Lesson 4 - The Impossible Deliverance Often God reveals Himself to us in surprising ways. Sometimes His taps on the shoulder are gentle. A still, small voice within us guides us to right. A persistent conscience convicts us of sin. There are times when God’s voice is loud. He startles us. He interrupts the routine of our lives. He stops us in our tracks. He shakes us up. Our lives seem to be falling apart. Everything seems to be upside down. We may even be in danger of losing the very things we have lived for all our lives. Suddenly, God surprises us. He breaks into our lives in a remarkable way. It happened to King Nebuchadnezzar, and it can happen to you. Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony: Questions 1-3 1. Who is the author of chapter 4 of Daniel? Daniel 4:1, first phrase. Answer: Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. 2. What remarkable quality does this once-heathen king offer us? Daniel 4:1, last part. Answer: Peace Nebuchadnezzar has found the source of inner peace. He has discovered the One who provides internal stability and calm (Isaiah 26:3). He seems to be overflowing with gratitude to God. The heathen king’s life has been changed. 3. Why has Nebuchadnezzar written this chapter? What does he desire to say to us? Daniel 4:2. Answer: He wants to share with us the wonders of the Most High God. Nebuchadnezzar is a changed man—transformed by the grace of God. He must tell his story; he must share the greatness of the God who changed his life. If God changed Nebuchadnezzar, He can change your life too, friend. Nebuchadnezzar’s Tragedy Foretold: Questions 4-7 4. How does Nebuchadnezzar describe his life before he came to know God? Daniel 4:4. Answer: At rest, and flourishing in his palace. It is extremely easy to become complacent when things are going well in our lives. At times, God allows hardships and adversity into our lives to drive us to Him. 5. What did Nebuchadnezzar see in his dream? Daniel 4:10. Answer: A very tall tree in the midst of the earth. 6. What happened to the tree? Daniel 4:14. Answer: It was chopped down. 7. Why did God give this dream to Nebuchadnezzar? Daniel 4:17. Answer: So he would know that God is the ruler of heaven and earth. Nebuchadnezzar’s Trial Experienced: Questions 8-9 8. Who did the tree represent? Daniel 4:21, 22. Answer: Nebuchadnezzar In the vision of the tree, Nebuchadnezzar saw the collapse of his own reign as king. The cutting down of the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar’s fall from divine favor and the loss of his kingdom. For seven years (seven times) the king would experience an insanity which made him think and act like a wild beast. 9. Where would the king live during this time? Daniel 4:25. Answer: With the beasts of the field. It’s hard to imagine the brilliant, popular king of Babylon wandering around like a wild beast. Afflicted with temporary insanity, he allowed his nails and hair to grow. He didn’t bathe. He felt more at home with the animals than with the royal court. What a contrast with his former life in the palace! The king hit rock bottom. His life was a total disaster; it was in absolute ruin. There was no place to look—but up. There was no one to turn to—but God. God’s Appeal for Repentance: Questions 10-11 10. What counsel did God give the king? Daniel 4:27. Answer: Repent of your sins and do what is right. The judgments of God can be avoided if we repent. It’s a dangerous thing to continue in willing disobedience to God. His blessings withdrawn open our lives to disaster. 11. When did Gods judgment fall upon the king? Daniel 4:30, 31. Answer: When he proudly reveled in his own accomplishments. The judgments of God can be avoided if we repent. It’s a dangerous thing to continue in willing disobedience to God. His blessings withdrawn open our lives to disaster. Nebuchadnezzar’s Triumph Realized: Questions 12-14 12. When did Nebuchadnezzars understanding return? Daniel 4:34, 35. Answer: At the end of the predicted time. When Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, acknowledged the true God, his understanding returned. The king looked to heaven. He recognized the God of the universe. His life was changed. In a sense, Nebuchadnezzar’s story is your story! It is my story! We, too, have fallen from grace. We wander around in a lost condition. We are confused and don’t know where to turn. 13. What invitation does God give us? Isaiah 45:22. Answer: To look to Him and be saved. God invites us to come to Him. In Him we find the security we long for. Life is so fragile. Our jobs, our homes, our marriages and our health provide little security. They all can be whisked away in a moment. In God, and in God alone, can we find strength and meaning and purpose in our lives. 14. What promise does the Saviour give to those who come to Him by faith? John 6:37. Answer: They will not be cast out if they come to Him. Would you like to flee to His loving arms today? Would you like to feel His warm embrace and listen to His reassuring voice say, “You are mine. I’ll never let you go.”?
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:54:32 +0000
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