Cut Down
Sermon Notes
[Daniel 4:1-3] King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you! [2] "I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. [3] How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.
God PURSUES us because He loves us.
[Daniel 4:7-8] When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant. [8] At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)
You can know a lot about God and still not be SURRENDERED to him.
[Daniel 4:25-27] You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. [26] But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules. [27] "'King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.'
God will HUMBLE us if we refuse to HUMBLE ourselves.
[Daniel 4:29-31] Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. [30] As he looked out across the city, he said, 'Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.' [31] "While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, 'O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom.
There is a GOD in heaven and you are NOT Him.
[Daniel 4:34, 37] "After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. [37] "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud."
Pride is a barrier to BLESSING.
[James 4:6b] "God opposes the proud but favors the humble."