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INSANITY BRINGS INSIGHT
(Daniel
4)
…Everyone who knows
the Lord as Savior has a __testimony__, or a story of how God called them
and brought them unto Himself. Each one of our stories is different. Our text
today is just that, it is the king’s testimony of God’s dealing with him.
…This
chapter is actually an official Babylonian document which was published so the
whole world would know the story of how God brought a
__proud__
man low. These are his own words.
…This
text reminds us that God is sovereign, Who alone causes the rise and fall of
rulers.
THREE
OBSERVATIONS OF THE KING’S DREAM REMINDING US THAT GOD IS GREAT, AND WE ARE NOT.
I.
THE DREAM
IS RECEIVED BY THE KING. (VV1-18)
…This is
another example of the mercy of God who
__warns__
us of coming judgment.
A.
It is obvious
that this chapter is written after all the events mentioned within took place.
1-3
1.
The
decree opens and closes with __praise__
to the Lord. Vv2,3,34, 35, 37
2.
This
decree is issued as a testimonial of God’s work in the king’s life. 2
B.
The King had a
dream and it __terrified__
him.
(vv4-18)
1.
He had
been at home surrounded by security and prosperity. (false security)
2.
His
dream was of a great tree…that was __cut__
down…
3.
The
scholars of Babylon could not tell the meaning of it. 7 (Bankrupt)
4.
So
Daniel, the head scholar, hears the dream. 8 “…cut down the tree.”
II.
THE DREAM IS CAUTIOUSLY
REVEALED TO THE KING. (VV19-27)
…This
reminds all of us that sooner or later God
__judges__
sin.
A. This
dream devastated Daniel. 19
1.
He felt the
great __burden__
of the message and still delivered God’s Word of coming judgment to the king
2.
He
approached with tact and gave the king hope.
B. God
told the king through the dream that he would
__lose__
his kingdom for seven years, that God would reduce him to the likes of a
__wild__
animal. He would go insane, until he recognized the Lord God as the only
Sovereign Who rules in the heavens and on the earth.
1.
The
king would finally receive back his kingdom from the Lord. 26
2.
His
great sin is __PRIDE__.
He thought higher of himself than he should have.
3.
Babylon
was a great city…
C.
Daniel urges
the king to repent, thereby turning back the judgment of God. 27 (Ninevah)
III.
THE DREAM IS REALIZED…IT
REALLY HAPPENED. (VV28-37)
…This
reminds us that God’s Word is absolutely
__sure__,
count on it.
A.
It happened.
Yet, God had given the king a whole year to consider his warning and to turn
from his sin. But he did not heed God’s warning. 29
…He
became even
__more__
proud of his achievements. 30
B.
The day of
judgment fell and the king instantly became animal-like. 33
…when
God wants to humble a proud person, He can do it
__quickly__
and thoroughly.
…Daniel
took care of the affairs of state for the seven year period.
C. Nebuchadnezzar
was converted. 34 A huge change in this man. There always is. Now this king
is continually praising and honoring the Lord. 37 These are fruits of
regeneration.
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. God
hates the sin of pride. God will deal with us if we think
__more__
of ourselves than we ought.
2. The
Lord mercifully
__warns__
us of coming judgment. Let’s heed His words and be ready for it.
3. We
too must be faithful to tell others God’s message of judgment. Don’t
__change__
the message…
4. Don’t
ever underestimate your godly
__influence__
upon those near you, help those come to the Lord.
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