question to end the discussion section because it naturally bridges into the application section. Give people a moment of quiet reflection before asking for responses — some of the best answers come from introverts who need a beat to think.
PERSONAL APPLICATION (10–15 minutes)
These questions are for individual reflection. You can share with the group, write in a journal, or simply sit quietly with them. There's no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable with.
Reflect quietly on these questions. Feel free to jot down your thoughts.
A. What is one area of your life where you are still holding the keys — trying to stay in control rather than surrendering to God? What would it look like to hand that area over to him this week?
B. If you were honest, what "lowercase-k kingdom" are you most tempted to build right now — comfort, success, reputation, security, approval? How is that kingdom competing with God's kingdom in your life?
C. Pastor Charles asked: "Are you investing in God, his word, and his people?" On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your investment in each of those three areas right now? What would it take to move the needle even one point in the area where you're lowest?
D. Daniel's response to an impossible situation was to go home and pray with his friends. What situation in your life right now needs that same response — not more strategy, not more worry, but more prayer?
★ THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one (or more) of the following practical steps to take before your group meets again:
Pray the Daniel prayer: Each morning this week, read Daniel 2:20–22 aloud as a declaration of God's sovereignty over your day. Let it reset your posture from control to trust.
Do an eternal investment audit: Spend 15 minutes looking at your calendar and your recent spending. Ask honestly: What percentage of my time and resources is going toward things that are eternal (God, his Word, his people) versus things that are temporary? Write down one adjustment you want to make.
Surrender one thing: Identify one specific area where you've been holding the keys. Write it down. Pray over it. Tell someone in your group about it so they can pray with you and check in next week.
Memorize one verse: Choose one verse from this week's passages and commit it to memory. Suggested options: Daniel 2:20–21, Hebrews 12:28, or Matthew 7:24.
Invite someone: Following up on Pastor Charles's challenge — pray for one person in your life who doesn't have a church family. Consider inviting them to Renew, especially with the fellowship lunch coming up next Sunday.
PRAYER FOCUS (5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. Use these suggested topics, or let the group share what's on their hearts.
Suggested Prayer Topics
Surrender: Pray for each person in the group to identify one area where they're holding the keys and to experience the courage to hand it to God.
Trust in God's sovereignty: Pray for peace and confidence in God's control — especially for anyone in the group facing uncertainty, fear, or situations that feel out of control.
Eternal perspective: Ask God to help each person see their life, time, and resources through the lens of eternity — to invest wisely in what will last.
Our church and community: Pray for the Renew community — for growth, for the upcoming fellowship lunch, for the June community event, and for those who don't yet know Christ in your neighborhood.
Building on the Rock: Pray that each person's life would be built on the foundation of Jesus — that when the rain comes and the winds blow, their house would stand.
Suggested Prayer Format
If your group is comfortable, try this simple format:
- One person opens with a brief prayer of thanksgiving.
- Share prayer requests — keep them brief (1–2 sentences each).
- Pray in pairs or triads — break into smaller groups of 2–3 to pray for each other's specific requests. This is often less intimidating than praying in a large group.
- One person closes with a prayer over the group.
[Leader Tip]: If your group is new to praying aloud together, normalize it by saying something like: "There's no right or wrong way to pray — just talk to God like you'd talk to a trusted friend. Even a one-sentence prayer counts." You can also offer to close in prayer yourself if no one else volunteers.
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE (For Groups Wanting to Go Further)
Use these questions if your group has extra time, wants to go theologically deeper, or if you want to split them out for a follow-up discussion.
Deep Dive 1 — The Nature of Biblical Prophecy
Daniel 2 contains prophecy — a prediction of future kingdoms that most scholars believe played out over the following centuries (Babylon → Persia → Greece → Rome). Pastor Charles noted that a true prophet's words come true, while a false prophet's don't (Deuteronomy 18:21–22).
"I declare the end from the beginning and from long ago what is not yet done, saying, 'My plan will take place, and I will do all my will.'" — Isaiah 46:10
- What does it mean to you that the Bible contains prophecy that has historically come true? How does that affect your confidence in Scripture?
- What's the difference between trusting biblical prophecy and getting overly focused on predicting specific end-times events? Where's the line?
Deep Dive 2 — God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Pastor Charles said, "In control of nothing doesn't mean do nothing." This points to a classic theological tension: if God is sovereign, why does our effort, prayer, and obedience matter?
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." — Proverbs 16:9
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." — Philippians 2:12–13
- How do you personally hold together God's sovereignty and your own responsibility? Where do you tend to lean — toward passivity ("God's in control, so I'll just wait") or anxiety ("It all depends on me")?
- How did Daniel model this balance in the story? He prayed and he acted — he went before the king. What does that look like in your own situation?
Deep Dive 3 — What Does "God's Kingdom" Actually Mean?
Pastor Charles said the rock in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represents Christ and his kingdom — a kingdom "not made by human hands" that grows until it fills the whole earth.
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever." — Daniel 2:44
- In your understanding, what does it mean to be part of God's kingdom right now, before Jesus returns? What does kingdom living look like in everyday life?
- Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." What does "seeking first" actually look like in your daily decisions — at work, at home, with your money and time?
FACILITATOR RESOURCES
Quick Reference: The Three Main Points
| Point | Core Idea | Key Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| You're not in control, but God is | God is sovereign over all things — timing, leaders, outcomes, and your personal life | Daniel 2:20–22; Isaiah 46:9–10 |
| Your kingdom won't last, but his will | Every human achievement is temporary; only God's kingdom is eternal | Daniel 2:44; 1 John 2:17 |
| Only what is unshaken will remain | God will shake everything that can be shaken; what remains reveals where we've truly invested | Hebrews 12:26–29; Matthew 7:24–27 |
If Your Discussion Gets Quiet
- Rephrase the question in simpler terms: "Another way to ask this might be..."
- Share your own honest answer first to model vulnerability.
- Try a pair-share: "Take 60 seconds to share your thought with the person next to you, then we'll hear from a few people."
- Move to the next question — not every question will land with every group.
- Normalize silence: "It's okay to sit with this one for a moment."
If Your Discussion Gets Off Track
- Gently redirect: "That's a really interesting point — let me bring us back to the main question..."
- Use the text as an anchor: "What does the passage actually say about this?"
- Watch the clock — it's okay to say, "We could spend a whole evening on that! Let's bookmark it and keep moving."
For Groups with New Believers
- Briefly explain any unfamiliar terms (sovereignty, prescriptive vs. descriptive, etc.) before diving in.
- Emphasize that there are no dumb questions — curiosity is welcome.
- Connect the Old Testament story to Jesus early: "This story ultimately points us to Jesus, who is the Rock in the dream."
This guide was prepared for Renew Church small groups based on the sermon "God Is in Control — His Kingdom Will Last" from Daniel chapter 2. For questions about small groups or to get connected, fill out a connect card on Sunday or visit renewallianchurch.com.
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful." — Hebrews 12:28