Difference between revisions of "Daniel 4:28-37 Dare to be Humble"
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| − | One commentator noted that the events here occurred 12 months after the warning. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar managed to reform his ways for 12 months. We don't really know but what we do know is that Nebuchadnezzar found himself profoundly tempted while walking on the roof of his royal palace. | + | One commentator noted that the events here occurred 12 months after the warning. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar managed to reform his ways for 12 months. We don't really know but what we do know is that Nebuchadnezzar found himself profoundly tempted while walking on the roof of his royal palace. Some commentators have suggested this may have been the famous hanging gardens of Babylon. In my opinion, it is likely that at least Nebuchadnezzar was on the roof of a palace that overlooked the gardens. The hanging gardens were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. |
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| + | The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were an extraordinary feat of engineering and a testament to the grandeur of ancient Babylonian civilization. The gardens were believed to have been built by Nebuchadnezzar for his homesick wife Amytis of Media, the gardens were a marvel of lush greenery and vibrant flora suspended high above the ground. The gardens were a series of terraced platforms, each tier supported by intricate stone columns and walls. The ingenious irrigation system, drawing water from the Euphrates River, played a crucial role in sustaining the vibrant vegetation in this arid region. The cascading terraces gave the illusion of a mountain of greenery in the heart of the city, creating a surreal and breathtaking sight that captivated the imaginations of ancient onlookers. | ||
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| + | The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were not only an architectural triumph but also a symbol of opulence and luxury. The terraced levels were adorned with an array of exotic plants and trees, showcasing a diverse botanical collection that attracted admiration from visitors far and wide. The gardens provided a serene and enchanting retreat for the Babylonian royalty, a verdant oasis amidst the bustling city. | ||
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===There is a natural human tendency to highly value human creations (30a).=== | ===There is a natural human tendency to highly value human creations (30a).=== | ||
Revision as of 20:11, 8 January 2024
Theological Proposition/Focus: Everything good comes from God!
Homiletical Proposition/Application: We must always remember that everything good comes from God!
Introduction:
Image:
Need:
Subject:
Preview: Today we are going to see that we must be wary of our natural tendency to over-emphasize the self by placing the emphasis instead on God and rooting our humility in a proper theology.
Text: Daniel 4:28-37 following main points.
Setting the Stage:
Body
Be wary of the natural human tendency to over-emphasize self (28-30).
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
One commentator noted that the events here occurred 12 months after the warning. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar managed to reform his ways for 12 months. We don't really know but what we do know is that Nebuchadnezzar found himself profoundly tempted while walking on the roof of his royal palace. Some commentators have suggested this may have been the famous hanging gardens of Babylon. In my opinion, it is likely that at least Nebuchadnezzar was on the roof of a palace that overlooked the gardens. The hanging gardens were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were an extraordinary feat of engineering and a testament to the grandeur of ancient Babylonian civilization. The gardens were believed to have been built by Nebuchadnezzar for his homesick wife Amytis of Media, the gardens were a marvel of lush greenery and vibrant flora suspended high above the ground. The gardens were a series of terraced platforms, each tier supported by intricate stone columns and walls. The ingenious irrigation system, drawing water from the Euphrates River, played a crucial role in sustaining the vibrant vegetation in this arid region. The cascading terraces gave the illusion of a mountain of greenery in the heart of the city, creating a surreal and breathtaking sight that captivated the imaginations of ancient onlookers.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were not only an architectural triumph but also a symbol of opulence and luxury. The terraced levels were adorned with an array of exotic plants and trees, showcasing a diverse botanical collection that attracted admiration from visitors far and wide. The gardens provided a serene and enchanting retreat for the Babylonian royalty, a verdant oasis amidst the bustling city.
There is a natural human tendency to highly value human creations (30a).
There is a natural human tendency to take the credit (30b).
There is a natural human tendency to think too highly of oneself (30c).
Image:
MTR: Ask yourself, "where do I over-emphasize myself?"
The remedy for our natural tendency is an emphasis on God (31-33).
31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
God has the power to grant and take authority from any human (31).
God is the one who is truly sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth (32).
God, not humanism, is the only reason we are more than dumb beasts (33).
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MTR: Take a second right here to pray and acknowledge God's work in your life.
True humility is rooted in your theology (34-37).
34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
