"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up
mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I
blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for
ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from
generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are
reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his
hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Daniel 4:34-35
1. Daniel did not write Daniel 4; it was Nebuchadnezzar's personal letter to his empire (4:1).
2. He gave God glory for a very humbling experience he had from God to learn wisdom (4:2-3).
3. The angels had had enough of Nebuchadnezzar's pride, so they cut him down to size (4:17).
4. Daniel was greatly troubled to tell such a terrible interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar (4:19).
5. Observe that Nebuchadnezzar had some dominion, but God would dominate him (4:22)!
6. Consider soberly the warning that Daniel gave him to extend his relative tranquility (4:27).
7. The judgment was severe, and it came based on his continued pride about Babylon (4:28-32).
8. His confession ranks as one of the grandest statements of scripture about God (4:34-37).
2. He gave God glory for a very humbling experience he had from God to learn wisdom (4:2-3).
3. The angels had had enough of Nebuchadnezzar's pride, so they cut him down to size (4:17).
4. Daniel was greatly troubled to tell such a terrible interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar (4:19).
5. Observe that Nebuchadnezzar had some dominion, but God would dominate him (4:22)!
6. Consider soberly the warning that Daniel gave him to extend his relative tranquility (4:27).
7. The judgment was severe, and it came based on his continued pride about Babylon (4:28-32).
8. His confession ranks as one of the grandest statements of scripture about God (4:34-37).
Our God
1. Did not get into trouble in Eden and have to think of a remedy through the cross of Christ.2. Is not trying to save anyone. He will certainly save every single one He has chosen to save.
3. Uses every good or evil event of man for His own praise and restrains any not to His praise.
4. Is in total control of all events in history, both large and small, both political and personal.
5. Is a glorious and victorious sovereign, whom we gladly worship and will save us without fail.
Their God
1. Got into trouble in Eden, when His beloved couple rebelled in sin and brought condemnation.2. Loves all men so much that He tries to save them all, but He greatly fails with most of them.
3. Most of those He dearly loves are in hell, and those in heaven are there by what they did.
4. Confuses His ignorant worshippers, who cannot understand the presence of evil in the world.
5. Is a sky buddy watching from a distance, Who cannot accomplish His will in time or eternity.
The Dominion of God
Introduction
1. Why this sermon? To glorify God for one of His most glorious traits (Pr 30:29-31; Is 52:7; Re 19:16).2. Why? To teach contentment, submission, and thankfulness to those with difficult life circumstances.
3. Why? To teach that anger or bitterness against God is entirely wrong, as we are merely the clay.
4. Why? To teach total dependence on the Lord to be an infinite Protector and Provider in any situation.
5. Why? To teach a proper peace and perspective for analyzing evil in the world (Job 2:10; Amos 3:6).
6. Why? To teach the proper doctrine of salvation. God is not trying to save any; He will save all elect.
7. Why? To teach godly fear from this intimidating and overwhelming aspect of God (Ps 4:4; Ec 12:13).
8. Why? To teach humility that anything you have or are is by the grace and will of God (I Cor 4:7).
9. I am sick of hallucinations such as the tract, "The Four Spiritual Laws." God does not have a wonderful plan for most lives! He has a wonderful plan for His life! Do you think Noah used these tracts on the Ark? How about Joshua as he invaded Canaan? How about David with Goliath?
10. I am sick of false teachers saying, "You have a free will, and God cannot save you against your will."
11. I am sick of false teachers saying, "God has done all He can do, and now it is up to you to be saved."
12. Men who despise dominion – rulers – are brutes to be destroyed (Jude 1:8). What of God's dominion?
13. Satan rebelled against God's dominion, and he has been damned to eternal fire (Isaiah 14:13-14).
14. He seduced our first parents by promising them the nature and role of God (Genesis 3:1-5).
