To 160th Ave Church of Christ

S R: Daniel 4:1-3

Various examples in the Bible show Quick Spiritual Progress.◦ David◦ Joseph◦ Saul/Paul

Others show a lengthier process.◦ Jacob◦ Moses◦ The disciples

Spiritual Progress

Nebuchadnezzar’s Spiritual Progress

Daniel 2-4

Daniel 2:1-49◦ Nebuchadnezzar has a dream◦ Nebuchadnezzar demands to have his dream

made known and then to be given an interpretation

◦ While the Kings own men are unable, Daniel is!!! Daniel receives the mystery in a night vision (2:19) Daniel blesses God in response (2:19-23) Daniel relays the dream to Neb. But first

acknowledges the God of heaven (2:27-28)

An initial learning experience

Daniel 2:1-49◦ Daniel interprets the dreams◦ The King displays an incredible response (2:46-

49) A pagan king blesses Daniel and his God A drastic spiritual progression for King

Nubuchadnezzar.

An initial learning experience

Daniel 3

A second experience:

Daniel 3◦ Neb. Raises up a huge image: 90’ x 9’ statue (vs.

1)◦ Everyone is commanded to bow down when the

music plays. ◦ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo refuse◦ Neb. Gives them a second chance and challenges

God in the process (3:13-15)◦ “Our God can deliver if he chooses” (3:16-18)

A second experience:

Daniel 3◦ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo receive

deliverance◦ Nebechadnezzar’s response (3:24-30)

Addresses theses “servants of the Most High God” to come out (vs. 26)

Blesses God and issues a decree (3:28-30)

A second experience:

Daniel 4◦ Another dream

Calls in his own men before calling in Daniel (4:7-9) A great tree that provides shelter The tree chopped down Animal like for 7 periods of time (4:17)

A final Experience

Daniel 4◦ Daniel interprets the dream

“YOU ARE THE TREE” A advice given (4:27)

◦ The fulfillment A year later (4:28-30) God humbles those who walk in pride

◦ The Kings response After being reestablished praise is given to God

(4:36-37) Declares the wonders of God (4:1-3)

A final Experience

Nebuchadnezzar: An incredible example of spiritual progression that we all must make:◦ Acknowledges that God is◦ Acknowledges who God is◦ Finally concludes God is the true God and

humbles himself before Him If true progression is to be made we must put away

pride Spiritual progression can and needs to be

made by everyone.

Application

God gives many opportunities◦ 3 accounts given to this pagan king◦ God is incredibly patient◦ This is how God works with us◦ This is how we need to work with others

Experience is a great way to learn, but it is a hard way to learn◦ Neb. Should have learned his lesson in Chp. 3◦ A wise person will learn from the mistakes of others

For great men to make spiritual progression, others need to show an example and stand strong

Application: