Randy Alcorn's Fourteen Lessons on Prayer from Daniel 9-10

Fourteen Lessons on Prayer from Daniel 9-10

 1. Position yourself for prayer by reading Scripture first.

“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years” (v. 2).

2. Follow Scripture’s lead toward what you should pray for. (If prayer’s the train, make Scripture the rails.)

“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition…” (v. 3)

3. Pray humbly, recognizing your utter unworthiness before an all-holy God.

“…prayer and petition in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” (v. 3)

4. Begin by praising God for His attributes, His greatness and faithfulness. Let God’s character provide the context for prayer, so He’s the center of gravity, not you.

“I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands…’“ (v. 4)

5. Confess your sins, taking full responsibility, without rationalization, spin or self-exemption.

“We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.” (v. 5-6)

6. Permeate prayer with affirmations of God’s amazing grace and your profound gratitude—never asking for what you deserve, but thanking Him that He’s given you infinitely better than you deserve.

“Lord, you are righteous but we are covered with shame…you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you…we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled; we have not obeyed…All Israel has transgressed your Law and turned away, refusing to obey you.” (v. 7-11a)

7. Before bringing your requests, repeatedly affirm God’s worthiness and your unworthiness—never forget who you are, and Who you’re talking to.

“Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the law of Moses…have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you! You have fulfilled the words spoken…by bringing upon us great disaster…just as it is written in the law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us.” (v. 11b-12a)

8. Never blame God for sin, its consequences or for life’s hardships.

“Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD is righteous in everything; yet we have not obeyed him.” (v. 12b-14) 

9. Make requests in light of God’s past acts of faithfulness. Rehearse those acts to God, as demonstrated in Scripture, history, and your own personal and family life.

“Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned and done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem…” (v. 15-16)

10. Pray for God’s sake, His glory, and His reputation, reminding yourself it’s all about Him, not you.

“Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. …O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” (v. 17-19)

11. Pray with a heartfelt recognition of God’s undeserved grace on behalf of you and others.

“We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” (v.18)

12. God hears our prayers and starts responding to them (when we pray with Daniel’s attitude and perspective) before we can see results, and even when we can’t see results at all.

“While I was still in prayer Gabriel the man came to me in swift flight. “I have come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given…which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” (v. 21-23)

13. God deploys angels on missions in response to humble, biblically-based, God-centered prayers.

“I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks…I looked and there was a man…”I have been sent to you”…Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.’“ (10:12)

14. Prayer mobilizes righteous angels, who engage in intense turf warfare against fallen angels, with kingdom claims at stake. Answers to prayer may be hastened or delayed as a result of this warfare.

“But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come [in response to prayer, having been immediately dispatched, but delayed three weeks in warfare]…Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the King of Persia…Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come…No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince…” (10:13-14, 20-21)

Daniel 7-8 Lesson 9

WELCOME Ladies my head has been spinning reading about all these Kingdoms. I will attempt to give you nuggets gathered from a great many sources.

Daniel 7 The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

·                  Kingdoms of Man- Four Beasts

·                  ANCIENT OF DAYS-God the Father

·                  SON OF MAN-Jesus Christ

Daniel had four major prophetic dreams that took place over twenty two years. You will recall the statue from Nebuchadnezzar dream in chapter 2 was interpreted by Daniel. However Daniel’s dreams in chapter 7 and 8 were interpreted by angels.

Chronologically, this dream and the visions occur between chapters four and five. Daniel was about seventy years old and apparently was no longer an active official of Belshazzar’s court.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream shows history from a pagan kings viewpoint in statue of gold, silver, bronze, iron and clay. Men see the kingdoms of the world as the great accomplishment of humanity and power is symbolized by the image. On the other hand, God shows Daniel how He sees kingdoms by the moral character of the rulers. The kingdoms of the world are as wild and brutal beasts which crush and devour humanity.

v.17 Each of the four beasts appears in sequence and represents the kingdoms that correspond to the four parts of that Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. While deterioration in the quality of the kingdoms is depicted in the metals of the image, there is a heightened degree of brutality and corruption depicted in each successive beast.

We can understand the first three beasts with help of our commentary. Out of the sea, there arose three great beasts, followed by the fourth monstrous beast. The book of Revelation sees the beast (the Antichrist) coming out of the sea—that part of the world, which surrounds the Mediterranean Sea. There has been much speculation about the beast. John’s reference to many antichrists meant that many would and have come who powerfully opposed Christ. But rest assured The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men then and now.

The Lion is regal with majestic wings represents Babylon from 605-539 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar-is the lion with eagles wings plucked off to humble him. When he looked up and recognized Daniel’s God, he was allowed to stand erect and was restored with the mind of a man.

The Bear is both the Medes and the Persian kingdom ruling from 539-330 B.C. The Persian is the strongest and their reign lasts longer.

Each animal is mighty, but dominates its prey in a different way. (Strauss)
“The lion devours, the bear crushes, and the leopard springs upon its prey.”

The leopard represents the Greek Empire. Alexander the Great quickly conquered the civilized world by age 28. He died young at age 32.

(Clarke) "Nothing in the history of the world, was equal to the conquests of Alexander, who ran through all the countries from Illyricum and the Adriatic Sea to the Indian Ocean and the River Ganges; and in 12 years subdued part of Europe, and all Asia."

After his death his empire was divided into four parts (four heads) representing, his four generals, who inherited Alexander’s domain after his death.

The fourth beast represents the Roman Empire, which was the largest, strongest, most unified and enduring of them all.

 “There is an unmistakable correspondence between these horns and the ten toes of the dream image (ch. 2), and the mention of iron in the teeth suggests the legs and toes of iron in that image.” (Archer)

Each horn of the fourth beast represents a future king and kingdom. All ten horns are present at once; therefore, they are a ten-kingdom confederacy. Some understand there are two distinct and separate 10 nation alliances being referred to in these scriptures. Prophetically, the time of the fourth beast is not completed. The ten horns may not be the same as the ten toes of Daniel 2:41 and ten horns of Revelation 13:1:

Ladies praise God we don’t have to understand everything in Daniel and Revelation. We know who hold the future and The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

Daniel repeats “I kept looking,” literally (“I was looking” or “I was watching”) an Aramaic phrase 10 times in this chapter, indicating continuation of action. This Daniel’s attention was deeply fixed on the four great beasts and the one like a son of man, coming in the clouds.

God’s Heavenly Kingdom-ANCIENT OF DAYS  We will leave the evil beasts for awhile and focus on God and Jesus our Savior from the coming Tribulation.

Ancient of Days is only used 3 times in scripture referring to God: Daniel 7:9, 13, 22

9"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. This phrase is obviously referring to God; the white garments and white hair stress the eternal character of God the Father.

Isaiah 66:15-16 describe the judgment of God in terms of fire: For behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh; and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

The wheels of fire could represent continuation of His Kingdom. In verse 10 God is holding court surrounded by angels and those to be judged. The books were opened.

The Bible describes several books before God.

· The book of the living (Psalm 69:28)

· The book of remembrance (Malachi 3:16)

· The Book of Life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27 and 22:19)

Sisters we can be assured that our name is in the Book of Life. Our rescue from the Tribulation is secured when Jesus Christ returns to call His children home. Are you ready?

The Message ^26-27 “‘But when the court comes to order, the horn will be stripped of its power and totally destroyed. Then the royal rule and the authority and the glory of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the people of the High God. (not earned but given)Their royal rule will last forever. All other rulers will serve and obey them.’ The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

Son of Man Our memory verse: ¹³         "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.¹⁴ And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Hallelujah

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, identified Christ Jesus as a horn, announcing, “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:69). In other words, the Messiah is a strong and powerful Savior, who is the King of Israel.” I Gordan

Daniel 7:24-25 covers the Tribulation Period (Revelation 6:1-20:3).

MSG 25 Then he (the beast) will blaspheme the High God, persecute the followers of the High God, and try to get rid of sacred worship and moral practice. God’s holy people will be persecuted by him for a time, two times, half a time. This will be explained more in Daniel 12.

NEVER FEAR CHRIST IS COMING.

Verses 26-27 belong to the very end of the Tribulation when Christ comes as the crushing stone and His kingdom, the mountain, fills the whole earth.

“Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, just as they are the chief means of attack and defense for the animals endowed with them. Horns are symbolic of kings and their kingdoms in Scripture.

The Antichrist comes to bring havoc on the earth while Christ comes to restore order to this world. The Son of Man will bring everlasting dominion which will not pass away. We know the end of the book- The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men.

Chapter 8  The Ram and the Goat

Two years later Daniel has another vision. In the ancient manuscripts, the Book of Daniel here resumes using the Hebrew language. The section from Daniel 2:4 to 7:28 was written in Aramaic for the Gentile nations. Starting with the interpretation in v.16 From the conversation we can guess that there is another angel talking:

"Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."

²⁰As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia. ²¹And the goat is the king of Greece.

 The male goat grew very great: The greatness of Alexander's Empire was not only in its vast dominion, but also in its cultural power. Alexander the Great was determined to spread Greek civilization, culture, and language across every land he conquered.

From the human perspective, we think each empire will arise because of war and conquest. In reality, each kingdom exists by the power and authority of heaven.

 As God guided history, He used Alexander's passion to spread Greek culture to prepare the world for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Because of Alexander's influence  Greek became the common language of the civilized world - and the language of the New Testament.

The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

Daniel 8 the Ram and the Goat

Antichrist and Antiochus IV Throughout history people have tried to speculate the identity of the Antichrist: Hitler, Mussolini, even the Pope and other world rulers. I’m believing as long as the church has not been Raptured that he is not here.

²³ …a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. ²⁴ His power shall be great—but not by his own power; (Satan) and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. ²⁵ By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.

Antiochus  Epiphanes is an accurate and dramatic fulfillment of this prophecy in history - so much so that critics insist that the Book of Daniel must have been written after his time.

1 Maccebees 1:10. "And there came out of them a wicked root, Antiochus, and he reigned in 137 year of the kingdom of the Greeks,"

Antiochus IV thought that Judea was in revolt. Raging like a wild animal, he set out from Egypt and took Jerusalem by storm. He ordered his soldiers to cut down without mercy those whom they met and to slay those who took refuge in their houses. There was a massacre of young and old, a killing of women and children, a slaughter of virgins and infants. In the space of three days, 80,000 were lost, to death or slavery.” (Described in 2 Maccabees 6:1–11)

NO Sabbath, NO Holy Days, and NO Circumcision. A Statue of Zeus was placed in the Temple above the altar. The most detestable animals to Jews (the pig) were brought and sacrificed on the altar. (Abomination of Desolation)

 Jesus taught that this was a preliminary occurrence of a greater fulfillment coming in the last days, during the seventieth week of Daniel.

No matter how bleak The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

JUDAS THE HAMMER, who was called Maccabeus, took command of a small army in place of his father, Mattathias, and he defeated the army of King Antiochus which was commanded by Lysias. Then Judas and his brothers said, “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.” So all the army assembled and went up to Mount Zion. The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple following Judah Maccabee's victory over the Seleucids. The victorious Maccabees could only find a small jug of oil that had remained uncontaminated by virtue of a seal, and although it only contained enough oil to sustain the Menorah for one day, it miraculously lasted for eight days, by which time further oil could be procured.

Remember, Satan doesn’t know when Christ’s kingdom will come. He is left to read the signs of the times and coinciding Bible prophecies just as we are. Satan may have potential candidates ready in every generation so that when the time comes, he can inhabit and use his prime choice. I Gordan

The visions that passed through Daniel’s mind deeply troubled his thoughts, and his face turned pale. The Scriptures that make known the wrathful nature of God and His predictions of a turbulent future should deeply frighten and alarm us. Undoubtedly, Daniel was extremely disturbed about what would happen to his own people in the future—how about you? Pray for all the lost ones will suffer during the Tribulation.

Will you choose to believe that The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men?

RESOURCES

The Message

biblehub.com-commentaries Clarke, Barnes, Guzak 

Robert Conway Decoding Daniel online

Warren Wiersbe Be Resolute

David Jeremiah Handwriting on the Wall

jesusplusnothing.com I Gordan

http://jewishencyclopedia.com/

Daniel Lesson 8 Chapter 6

Wednesday as I listened to my favorite radio station, the program was about D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. American troops storm the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. More than 150,000 Allied troops invaded Western Europe, overwhelming German forces in an operation that proved to be a turning point in World War II. http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/03/world/europe/d-day-fast-facts

Why discuss D-day in October? The radio minister reveals every day is D-day. We are in a battle for our lives. We live in a world of moral decay, intense degradation, and gross unrighteousness.

A sign outside of Trinity Church in New York invites worshippers to pray for Allied victory in D-Day invasion.  Prayer should be our first line of defense, not our last.

Just like Daniel, we have an enemy and there is a war going on. Do you sometimes feel that you have been in a conflict? Every day we need to dress for battle. Soon you will enter a war zone, for some the challenge is within the wall of your home. For others it could be the workplace, traffic, or ever present media.

Open your bibles to Ephesians 6. Keep a bookmark here because we will return later in the teaching.

¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Prayer taps us into “the all encompassing power and sovereignty of our great and awesome God.” Let us pray.

Warren Wiersbe in his book, Be Resolute, titles chapter 6 of Daniel: Liars, Laws, and Lions. That sounds perfect to me.

Liars, Laws, and Lions Please excuse my alliteration.

·        Darius Deceived by Flatterers 1-9

·        Daniel’s Devotion to God 10-19

·        Daniel Defended; Darius Delighted; Deceivers Destroyed 20 - 28

Our memory verse is our theme tonight. We must obey God rather than men.

Darius was appointed to rule Babylon. He chose 120 satraps (governors of Persian provinces), to manage his affairs in the whole kingdom. Verse 2 tells us “and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.” Greed and corruption were rampant, but they were accountable to Daniel and he stood in the gap.

Daniel was reliable, faithful, and worthy of trust over the king’s money. As with Nebuchadnezzar he held a place of honor and responsibility over others.

³Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

The other two presidents and the satraps (governors) were seething with jealousy, and searched for some indiscretion in Daniel to report to the king.

4-they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

Wouldn’t we want that said of us in our eulogy? We must obey God rather than men.

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Not only were they jealous, they hated him enough to desire him torn “limb from limb” by the lions. Isn’t that one of Nebuchadnezzar’s famous sayings? (2:5,3:29)

Psalm 5:9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

"O King Darius, live forever!” We all agree the king should make a firm decree that whoever makes petition to any god for 30 days except you, O King, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Flattery and the anticipated exaltation certainly turned the king’s head. Thinking of his own glory, Darius consented to the plot and signed it into law. According to Medo-Persian custom the decree once sealed was irrevocable. As we remember the first dream of Nebuchadnezzar we should note that the power of the monarchs of the silver empire had diminished from the golden empire of Babylon. A king was subject to the laws that he passed; they could not be changed.

Romans 16:18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

“All the presidents, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have agreed”—they lied! Daniel was not there.

Who do we know that is deceitful, full of flattery and lies to manipulate God’s creation? From the first book of the Bible Satan has deceived with lies.

Genesis 3:4-5 “You will not surely die. (Lie #1!) You will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Lie #2!) 

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

Betrayed by lies and flattery, King Darius put the decree in writing only to regret it later.

Daniel’s Devotion to God 10-18

v.10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

Daniel could have found many ways to modify his prayer time, but he chose not to stop his routine. He knew the price for such defiance of a royal edict. But ever faithful, Daniel trusted God enough to handle the situation. Do we have that much trust?

We must obey God rather than men.

Ladies this is my life verse and until this week, I had not remembered the second half. How perfect for this chapter of Daniel!

Psalm 37:7 ^“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”

The despicable witnesses accused Daniel before the king."Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day."

Unlike Nebuchadnezzar who flew into a rage when Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to bow to his statue, King Darius ¹⁴ “was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him.”

Ironically, everyone was standing and now Daniel was bowing in prayer before his God.

Have you experienced the blessing of being persecuted for your faith? Yes a blessing.

You may not find it on the local news, but Christian literature and radio reports atrocities around the world concerning the persecution of Christians. We haven’t witnessed extreme persecution in America yet. But our freedoms are being tested. We must take a stand before we lose the rights for which our country was founded.

We must obey God rather than men.

Do you openly pray in public or in front of families who are unbelievers?  Which one is harder for you?

Jesus taught in Matthew 5:11-12a “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”  

Daniel Defended  

The king held Daniel in high regard. His parting words were like a prayer, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!"

v.17 tells us “a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet.” Could this be a foreshadowing of the tomb of crucified Christ being sealed with a large stone?

Daniel trusted God enough to humbly enter the lion’s den. He made no protest or quarrel against the law. No doubt he spent time praying, but I bet Daniel slept better that the king.

Unable to sleep or eat during the night, King Darius arose at daybreak and went in haste to the den of lions. ²⁰He cried out in a tone of anguish, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"   

 ²¹Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live  forever! ²²My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm."

Ladies don’t we long to be found blameless? We must obey God rather than men.

Deceivers Destroyed

²⁴The king commanded those men who had maliciously accused Daniel to be brought and cast into the den of lions. Skeptics of the bible claim the lions had no teeth or they were not hungry, but the accusers and their families did not walk out of the lion’s den.

Have you ever felt like you have been in a lion’s den: In a work situation, with your extended family, and yes even in the church? Ladies our problem is not with people, no, we have a greater opponent.

1 Peter 5:8 Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Sisters he wants our children.  We must teach our son and daughters how to be prepared.

Let’s return to Ephesians 6:11-12¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

But praise God he is able to save! Jesus blood won the war, now we must appropriate our victory.

We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Ladies remember these verses are only true for God’s children who have accepted the free gift of salvation purchased by His Son’s blood. If you do not know Jesus as LORD please take this opportunity to search your heart. Invite Him in tonight.

King Darius was Delighted to proclaim in these last verses (will you say them with me)

·        Our God is the living God, enduring forever;

·        His kingdom shall never be destroyed,

·        His dominion shall be to the end.

·        He delivers and rescues;

·        He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth,

·        He is able to save us from the power of the lions

^28-So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel was a faithful to God until the end of his life. He had overcome the ungodly opponents in the king’s court, and God rewarded His faithful servant with authority and power in two empires.

We must also stand firm in a depraved and sinful world, be true to God’s commands and maintain obedience and integrity in the face of disapproving family or unsympathetic government. We must intentionally fervently pray for our nation, our homes, and our CBS.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:12).

 Ladies will you dare to be a Daniel and obey God rather than men?

There is an old hymn titled Dare to Be a Daniel. Written by Phil­ip P. Bliss, 1873

Daniel Chapter 4-Nebuchadnezzar Humbled by God

Have you ever tried to help someone learn a life lesson or teach a biblical truth? How about talking to a teenager about consequences of their actions? Did you want to pull your hair out? They just didn’t get it. As with our children and grandchildren we have to teach them over and over until the “aha” moment when they finally get it.

After his first dream we see Nebuchadnezzar acknowledge the God of Daniel-"Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, …2:47 In chapter three after the rescue of the three Hebrew boys from the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”4:48 In addition the king rules that no one could speak against their God.

Think he’s got it? Notice he still refers to Our Lord as Daniel’s God. This week God gives him a warning in another dream which made the king fearful and alarmed.   God will use radical means to teach Nebuchadnezzar the He is sovereign. God alone rules the earth and God is accountable to no one. Revelation 22 tree of life.

Let me acknowledge from the beginning my teaching for tonight came through God’s directions and gentle urging. Everything I desired to elaborate on was covered remarkably well in your Commentary. Don’t forget to read it when you go home.

Daniel Lesson 6 Chapter 4 God Humbles Nebuchadnezzar

• ·        Pride before the fall
• ·        Patience of God
• ·        Merciful grace to Nebuchadnezzar

Those who walk in pride God is able to humble.

(Probably written 30 years after chapter3)Chapter four of Daniel is very distinctive in the entire bible for it was written by Nebuchadnezzar himself—a pagan king! It was an open letter to be distributed to all people, nations and languages. It is the king’s own witness of how God reached out to him. The first three verses of this chapter are a testimony of his unique discipline and the power of God.

In the thirty-fifth year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had brought under his rule Syria, Phoenicia, Judah, and Egypt. This second map denotes current country names.

¹King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! ²It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.³How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

v⁴ I, Nebuchadnezzar was content in my home and prospering in my palace.


How would we define contentment? “At ease” in some translations, pleased and satisfied, no worries. This was a time of peace and basking in all that he had accomplished to rebuild and adorn the city of Babylon. History confirms that Nebuchadnezzar built this Hanging Garden for his wife. (see commentary)


How about prospering? The dictionary defines it as successful in material terms; to be flourishing financially.

Another extravagance is this Ishtar Gate. It was the eighth gate into the city of Babylon made of cobalt glazed bricks. It was constructed around 575 B.C.E. by Nebuchadnezzar.  George Rawlinson, Historical Illustrations of the Old Testament, 1871 verifies 9/10 of the bricks in Babylon were stamped with his name.

This recovered section of wall was is 45 feet of the original foundation of the gate. The material excavated by Robert Koldewey between1902 to 1914. The Gate is now in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany.

Those who walk in pride God is able to humble.

Speaking about Babylon  Jeremiah 50:31 “Behold, I am against you, O proud one, declares the Lord God of hosts, for your day has come, the time when I will punish you.

·        Psalm 10:4 ⁴ In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

·        Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

·        Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Beth Moore in her study Daniel does an excellent job of pointing out how pride can creep into our lives as Christians. If we are to be effective witnesses we must be aware of how others see us. “Pride is not a circumstance but a state of mind.”

How might pride be evidenced in a Christian? Beth Moore bought a new bible at the urging of her daughter. Our pride might be as innocent as a well marked Bible and unintentionally giving the impression to others of piety.

While answering your core questions, make sure you do not give the appearance of pride with your knowledge or memorization of scripture.

In God’s economy the way up is down. From heaven's perspective we never stand taller than when we bow down to lift up God.


Those who walk in pride God is able to humble.

Isaiah 2:11The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

As your Teaching Director I enjoy searching for and sharing facts and information not included in your commentary. God already knows that my love of knowledge and my skill in technology could be sources of pride in my life.

One evening at our home church we waited for the guest speaker to queue his DVD. My prideful self thought they needed my help, but the Good Lord put me in my place. As I bent over to check the player, I fell backward and ended up on my rump in front of everyone.

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Patience of God is shown to Nebuchadnezzar.

The tree In the Nebuchadnezzar’s dream symbolizes his pride and self-exaltation. The removal of the tree shows God’s sovereignty in raising him up and bringing him down. Ezekiel 17:22-24 and other references to trees are found in Psalms, Jeremiah, and Jesus parables often used a tree as supporting life.

 You know if The LORD had revealed to me in a dream that I was the tree and he would “'Chop down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit¹⁵But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze,”

I would be looking over my shoulder constantly.

If you have ever gotten a speedy ticket or warning, are you a little paranoid? After attending traffic school last year for going 45 in a 35 mph zone, I sure am. Noticing a patrolman in my rear view mirror Monday, my hands gripped the steering wheel. He travelled behind me for several miles. I could not be at ease until he turned off the road. Evidently King Nebuchadnezzar had forgotten the dream.

Those who walk in pride God is able to humble.

 Job tells Elihu 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.¹⁵In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, ¹⁶ then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, ¹⁷that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man;

This was the lesson God has tried to teach Nebuchadnezzar through the both dreams and the rescue of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the fiery furnace. Oh the extreme measures the Lord will use to bring us under submission!

Jonah 4:2 confesses I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. The Lord is patient and long-suffering.

Daniel advises in verse 27 “Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity."

Daniel’s advice was not taken but the LORD continued waiting for Nebuchadnezzar to give Him the honor and praise and glory.

 ²⁹At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,³⁰and the king answered and said, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?"

How does God finally receive the praise and adoration he deserves from the greatest monarch that Babylon ever produced? By taking Nebuchadnezzar through the humiliation pictured in his dream.

31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you,

³³ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.

Nebuchadnezzar’s malady is a historical fact, documented from other writing. It is well covered in your commentary. ““Ly-can-thropy” (from the Greek word (lukos, wolf), which causes a human being to think he is a four-footed animal. In his palace, he began to hop around like a four-footed animal, and according to the custom of the day, they drove him out from the palace into the open fields.” It seems likely that Daniel remained precept, and protected Nebuchadnezzar during his seven-year malady.

Those who walk in pride God is able to humble.

No matter how low you have ever felt about yourself I doubt you could ever be as low as poor Nebuchadnezzar in this state.

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Merciful grace to Nebuchadnezzar

We can believe God’s promises and trust his word.

Verse 26 And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the TREE, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules.  Through these actions you can see God’s loving care for his people through the salvation of Nebuchadnezzar

Verses on HUMILITY

·        Psalm 113:7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap,

·        Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

·        1 Peter 5:5. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

·        1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

·        James 4:6 "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

The best time for a public testimony tends to be after we’re thinking straight again.

Luke’s story of the prodigal son says he came to himself.

Nebuchadnezzar says36 “At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.”

A bronze door-step to a temple was recovered, bearing an inscription to that it was presented by Nebuchadnezzar as a votive offering upon his recovery from a terrible illness. 

Nebuchadnezzar’s last recorded words in Scripture summarize chapter four: “And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

 I can think of no better model of humility than our Lord Jesus himself.  

Philippians 2: ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

“If you truly understand that there is a God and that you are not Him, then you can begin to relinquish your own rights, hopes, desires, and wants and submit them to His will.  Bend your own will to submission to His work in your life.  Trust Him in all things. He is God and you are not.” Matt Slick

 “And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is for me to have no trouble; never to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised.

Andrew Murray

Will you choose to walk humbly before the Lord?

  

http://christiananswers.net/dictionary/nebuchadnezzar.html

http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/g/nebuchadnezzar.htm