The Indestructible Kingdom Part 3: Pride and Prejudice
Daniel 4:1-37, 5: 1-31, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Philippians 2:5-11
Pride is the kryptonite of the human soul.
Through Daniel 4 and 5 we see pride on display in the lives of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. We see that…
Pride pursues riches and power (Daniel 4:28, 5:1-4).
Pride refuses to listen and learn (Daniel 5:22-23).
Pride won’t reject sin and wickedness (Daniel 4:27).
Pride doesn’t get low to serve others (Daniel 4:27).
Pride doesn’t recognize God as ultimate authority (Daniel 5:21-23).
In the end, Belshazzar dies in his arrogance, while Nebuchadnezzar is restored when he humbly acknowledges God’s sovereignty. He recognizes that God puts us in our place when he says, “I praise the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37)
In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul describes the humble posture of King Jesus as accepting the position of a servant.
In 1 Peter 3:18-22, Peter shows that King Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection serve to
Bring you to God.
Save you and cleanse you.
Give you a clear conscience before God.
Do you want to fight pride in your own life? Do the opposite of the Belshazzar.
Give away riches and power.
Receive correction with humility.
Reject sin and wickedness.
Serve the overlooked and oppressed.
Give God praise.
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silence.
What did God say to you through the message?
In light of the points above, in what area of your life do you struggle with pride?
What would improve if humility was more prevalent in our culture? In our church? In our homes?
Read Daniel 5. How does Belshazzar display pride? How is God’s power displayed?
Read Daniel 4:34-37. How is Nebuchadnezzar different than Belshazzar?
What does all of this say about God’s heart for humanity? What does this say about humanity’s purpose on this earth?
What is one thing you can do this week to grow in humility?
Close in prayer. Include prayers for Christians in persecuted countries and for resolve to live like Daniel.
DAILY READINGS
We are on a 6 week journey through the book of Daniel, exploring how God’s kingdom endures through all generations. Daniel shows us how to live according to God’s kingdom no matter the circumstance.
Find the whole plan at www.stillnaz.com/theindestructiblekingdom.
Week 3 (September 18)
Monday: Daniel 5:1-9, Psalm 27:1-14
Tuesday: Daniel 5:10-17, 1 Peter 2:1-10
Wednesday: Daniel 5:18-31, 1 John 2:15-17
Thursday: Daniel 6:1-9, 1 Peter 2:11-17
Friday: Daniel 6:10-22, 2 Timothy 3:12-16
Saturday: Daniel 6:24-28, 1 Peter 2:18-25
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. Imagine resting with Jesus.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the verses slowly. Ask: How do I see God’s rule and revelation?
Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.