Series: The Book Of Daniel — Integrity

Message Outline

Series Message 4:
The Humbling of Pride
Text: Daniel 4:1-37

Themes:
This series will be another amazing encounter with God's Word! May we be transformed as we fully enter into the profound and relevant themes and truths presented through the life and book of Daniel:

1. God's sovereignty over world events and kingdoms will thrill us.
2. God's reliability, even when appearances seem otherwise, will amaze us.
3. Powerful stories of real faith under pressure will encourage us.
4. Detailed prophecies already fulfilled will reveal a great God who loves us.
5. Daniel's trust of God and confidence with men is a model of integrity that will inspire us.

Today's Outline

Introduction

This week, we study another memorable episode in the lives of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar. In the King's second major dream of the book of Daniel, we see the Lord's awesome power, jealousy, and justice at work. God thoroughly humbles the prideful King, the world's most powerful man. But we also see His grace and mercy at work, as he restores the repentant King to his throne. It is a story that should connect with each of us in a very profound way, because it is an object lesson in the basic human tendency that began in the Garden of Eden long ago as Satan tempted our ancestors to think they could be "like God".

Human pride is a challenging subject, and practically, it is the root of all sin. C.S. Lewis said of pride: “There is no fault of which we are more unconscious in ourselves, and probably conscious of in others, because pride by its very nature is deceitful.” Recognizing and overcoming pride is a major part of spiritual growth and maturity. King Nebuchadnezzar is the Bible 89 times, a famous King to teach us important lessons. May we learn the lessons he learned, without the humiliation and time he wasted, by resolving now to address our pride and also to seek God's healing from it!

1. The King's dream interpreted: Daniel's warning (vv. 4 - 27)

• this story takes place some 30-35 years after the statue/furnace story
• the King's astrologers once again fail: or do they issue a protective lie out of fear?
• Daniel once again steps in - with loyal compassion and unvarnished truth
• a loss of mind awaits the King unless he surrenders (see Luke 19:26)
• Daniel speaks the truth in love to this stubborn and prideful King (see Ephesians 4:15)
• God's universal call to mankind - repent and renounce sin (vv. 26-27)

2. The fulfillment of the dream: Pride humbled (vv. 28 - 33)

• The King "walks the roof" - primed to get into trouble (see
  2 Samuel 11:2)
• His pride gets the best of him, and his true motives are exposed
• the ever-patient judgment of heaven comes - in authority and gentleness
• God seeks and deserves our unconditional surrender (Hebrews 11:6)
• He also always lifts a truly contrite heart (Isaiah 57:15, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6)

3. The King transformed: Transparent Worshiper (vv. 1 - 3, 34 - 37)

• This entire chapter is a personal testimony of worship to God written by the King
• Nebuchadnezzar opens and closes with worship to the Most High God
• While some disagree, this is worship in spirit and in truth of who God really is
• He willingly reveals his weakness to encourage others – transparency
• He tells his "God story" and God honors it by including it in the Bible!
• The only real cure for pride is the Gospel - and central to the Gospel is the humble example of our God-Man Jesus (Philippians 2:1-11)

Study Questions for group discussion:

1. What do you think of the quote by C.S. Lewis?

2. It has been said that pride deceives - it leads us to think more highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3) and blinds us from seeing and acting out of my true dependence on Him (Philippians 2:1-11). Can you give an example of when this is/was true in your life?

3. Have you ever experienced God humbling you? What happened?

4. Have you experienced God "lifting you up" after a time of humbling. Please share an example.

5. How do you feel about sharing these weaker aspects of who you are? What happens inside you? How could your small group or your closest friends make this easier and more helpful to you?

6. Have you ever given your "God story" publicly? Perhaps you might ask someone in the group who has to explain how they do this - and if someone has a "3 minute" version, perhaps they would share it. You may want to prepare your story so that you are ready for God to call on you!

Resources for further study and prayer:

1. Humility, by Andrew Murray.

Here is a great prayer from the book: Lord, out of Your great goodness, would You make known to me - and take from my heart - every bit of pride, whether from evil spirits or my own corrupt nature; and awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of that humility of Jesus which can make me available for the work of Your Light and Your Holy Spirit? (Philippians 2:1-11).

2. How to recognize and overcome the sin of pride, a brief "starter" study by Pastor Denis

3. How to share our weaknesses with others: Two wonderful 3-minute videos by Dr. Henry Cloud

4. How to share our "God story" with others from Bill Bright.