When a Nation Goes Insane…

Daniel’s Dilemma

Text: Daniel 4

• When Culture Shifts… We Stand

• When the World is Troubled… We Speak Truth

• When the Music Plays… We Don’t Bow

• When a Nation Goes Insane… We Stay Humble

“There was a time when I had it all” – Nebuchadnezzar

“I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed, the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.” (Daniel 4:4–6, ESV)

When we become CASUAL with God’s blessings, we are in danger of becoming a CASUALTY.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream:

• A Great Tree: Represents Nebuchadnezzar.

• The Tree Provides: Protection and provision for those who rest in its shade.

• A Voice from Heaven: “Cut it down.”

• The Result: All that is left is a stump.

“Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” (Daniel 4:27, ESV)

• Key Truths:

• God HATES sin, but God LOVES you (John 3:16).

• God is not seeking to DESTROY you but to RESTORE you (2 Peter 3:9).

“There was a time I lost it all.” – Nebuchadnezzar

“All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months, he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?’ While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you.’” (Daniel 4:28–31, ESV)

Stay in Babylon long enough… eventually, you lose your mind.

The Delusion of Pride is that it always invites confusion.

Pride…

Attempts to Elevate Self
Lower God
Justify Sin

Root in Genesis:

“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’” (Genesis 11:4, ESV)

“So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.” (Genesis 11:8–9, ESV)

Babel means Confusion

The tale-tell sign of a nation in the grip of Babylon is confusion

The Dangers of Pride:

Pride is toxic to your:

• Relationships

• Spirit

• Personal Growth

• Emotional Health

• Morals

“I came to my senses when I finally called upon the Lord.” – Nebuchadnezzar

“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4:34, ESV)

Nebuchadnezzar’s healing was found in humility.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6–7, ESV)

How to Find Sanity in an Insane World:

“At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:36–37, ESV)

• Honor God

• Heed His Truth

• Humble Yourself