God Chooses Humility

Daniel 4:1-37

Holiness in a Hostile World

What are considered signs of

greatness and power in todays

world?

What do people in our world value

as signs of success?

If a world leader today, how would

Nebuchadnezzer be viewed?

• This is an account of God dealing

with inordinate and inappropriate

human self-sufficiency (pride),

while encouraging His people to

remain faithful to life His way.

Prides Danger

Counter to God’s desired character for

us.

Thrives on current or short-term memory.

Seeks to replace God in the story of our

lives – “Contending for Supremacy with

God” – CJ Mahaney

God’s Response

His opposition to Nebuchadnezzar

& others in pride. ( Proverbs

8:13; 1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6)

God reveals who Nebuchadnezzar

thought he was and who he really was

without Him.

God gave grace in the face of pride.

Did not prescribe total destruction

Gave an opportunity to repent

We are not to take God’s

delay in responding to

pride as His silence over

pride.

God revealed AGAIN that He alone

is sovereign and controls

EVERYTHING.

“My self perception is as accurate as

a carnival mirror.”

“If I am going to see myself clearly,

I am going to need you to hold the

mirror of God’s word in front of me”

Dr. Paul Tripp – Instruments in the

Redeemer’s Hands

Humility’s RewardDaniel displayed the humility necessary

Change only comes through humility

Restoration only comes with humility

It’s the only way to maintain right

relationships

With God & Man

Nebuchadnezzar finally got

it. God gets the glory and

we, through humility, get

the rewards of the right

lifestyle.

• How is God revealing we are living

in pride?

• How are we perpetuating a self-

sufficient life, relying on our own

judgment, experience and strength?

• How am I allowing God to speak to

me through his word about my pride?