RL - Nebuchadnezzar’s Arrogance
Wednesday Night Sunday School • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 389 viewsPride leads to a downfall, but humbling oneself before God brings restoration.
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Begin the class with a discussion of this question: “How do you define the word pride, and why is pride both dangerous and sinful for the Christian?”
Today’s lesson topic can be challenging. It is easy for us to see the pride in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, and the consequences of his pride were clear. However, pride can be subtle and deceptive. As we move through this lesson, we do well to recognize that sinful pride is rooted in attitudes of self-sufficiency and a desire to do things our way instead of God’s way.
Resource Item 1: Distribute the work sheet “What Causes Pride?” Complete the sheet individually or in groups, then discuss it as an introduction to the lesson.
1. The King’s Troubling Dream
A. Contented and Prosperous
4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.
5 I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me.
6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
7 When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.
is better understood in light of chapter 3, the familiar account in which God saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace.
The events of occur in the latter part of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, which was a time of great prosperity and success for him. In addition to destroying Jerusalem in 586 BC, for example, he also conquered Egypt around that same time.
Once again, however, these astrologers and magicians had no interpretation. And so, the king again turned to Daniel.
Questions for Application
In what ways might success be a danger to a man like Nebuchadnezzar? Why can success be dangerous even to a Christian?
How well do you handle success, keeping it in perspective with regard to your faith?
How well do you handle success, keeping it in perspective with regard to your faith?
B. Troubled by a Dream
8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)
9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.
10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.
11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.
12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.
13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven.
14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.
15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. “ ‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.
16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.
17 “ ‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’
18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
In , Nebuchadnezzar referred to Daniel as Belteshazzar. This was his Babylonian name, and it referred to the king’s god. Translated, it means “Bel (the king’s god), protect his life.”
Since Babylon had two seasons (wet and dry), many scholars believe this refers to a three-and-a-half-year period (verses 13–16).
Questions for Application
Why is it important to keep in mind that God is sovereign over all the powers in this world?
What are some ways unbelievers might be able to see that we have the Lord within us?
What are some ways unbelievers might be able to see that we have the Lord within us?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Reflect on the needs in your life today. Ask God to help you keep His sovereign greatness in view as you trust Him and seek His face.
2. Judgment by God Forewarned
A. The King Has Become Great
19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!
20 The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth,
21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—
22 Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.
The message conveyed by verse 19 is that Daniel knew what the dream meant but was troubled at the thought of explaining its meaning to the king.
Questions for Application
Why do you think Daniel struggled to tell Nebuchadnezzar the interpretation of the dream?
Why is it vital to recognize that obeying God can mean following paths of uncertainty, and even danger or fear?
B. The King Will Be Driven Away
23 “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’
24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king:
25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. 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.
26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: 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.”
What a pathetic scene it would be, a tremendous downfall to the lowliest of positions for the mightiest of kings.
What a pathetic scene it would be, a tremendous downfall to the lowliest of positions for the mightiest of kings.
The fulfillment of this dream, then, would be conditional. If the king continued in his wickedness, he would face horrible judgment. God’s moral law was binding even on him, a mighty king. But if he would humble himself, he could avoid judgment.
Resource Item 2: Distribute the work sheet “Pride and Humility.” Lead a discussion on how to eliminate pride, as well as how to pursue humility. Note that this activity focuses on pride within the believer while the questions below focus on ministry to the unbeliever.
Questions for Application
How do unbelievers generally respond to the message of God’s judgment on sin?
What are some proper ways to convey the message that God judges sin but brings restoration to the penitent? What are some improper ways to convey this message (such as attitudes and the specific words used)?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Pride can be a subtle danger in a sinful world, especially when the world around us often seems to give high value to focusing on oneself and one’s desires. We must recognize that God rules all of Creation, and we are accountable to Him. Take a moment to examine your life to see if pride has taken root in your heart, even in some hidden way. Then ask God for the strength and discernment to humble yourself properly before Him.
3. The King’s Humiliation and Restoration
A. Living Like an Animal
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?”
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.
The affliction of Nebuchadnezzar is known technically as boanthropy, that is, man acting like animal. It is a disease well attested to in historical and scientific literature.
A full year passed without Nebuchadnezzar experiencing judgment (). Some scholars speculate that perhaps Nebuchadnezzar attempted to heed Daniel’s words for a time, bringing about the lapse of time before judgment.
It is interesting to note that archaeologists have found inscriptions attributable to him that resemble what is recorded in Scripture. Such inscriptions declare him to “reign forever” and enjoy the special favor of his pagan gods. The inscriptions make no mention, however, of the one true God.
Questions for Application
Why might a person struggle to heed a warning from God, even if he or she believed the warning to be accurate?
What are some ways God might humble us in order to refocus our hearts and give us a new, proper perspective?
What are some ways God might humble us in order to refocus our hearts and give us a new, proper perspective?
B. Restored to Splendor
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.
At the end of seven seasons, likely three-and-one-half years, God restored Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity and allowed him to become aware of his situation ()
Scholars also note that the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar provided encouragement to God’s people exiled from Judah. This powerful, conquering king was nothing in comparison to Almighty God. His plans for them could not be thwarted by any pagan power. These are words of encouragement to us today as well. We serve the Almighty God. When we humble ourselves before Him, He will restore us and protect us from all our enemies.
Questions for Application
What can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar about the proper response when we realize we have sinned?
In your own words, how would you describe the glory and majesty of God?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
In your own words, how would you describe the glory and majesty of God?
The Psalms provide us with some of the most effective and inspiring means of maintaining our perspective as God’s people. Use a concordance or Bible software to search for passages in the Psalms that describe His glory and majesty. Work these Psalms into your regular time of prayer and praise.
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
As Christians, we are wise to examine ourselves for pride or selfish ambition. Look at how you view yourself, as well as your attitude toward others and the world around you. Ask the Lord to help you reject pride and instead walk humbly in fellowship with Him, honoring others as greater than yourself
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Resource Item 3: Distribute the work sheet “Self-Examination.” Challenge students to complete the sheet this week, asking God to help them serve Him in humility.
Resource Item 3: Distribute the work sheet “Self-Examination.” Challenge students to complete the sheet this week, asking God to help them serve Him in humility.
Ministry in Action
Ministry in Action
Ministry to others is a great way to practice humility. Plan a class activity in which you help an individual or family in need in your congregation.