To 160 th 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

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)

 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.

 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)

 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)

 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)

 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)

 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.

 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