Sermon Date: Feb. 9 & 10 Sermon Title: Politically Fit Sermon Text: Daniel 4&6
Introduction
Discussion
Application
In the book of Daniel, (chapter 4 and 6) we see a great contrast between King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel. Daniel’s life is focused on being humble before God, whereas King Nubucahdnezzar tries to constantly put himself in place of God. In chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar has yet another disturbing dream. Only this time, when Daniel reveals its meaning it cuts straight to the heart of Nebuchadnezzar’s problem, “Renounce your sins by doing what is right and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue” Daniel 4:27. One year later, Nebuchadnezzar still hadn’t changed; his heart was prideful and arrogant (verse 30). And as a result in verse 37, God humbles him. In chapter 6, Daniel is now serving under a different king, Darius. Scholars believe that during this time, Daniel was around 80 years old. And even in his older age, Daniel proves to continue to be faithful. Even when the law forbade him to pray, he still sought God above everything else. Even when he was thrown in a den of lions, he still trusted God and God showed him His saving power. Overall, when we compare King Nebuchadnezzar’s choices to Daniel’s choices, we can conclude that pride will go before the fall but faithfulness will guard you through it all. 1. Review Daniel 4:24-27. Share of a time when God used a humbling circumstance to get your attention or the attention of someone you know? 2. King Nebuchadnezzar received a warning of what would happen to him if he didn’t humble himself. However, he was experiencing such great success that he saw no reason to be humble (Daniel 4: 28-37.) How did his success cause him to stumble? When or where do you tend to struggle most with humility? 3. Daniel’s faith is honored by God, but hated amongst his co-workers (Daniel 6:1-12). How did Daniel manage this tension? How would you have responded? 1. Daniel realized that humility before God was the best way to get ahead. How has this challenged the way that you view your own world? 2. Can you think of an area in your life where humility would help to foster a better relationship, mend a hurt, and/or create a better work or living environment? 3. In the stories above, we see Daniel face immense challenges and once again his life is at risk. Daniel decided that his spiritual life was more important than his physical life (Daniel 6:6-12). What spiritual practices can you be more consistent with? And what would that look like? (Prayer, Bible Reflection, Fasting, Worship…etc.)