RESOLVED

To Walk In Before God

This is a unique chapter in the Bible because it’s an official autobiographical document, prepared by the king of Babylon and distributed throughout his vast kingdom. That Nebuchadnezzar should openly admit his pride, his temporary insanity, and his beastly behavior, and then give glory to the God of Israel for his recovery, is indeed a remarkable thing. He learned an important lesson the hard way just as people are learning it the hard way today: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”

(Proverbs 16:18). (Be Resolute, Warren Wiersbe, page 61)

DAY 1 The Dream Fulfilled

Before continuing in Daniel 4, take a moment to still your heart before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes that you may see wonderful things in His Word!

(Psalm 119:18)

Read Daniel 4:28-37 (or read the entire chapter if you have time)

1. Look for any references to time in this section and write them below. What happened at each point in time?

2. Why do you think a whole year passed between the interpretation of the dream and its fulfillment? (for one possibility read 2 Peter 3:9)

3. What holds us back from repenting even when we recognize our wrong-doing?

DAY 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Transformation

1. Compare Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude at the beginning of this section with verse 34 and the end of the chapter. How did his attitude and belief change in this time of humbling?

2. The last verse is a sobering reality in light of God’s sovereign rule…. “Those who walk in pride, He is able to humble.” How much better to humble ourselves before this Sovereign God! Read a few more verses about humility and submission to God’s rule and reign in our lives. List the commands and promises.

3. Have you been given a second chance by God’s grace? Or maybe a 3rd or 4th chance? What has God shown you in the journey about humbling oneself before the living God?

Day 3

God’s Sovereign Rule and Reign

1. There may be prophetic significance to this account in Daniel 4. The Bible is clear that most nations and people walk in rebellion against God but all will be brought under Christ’s authority.

Read Psalm 2. What do you observe about the nations? About God? About how we are to “celebrate His rule with trembling” (v. 11)?

2. God’s judgment on King Nebuchadnezzar brought him to the recognition of God’s sovereignty. This is a picture of God’s judgment on the nations to bring them under Christ’s rule and reign at the end of time.

Read Revelation 11:15-18. What has been accomplished?

3. Reread Daniel 4:34-35 and list every truth about God. What have you learned in this lesson about our God that is most impactful to you right now? How should that truth, if fully believed, affect the way one lives?

By acknowledging God’s sovereignty and repenting of his own pride, Nebuchadnezzar demonstrated a resolve to walk in humility before God. God honored Nebuchadnezzar’s repentance and resolve by restoring his reason and kingship.

The Faith I Believe

• As in all matters of godly living, Jesus is the ultimate example of how to live humbly before God. Philippians 2:5-8 provides a powerful portrait of Christ-like humility: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

What do you learn about true, Christ-like humility from these verses?

In what areas of your life is God inviting you to “have this attitude in [yourself] which was also in Christ Jesus?” How can you demonstrate Christ-like humility in your home, workplace, ministry, relationships, etc.?

Almighty Father, in Your mercy and never-ending grace, You have patiently waited for me to come into an understanding of your true sovereignty over all things in my life. Every last bit of it is under Your authority, not one moment goes by without You being a part of it. Like a parent disciplining a child, You have shown love to me through giving me a chance to change my ways and humble myself before you. But in my stubbornness and pride I have been unwilling to submit to Your authority. I can see it clearly in Nebuchadnezzar’s story and I pray You soften my heart so I can see where you’re working in mine. Lord, please forgive my unwillingness to surrender my anxieties, worries, and plans into Your care. And forgive me for trusting in my abilities, finances and ‘things’ of this world that make me think I don’t need You. I trust in Your Word when You say, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” I therefore release my whole life into Your care. I open my clenched hands so I can hang on to Yours and feel freedom, joy and peace. For today is the day I choose to surrender it all and walk humbly with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

James 4:10 NIV

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

On Right Now Media you can access Kay Arthur’s teachings on Daniel: Dare to Be God’s Messenger Sessions 13, 14, 15 & 16 align with this lesson. If you can only listen to one, Session 15 is recommended.