SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY – RESTORED IN CHRIST
Understanding the 70th Week: How to Discern the Times We’re Living In
Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
In this message, Chad Everett walks through Daniel 9 and reveals something deeper than just prophecy:
God didn’t just give a timeline—He gave understanding for how to discern the times we’re living in right now.
Part of this prophecy has already been fulfilled exactly as written. But part of it—the 70th week—is still ahead.
That means this isn’t just about what happened.
This is about what is happening—and how you see it.
Students today are surrounded by voices:
social media, culture, opinions, influencers, and constant information.
The question is not: “What is everyone saying?”
The question is: What does God say—and do I see through that lens?
This message challenges you to:
- Build your understanding on Scripture, not culture
- Learn how to discern truth from deception
- Pay attention to what God is doing in the world
- Live with clarity, not confusion
Because this is real:
If God was exact about what has already happened,
He will be exact about what is still to come.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Read → Respond → Reflect
- Open your Bible
- Let Scripture answer the questions
- Be honest with yourself
This is not just about knowing more.
This is about seeing clearly—and living differently.
SECTION 1 — DISCERN TRUTH, NOT NOISE
Focus
Truth comes from God’s Word—not culture.
READ
Daniel 9:20–23, Mark 13:7–8
RESPOND
- What was Daniel doing when God gave him understanding—and what does that show about how clarity comes?
- What does Jesus say “must happen,” and how does that challenge emotional reactions to world events?
- What is the difference between reacting to information and discerning truth?
- Why is it dangerous to build your beliefs on what is popular or trending?
- What habits would actually help you discern truth from deception?
REFLECT
- What voices shape how I think the most right now?
- Do I go to God’s Word first—or everything else first?
- Where have I believed something without checking Scripture?
SECTION 2 — GOD’S TIMELINE IS INTENTIONAL
Focus
God is not reacting—He is revealing.
READ
Daniel 9:24–25
RESPOND
- What did God determine ahead of time—and what does that reveal about His authority?
- What are the clear starting and ending points of the timeline?
- Why does it matter that God gave this before it happened?
- What does this reveal about how God works—randomly or intentionally?
- How should this shape how you view your own life and timing?
REFLECT
- Do I trust God’s timing—or try to control everything?
- Where am I impatient or frustrated with God’s process?
- Do I believe God is intentional with my life?
SECTION 3 — PROPHECY IS MEANT TO WAKE YOU UP
Focus
God reveals the future so you pay attention now.
READ
Daniel 9:26–27
RESPOND
- What does it mean that the Messiah was “cut off”—and why does that matter?
- What part of this prophecy has already been fulfilled?
- What part is still in the future?
- What key event begins the 70th week?
- Why is it important to understand what God says about the future?
REFLECT
- Do I ignore parts of the Bible that feel confusing or uncomfortable?
- Am I paying attention to what God says about what’s coming?
- How should this change how I live right now?
SECTION 4 — CONNECTING SCRIPTURE TO REAL LIFE
Focus
The Bible is not separate from reality—it explains it.
READ
Revelation 13:5, Revelation 11:1–3
RESPOND
- What timeline is described in these verses?
- How do these connect back to Daniel 9?
- What do these passages reveal about what is coming next?
- What does this show about the consistency of Scripture?
- Why should this change how you view current events?
REFLECT
- Do I separate my faith from what’s happening in the world?
- Am I learning to interpret events through Scripture?
- What would it look like to actually live aware of what God is doing?
SECTION 5 — DECEPTION IS REAL
Focus
If you don’t know truth, you will be misled.
READ
Mark 13:5–6, 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4
RESPOND
- What warning does Jesus give about deception?
- Why will people follow what is false?
- What makes deception dangerous?
- How does knowing Scripture protect you?
- What are practical ways to stay grounded in truth?
REFLECT
- Where am I most vulnerable to being misled?
- Do I recognize how subtle deception can be?
- Am I actively growing in knowing God’s Word?
SECTION 6 — LIVE WITH CLARITY, NOT DISTRACTION
Focus
How you live now reflects what you believe about the future.
READ
Mark 13:33–37
RESPOND
- What does Jesus tell believers to do while waiting?
- What is the difference between being aware and being distracted?
- How does Scripture help you stay focused?
- What does it actually look like to “live ready”?
- What habits would help you stay spiritually alert?
REFLECT
- Am I living intentionally—or just going through the motions?
- What distractions are pulling me away from God?
- What needs to change in how I live this week?
PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
Make it real. Don’t just hear it—live it.
This week, track how God is speaking to you.
STEP 1 — GET IN THE WORD
Read: Daniel 9:25
Ask: Do I actually open my Bible on my own?
Do This: Set aside time—even if it’s short—and be consistent
STEP 2 — CHECK YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Read: Mark 13:5
Ask: What voices influence me the most?
Do This: Compare what you hear to Scripture
STEP 3 — SURRENDER CONTROL
Read: John 11:25
Ask: Is Jesus Lord—or am I still in control?
Do This: Give one area of your life to Him
STEP 4 — REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
Read: Mark 13:33
Ask: What is pulling my attention away from God?
Do This: Limit one distraction this week
STEP 5 — PAY ATTENTION
Ask: What is God showing me? Did I respond—or ignore it? What do I need to do next?
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
God declared the future—and it is unfolding exactly as He said.
Jesus came right on time. And He is coming again.
You are called to:
- Know God’s Word
- Discern what is true
- Live with clarity
- Respond when God speaks