Eyes Opened (Daniel 4)

Message Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBydzPSdZWI

  1. Scripture Reading #1: Daniel 4:1-17 

  2. Song #1 - Mark and Sherry: Wonderful, Merciful Savior

    1. https://youtu.be/EHXHelWvCSM

    2. God’s wonderful intervention in humanity’s plight makes deliverance possible, for His will is mercy and he rules in both heaven and earth.

  3. Scripture Reading #2: Daniel 4:24-37

  4. Song #2 - Ben Helmen: We Fall Down

    1. https://youtu.be/mN6SNbRb-hY

    2. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we find true glory when our pride is humbled and we submit to God 

  5. Message: Eyes Opened (Daniel 4)

    1. The Story

      1. Nebuchadnezzar’s Preamble: Steps to Enlightenment (4:1-3)

      2. Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (4:4-18)

      3. Daniel’s interpretation (4:19-27)

      4. Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation (4:28-33)

      5. Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration (4:34-37)

    2. Big Ideas: Heaven and earth, PRO-activity, Enlightenment

      1. Heaven and earth

      2. Daniel’s PRO-activity

      3. Nebuchadnezzar’s enlightenment (4:34-37): Keys to having your eyes opened

    3. Application

      1. Lift eyes to heaven

      2. Find your reason restored

      3. Delight in what God delights in

      4. Stay focused on God

      5. Humble yourself, not others. 

  6. Questions for Contemplation: 

    1. How prone are you in life to put your reason before lifting your eyes to heaven?

    2. What would help you, like Daniel, release the stressors of difficult circumstances and simply delight in what God delights in?

    3. In what areas of your life are you most easily provoked into trying to humble others rather than humble yourself?  How might your focus on humbling others reveal pride in you?

Grace Bible Church