Apr. 28, 2024

Key Sermon Points:

1. Not to be prideful
   1. Nebuchadnezzar was boasting about his accomplishments
   2. We should never forget where the accomplishments actually came from or who is in charge
   3. Watch what we say about others because words are powerful
   4. The king boasted in himself and took credit for everything...when he did nothing...God is the One who put him in power and allowed him to build Babylon
   5. Pride allows us to do things independently of God
   6. Anytime we do things without seeking God first means we are being prideful
   7. When God's presence is welcomed there is room for no pride because he makes us aware of our true self
   8. God hates pride because it reminds him of the devil (Isaiah 14:12-15; Proverbs 6:16-19; Proverbs 8:13)
   9. King Nebuchadnezzar consider Babylon his personal possession
   10. We are just stewards of what we have
   11. King Nebuchadnezzar ignored God's counsel (Daniel 4:27)
   12. When God is speaking through someone, that walks with him, to give us advice...we need to take the advice (Proverbs 11:14)
   13. We must listen and be obedient to the Lord
   14. We must submit to the power of God
2. God's judgment came upon the king
   1. God is sovereign
   2. Even though the king had to spend seven years in the field, there was still restoration
   3. God gave Nebuchadnezzar a period of 12 months of grace to turn back to him before God's judgment was given
   4. God's grace leaves no room for self-righteousness and should lead us to serve others with love
   5. Although God does not punish us immediately for our sins, but his judgment is certain and his judgment is fair and just (Revelations 20:11-15; Romans 2:3)
   6. Even though God placed judgment upon the king, God still kept his kingdom for 7 years
   7. God still sustains us even in our mess
   8. God gives the opportunity for repentance and restoration
3. God will restore us when we look up to Him
   1. All that Nebuchadnezzar had to do was to look up to God
   2. God knew his heart and restored him
   3. Restoration is a gift from God
   4. For those that honor God, God will honor them
   5. God is a shield (Psalm 3:3)
   6. God will lift our heads (Psalm 121)