WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.240 Turn in your Bible to Daniel chapter 4, and we're going to read just a small portion of the 00:00:10.240 --> 00:00:18.800 ! that we will study together this morning. Let me begin there in Daniel chapter 4 verse 1. 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:25.760 ! King Nebuchadnezzar, to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth, 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:33.420 peace be multiplied to you. It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High 00:00:33.420 --> 00:00:40.840 God has done for me. How great are His signs! How mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting 00:00:40.840 --> 00:00:50.560 kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my 00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:59.780 house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid, as I lay in bed, the fancies 00:00:59.780 --> 00:01:06.680 and visions of my head alarmed me. So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:15.100 before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Let's pray. 00:01:16.980 --> 00:01:25.620 Our Father God, this morning, we are thankful for the Word of God, settled in the heavens, 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:35.520 sufficient, sufficient, the means whereby you have chosen to reveal to us your wisdom and your heart, 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:42.060 the goodness of your nature, and the means of salvation. 00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:49.500 We are thankful this morning also for the ministry of the Holy Spirit, both in the lives of those 00:01:49.500 --> 00:01:57.739 that may be here today and do not know Christ. And may this morning, the Spirit of God work to bring 00:01:57.739 --> 00:02:04.340 to them conviction and realize that apart from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, their life here on earth 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:11.599 presently is miserable, and their life in eternity a terror and a heartache. 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:21.740 And this morning, Father, we are thankful together for the benefit of prayer that as we pray together, 00:02:21.900 --> 00:02:28.299 the Word of God would do a work among us that would bring glory to the Lord Jesus. 00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:33.900 And we ask this in His precious name. Amen. 00:02:36.500 --> 00:02:41.439 So before we take up the text, actually, let me leave you with just a little succinct statement. 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:47.199 That you can hold on to, you can probably write it down so that if at some point you become 00:02:47.199 --> 00:02:52.419 distracted by messages on your phone or you want to check your Facebook feed or you're thinking about 00:02:52.419 --> 00:02:56.859 what is going to be lunch, you can hold on to this and let the rest go and you're still 00:02:56.859 --> 00:03:00.879 in reasonably good shape so when you're driving home and your husband says to you, 00:03:00.919 --> 00:03:05.560 what was the sermon about? You can put it on the table, okay? Here it is. 00:03:06.699 --> 00:03:09.799 Humble yourself or God will humble you. 00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:14.479 Humble yourself or God will humble you. 00:03:16.479 --> 00:03:21.159 Several months ago in ministry at Marion where God has had me for the interim, 00:03:21.959 --> 00:03:26.199 I was interviewing a pastor, and I asked him an interesting question. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.699 I said, so how are you working at humbling yourself? 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:31.659 That's a fair question, isn't it? 00:03:31.659 --> 00:03:39.379 The Bible makes it clear that we have the responsibility of humbling ourself. 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:43.879 And I asked him, I said, how are you working at humbling yourself? 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:48.819 He said, well, God is bringing a lot of circumstances into my life that are humbling me. 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:51.900 I said, you didn't answer my question. 00:03:51.900 --> 00:04:01.439 Humble yourself is a direct instruction from God to me and to you. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:07.580 And this morning, the passage that we are looking at is going to make this matter clear. 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:12.319 Humble yourself or God will humble you. 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:17.879 Well, let's begin by marking the opening note that Nebuchadnezzar has. 00:04:18.139 --> 00:04:24.459 And our pastor has broken the passage down into two different portions here in Daniel chapter 12. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.000 And the first part is going to deal with a warning that God gives. 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:33.240 And then the consequences of not paying attention, which is appropriate to keep in mind. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:45.180 And as you look at Daniel chapter 4, verse 1 through 3, you see that this chapter is actually part of a larger account of the life of Nebuchadnezzar. 00:04:45.400 --> 00:04:53.139 And we know that these things are written not just to record history, but so that we can learn from them. 00:04:54.560 --> 00:05:00.900 In 1 Corinthians chapter 11, it says these things are written for your sakes. 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:06.179 They're written so that you might learn and gain knowledge and insight from them. 00:05:06.179 --> 00:05:06.859 I put it this way. 00:05:07.299 --> 00:05:10.079 A wise man can learn from what other people have to say. 00:05:11.379 --> 00:05:13.979 An intelligent man can learn from his own experiences. 00:05:15.199 --> 00:05:17.659 A fool doesn't learn from either. 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:23.919 And so here we are this morning looking at an account that God has chosen to give to us 00:05:23.920 --> 00:05:35.120 of a sequence in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar where God gave him a warning in relationship to his ongoing struggle with pride. 00:05:35.199 --> 00:05:43.680 And I want you to understand that this was not the first instance where God stepped into Nebuchadnezzar's life and addressed this problem. 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:46.720 I'm confident to say this. 00:05:46.720 --> 00:05:56.480 There's not a one of us here, there's not a one of us here that does not continue to struggle with pride. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:06:02.580 Now some of us are a little better at making that problem masked. 00:06:03.580 --> 00:06:04.640 We're quiet. 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.340 We're reserved. 00:06:06.960 --> 00:06:07.800 We're cautious. 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:12.120 But oh, how the heart struggles with the matter. 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:18.920 And I know there's no consolation in the fact, but pride has an ancient root in Bible history. 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:25.439 Go back to the life of Adam and Eve and you'll find that when Eve was tempted, in particular, 00:06:26.139 --> 00:06:31.399 the linchpin, the significant portion, the most significant part, was when Satan came to her and said, 00:06:31.459 --> 00:06:33.959 hey, listen, if you'll eat this fruit, guess what? 00:06:35.340 --> 00:06:40.620 The good news is you're going to be like God. 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:48.280 I don't remember offhand who should receive the credit for it, but there is one author who said, 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:52.480 only two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self. 00:06:52.540 --> 00:06:57.220 You could probably Google it and correct me later with a text, but I'd put it a little bit differently. 00:06:57.360 --> 00:07:00.500 I'd say only two choices on the shelf, worship God or worship self. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:09.600 And this morning, we're looking at an opening part in this account into the life of King Nebuchadnezzar, 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:12.939 where we see a very interesting introduction. 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:21.800 And you'll find out later that this introductory statement that we're looking at first also is made at the end of the chapter. 00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:23.319 It's a little bit like bookends. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:28.120 The first and last part say fundamentally the same thing. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:32.120 They are a testament to the supremacy and the glory of God. 00:07:34.279 --> 00:07:39.439 And as you look at this passage, you are struck by the fact that here is King Nebuchadnezzar, 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:49.819 who, by the way, previously, you remember, he built this great big statue to enjoy the worship of his people. 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:56.939 And when three guys decided not to worship, he decided he would burn them up. 00:07:57.099 --> 00:08:04.159 And it ended up he was pretty well convinced that there was somebody else on the throne besides him. 00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:12.819 Now, you would think that having had that revelation and that experience, he would have learned his lesson, right? 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:17.819 How many of you wish you'd learned the lesson the first or second or third or fourth or… 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:19.540 Do you follow me? 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:30.120 Nebuchadnezzar, chapter 4, he starts out by making a pretty significant theological statement. 00:08:31.199 --> 00:08:32.500 Let me read it to you here. 00:08:32.819 --> 00:08:33.480 It says here, 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:37.819 It seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God, 00:08:38.939 --> 00:08:42.439 not one of the many different gods that they were worshiping then, 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:44.259 he said, look what he's done for me. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:46.799 How great are his signs! 00:08:47.179 --> 00:08:48.779 How mighty his wonders! 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:51.360 His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom! 00:08:51.759 --> 00:08:56.539 His dominion endures from generation to generation! 00:08:56.659 --> 00:09:00.539 You would think that with that kind of an introduction, 00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:05.700 that the rest of the story would be pretty uplifting and encouraging, wouldn't you? 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:08.220 It's like, yeah, I got it. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:13.639 And probably some of you sitting here, if you were to go back and read your spiritual journal 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:17.639 or some of the notes that you've taken in services at different points, you'd think, 00:09:18.160 --> 00:09:20.820 man, I got it then. 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:22.720 What happened to me now? 00:09:23.720 --> 00:09:25.560 Well, here is the king, 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:37.099 and he is giving a statement that depends on which author you read or Bible scholar you read, 00:09:37.099 --> 00:09:46.159 but the indication is that he is certainly making a testimony to his idea of who God is 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:48.399 and what His significance is. 00:09:48.539 --> 00:09:55.479 Some would say that the passage hints at the fact that Nebuchadnezzar came to faith. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:56.840 I don't know the answer to that, 00:09:57.039 --> 00:09:58.740 and I will tell you when I get to heaven, 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:01.600 it's not on my short list of what I'm going to do. 00:10:01.680 --> 00:10:03.960 I will be enjoying the presence of Jesus 00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:08.180 and not all caught up with asking some kind of little inane question about, 00:10:08.460 --> 00:10:09.639 is Nebuchadnezzar here? 00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:11.539 You know, it's like, it's all right. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:16.500 But what we're coming face to face with here 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:20.779 is that we do see in this passage 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:26.100 that Nebuchadnezzar knew who was in charge and who was on the throne. 00:10:27.179 --> 00:10:28.699 And it's worth remembering 00:10:28.699 --> 00:10:33.980 that every one of us are without excuse in relationship to this business of 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:37.579 there's only two choices, worship God or worship self. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:40.980 God makes Himself known. 00:10:41.939 --> 00:10:44.279 God makes His presence evident. 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:48.699 And as the Scriptures make undeniably clear, 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:51.919 in Romans chapter 1 verse 19 it says this, 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:55.980 For what can be known about God is plain to them, 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:59.659 because God has shown it to them. 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:05.179 It's popular today to be dismissive about God, 00:11:05.179 --> 00:11:07.620 but the truth of the matter is, 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:10.679 is that the conscience of every man bears testimony 00:11:10.679 --> 00:11:14.759 to the reality of the fact that God is here 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:18.000 and He pays attention to what's going on in our lives. 00:11:19.419 --> 00:11:23.959 I want you to think secondly with me about Nebuchadnezzar's second dream. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:29.539 And the next portion of the text that we're going to look at 00:11:29.539 --> 00:11:32.719 just gives us a little snapshot of the king at the moment 00:11:32.719 --> 00:11:35.059 in which this dream comes into being. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:37.439 Let me read the passage there in verse 4. 00:11:37.539 --> 00:11:42.159 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. 00:11:46.099 --> 00:11:50.120 I think it's appropriate for us when we stop and pick up on the detail 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:52.419 that the Spirit of God has brought to our attention 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:58.359 to recognize that we're being told something about the history of the king 00:11:58.359 --> 00:12:02.719 that should play over into our lives individually. 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:06.759 The testimony is that here was Nebuchadnezzar 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:10.220 at a pretty positive moment in his life 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:13.180 when things were going just his way. 00:12:13.179 --> 00:12:21.319 To put it this way, we are more prone to spiritual temptation and difficulty 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:24.659 in times of ease than in times of adversity. 00:12:25.599 --> 00:12:28.639 Now, the fact of the matter is, is that when things are going well, 00:12:29.319 --> 00:12:32.159 you know, zippity-doo-dah, zippity-day, you know, that kind of thing, 00:12:32.399 --> 00:12:34.979 we're kind of caught up with just how wonderful it is, 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:37.560 and we like that. 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.960 None of us wake up in the morning and say, 00:12:40.019 --> 00:12:41.120 all right, Lord, bring it on. 00:12:41.340 --> 00:12:45.860 I really know I need difficulty today, and just bring it to me. 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:46.840 How many of you do that? 00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:47.659 None of you. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:52.100 It's like, oh, Lord, I want to have a good day, you know. 00:12:53.340 --> 00:12:54.720 And here's Nebuchadnezzar. 00:12:55.440 --> 00:12:56.580 Things are going well. 00:12:56.580 --> 00:13:01.120 I do want to remind you that the Bible is full of instances of individuals 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:06.320 who, in times of prosperity, struggled more spiritually. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:09.160 I'll give you one that you want to track. 00:13:09.700 --> 00:13:13.220 Over in 2 Samuel 11, verse 1, here's what it says. 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:14.020 It says, 00:13:14.020 --> 00:13:20.740 In the spring of the year, in the time when kings go out to battle, 00:13:21.300 --> 00:13:24.000 David sent Joab. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:30.720 How many of you know the eventual outcome to that sordid story? 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:34.919 Instead of going out and doing what he should have done, 00:13:35.179 --> 00:13:39.480 here was David at a time of prosperity indulging himself, 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:45.440 and he ended up in spiritual difficulty and heartache 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:48.899 because of his luxurious moment. 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:57.240 The inclinations to indulgence and seasons of ease that were granted by our gracious God 00:13:57.240 --> 00:14:02.240 are often far greater tests to our spiritual well-being 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:06.919 than the storms of life that force us to our knees and drive us to his word. 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:11.579 I want you to think with me of a passage in Proverbs chapter 30 just for a moment 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:15.900 and ask yourself the question, do I pray this way very often? 00:14:16.060 --> 00:14:19.480 That's a fair question to ask yourself, either yes or no. 00:14:20.660 --> 00:14:22.660 Do I pray this way very often? 00:14:22.780 --> 00:14:23.660 Let me read the passage. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:26.680 Proverbs chapter 30, verse 7 through 9. 00:14:26.780 --> 00:14:30.000 And you may even have it underlined in your Bible, which is not a bad idea. 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.759 Proverbs 30, 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:39.700 You were praying this morning. 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:41.460 I am assuming most of you were praying. 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:44.779 Lord, whatever your prayer was. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:46.559 Was this on the list? 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:49.240 Two things I ask of you. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:52.299 Deny them not to me before I die. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:55.340 Remove far from me falsehood and lying. 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.939 None of you here struggle with lying, 00:14:57.039 --> 00:14:58.799 so you probably wouldn't have to pray that part, right? 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:02.779 Remove far from me falsehood and lying. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:05.039 Give me neither poverty nor riches. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:09.919 Feed me with the food that is needful for me. 00:15:10.819 --> 00:15:13.859 Don't you love the fact that the Spirit of God gives us understanding 00:15:13.859 --> 00:15:15.879 by explaining why to pray this way? 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.079 Look at the rest. 00:15:18.819 --> 00:15:23.039 Lest I be full and deny you and say, 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:23.719 Who is God? 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:29.980 Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of the Lord my God. 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:34.740 We go back to the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:38.700 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:15:38.800 --> 00:15:46.379 How many of you here, in reality, are dependent on bread delivered today? 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:50.120 Today, I'm guessing none of you. 00:15:52.679 --> 00:15:55.720 Your pantry has food in it. 00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:01.720 Your refrigerator has things that in the back you don't even remember. 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:08.040 The nation of Israel learned, 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:12.279 Man does not live by bread alone, 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:15.860 but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:23.840 And God fed them every morning only what they needed for one day. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.420 God does that. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:33.860 And here is the passage in Proverbs where the author says, 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:36.079 Listen, don't give me so much that I forget. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.319 I need you. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.559 And then he goes on and says this, 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:46.799 Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:51.019 Now, as we look at the passage and we remind ourselves 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:54.959 that Nebuchadnezzar was in a time of prosperity and ease, 00:16:54.960 --> 00:17:00.060 I don't mean to suggest that we ought to go about afflicting ourselves unduly. 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:03.460 There is a time for a Sabbath principle, and it's appropriate. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:08.240 But the underlying point that we see here is that we need to recognize 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:13.340 that when we are in times that are relatively easy, 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:20.220 we need to be cautious to realize spiritual temptation is present. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:27.299 Now, in verse 5, we read that the king had a dream that made him rather uncomfortable. 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:28.180 Okay? 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:32.900 As I lay in bed, the fancies and the visions of my head alarm me. 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:40.039 And as I was doing some research after pastor asked me if I would be willing to preach, 00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:41.980 and I said, Of course, I'd be glad to. 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:45.599 I found out that we all dream all the time. 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.339 Most of us don't remember many of the dreams we have. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:55.019 In fact, some of the research indicated that we remember maybe less than 5% of the dreams we have. 00:17:55.680 --> 00:18:00.319 So on those rare occasions when you wake up and say to your wife or to your husband or your friend, 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:02.240 I had the weirdest dream. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:04.980 It really represents like one out of... 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.480 You got it? 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:12.539 And the dreams that we really hold on to are very, very rare. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:17.680 In this case, Nebuchadnezzar had the dream, 00:18:18.360 --> 00:18:24.460 and the way in which the dream played out became something that plagued his thinking. 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:30.200 How many of you have actually, on occasion, had a dream and decided that it would be a wise thing 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:34.819 to go ahead and awaken yourself because you really didn't like the dream? 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:35.759 Anybody ever done that? 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:38.279 It's like, I don't need any more of this. 00:18:38.359 --> 00:18:39.480 I'm stopping it now. 00:18:41.440 --> 00:18:43.039 Well, Nebuchadnezzar didn't do that. 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:47.180 He's chewing on this dream, trying to figure out what's going on and not making sense. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:51.000 And so, as we find in the text, what follows, he says here, 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:57.819 I decided that I would have all the wise men of Babylon, this is in verse 6, 00:18:58.440 --> 00:19:01.720 brought to me that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:09.500 This is the second time he had a dream, and he had relied upon some other people to help him with. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:15.500 The interesting correlation or connection is, in the first case, he brought them in, 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:19.880 and he said, I want you to tell me what the dream is, and I want you to tell me what it means, 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.960 and I'm not going to tell you what the dream is. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:27.740 This time, at least, he gives them the little hint of what the dream was. 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:29.019 He says, you just interpret it. 00:19:29.940 --> 00:19:33.980 Well, in they come, and once again, they can't do the job. 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:39.200 So, he falls back on relying upon Daniel. 00:19:40.860 --> 00:19:47.740 I think it's interesting that he relies upon Daniel, because, as you will remember, 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:51.140 Daniel had already displayed his ability. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:57.559 And later on, if you'll skip down further in the text, let me get down there to you. 00:19:57.559 --> 00:20:03.200 In chapter 4 of Daniel, chapter 4, verse 18, 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:08.679 This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw, and you, O Belshazzar, tell me the interpretation, 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:14.579 because all the wise men of the kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation. 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:16.519 Now, follow what comes next. 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:23.099 Next. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:28.700 For the spirit of the holy gods is in you. 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:40.539 Why did King Nebuchadnezzar attribute Daniel's ability to someone other than Daniel? 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:50.379 Because Daniel had been consistent in making it clear that he was not the hero in the story. 00:20:54.379 --> 00:21:01.980 All of you, every day, are in interaction with other people who observe your life, 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:05.079 and because you are the children of the living God, 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:10.319 and designed by His calling to be examples of His character, 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:13.440 people should appropriately ask you, 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:15.059 Why are you the way you are? 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:18.859 And you ought not to pat yourself on the back and say, 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:20.819 Well, I happen to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.799 Or you ought not to say, 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:27.879 Well, I went to such and such a college, and I had really good parents. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:32.460 You know, they were ready to be beatified even before I left home. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.619 No. 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:36.819 If you look back in the text, 00:21:37.459 --> 00:21:40.559 you'll find that when this business of interpreting the first dream, 00:21:40.659 --> 00:21:42.239 which was a pretty serious event, 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:43.259 came up, 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.199 Daniel, 00:21:45.199 --> 00:21:46.759 there is a God, 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:48.639 and He's the one who makes these things plain. 00:21:48.979 --> 00:21:50.039 And by the way, friends, 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:52.519 you pray for me while I get out and interpret this dream. 00:21:52.699 --> 00:21:53.639 And he walks out, 00:21:53.699 --> 00:21:54.819 and he makes it very clear, 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:55.779 I'm not, 00:21:55.939 --> 00:21:57.399 nobody can interpret this dream, 00:21:57.479 --> 00:21:58.539 but there is a God, 00:21:58.539 --> 00:22:01.399 and He's the one we're going to rely upon. 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:03.519 Now, here's my point. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.799 Every day, 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:10.799 in the situations and circumstances that God has placed you in, 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:14.659 either you bring glory to Him because you make it clear, 00:22:14.659 --> 00:22:16.039 the way you act, 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:20.259 and the testimony you have flows from the character of your Father, 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:24.839 or you take a portion of the glory that belongs to Him, 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:27.159 and you rob Him. 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:29.799 I like the fact 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:32.740 that this king, 00:22:33.659 --> 00:22:37.000 when he finally couldn't get an answer from anybody else, 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:38.720 he decided to call in Daniel, 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:39.879 and he said, 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:41.379 I know you have the ability, 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:44.099 and the reason is 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:47.079 because of who you worship. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:54.099 I like 00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:56.920 the way the dream starts, 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.279 anyway, 00:22:57.399 --> 00:22:58.319 if I was the king. 00:22:58.539 --> 00:23:02.639 Daniel listens to the king explain, 00:23:02.879 --> 00:23:03.940 and pick up there, 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.379 if you will, 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.039 in verse 10, 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:06.240 the visions of my head, 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.859 as I lay in bed were these, 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:10.359 I saw and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:12.200 and its height was great. 00:23:14.159 --> 00:23:15.079 It goes on, 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:17.279 and here we find that 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:19.359 the tree grew and became strong, 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.700 and its top reached to heaven, 00:23:20.899 --> 00:23:23.799 and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:25.399 It's leaves were beautiful, 00:23:25.399 --> 00:23:26.680 and its fruit abundant, 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:28.859 and in it was food for all. 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:31.699 The beasts of the field found shade under it, 00:23:31.699 --> 00:23:34.199 and the birds of the heaven lived in its branches, 00:23:34.199 --> 00:23:37.719 and all flesh was fed from it. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:39.140 Can I suggest, 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:41.319 and I realize we've got to be cautious 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.940 when the Bible doesn't tell us something, 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.620 when we kind of assume, 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.360 but I would imagine 00:23:46.360 --> 00:23:49.279 if this had been the end of the dream, 00:23:49.860 --> 00:23:52.000 Nebuchadnezzar would not have laid in bed 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:56.160 and kind of struggled with how the dream really should be understood. 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.920 Am I right? 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.759 None of us have done this, 00:24:01.840 --> 00:24:03.660 but there are those occasions where, 00:24:04.120 --> 00:24:04.620 carnality, 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.779 you listen to a person talking, 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:09.279 and you hope he's actually talking about you. 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:12.820 A compliment begins to flow out, 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.820 and that must be me. 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:17.040 And I'm guessing, 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:17.580 I admit, 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.019 I admit, 00:24:18.320 --> 00:24:20.220 that I'm guessing that Nebuchadnezzar, 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:23.540 when he picked up on the first part of the dream, 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:23.860 he thought, 00:24:24.019 --> 00:24:24.200 yeah, 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:25.880 you know, 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:30.319 it wasn't such a bad idea to make that big statue. 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:31.799 I mean, 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.519 after all, 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:33.880 high, 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.620 lifted up, 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:34.860 everybody, 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.860 it's wonderful. 00:24:37.340 --> 00:24:39.620 And things would have been pretty hunky-dory 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:41.840 in Nebuchadnezzar's dream 00:24:41.840 --> 00:24:44.240 if the rest of it hadn't played out. 00:24:46.360 --> 00:24:47.640 Let's get the second part. 00:24:50.120 --> 00:24:52.299 I saw in the visions of my head 00:24:52.299 --> 00:24:53.539 as I lay in the bed, 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:53.980 and behold, 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.079 a watcher, 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.659 a holy one, 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:58.240 came down from heaven. 00:24:58.379 --> 00:24:59.859 Do you follow this? 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:01.379 It's suddenly like, 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:01.899 uh-oh, 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:05.299 you're watching a movie, 00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:06.659 and the music is pretty nice, 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:08.319 and then suddenly it gets pretty somber, 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:08.619 and, 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.440 you know, 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:11.000 how many of you figured out what's coming next, 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.279 right? 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.839 It's a giveaway. 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:17.799 The introduction that we find here 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.819 gives us a hint 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:20.079 that something is changing. 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:22.579 He proclaimed aloud and said, 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:22.879 thus, 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.500 chop down the tree, 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:26.139 lop off its branches, 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:27.319 strip off its leaves, 00:25:27.459 --> 00:25:28.319 scatter its fruit. 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:30.039 You get the picture? 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:39.799 And as the king chewed on what he had dreamt, 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:47.819 there must have been a sobering sense of impending doom running through his heart. 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:48.419 Oh. 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:59.560 We understand that it wasn't just the king who struggled with the intent of this dream, 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:01.660 because later when Daniel came in, 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:04.539 you remember when he said, 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:04.779 you know, 00:26:04.860 --> 00:26:10.100 I would rather that this dream and its interpretation be for somebody else, 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:10.800 for your enemies. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:12.000 I don't want it for you. 00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:23.819 The dream makes it clear that the message was to a person. 00:26:25.379 --> 00:26:25.919 Now, 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.919 the text changes, 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:29.419 as you work your way through it, 00:26:29.619 --> 00:26:34.200 from referring to a tree to using the words, 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:36.379 let him and let his, 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:40.279 and the person who was high and lifted up 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:42.259 is going to end up in the dream, 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:45.139 in joining the animals and having the mind of an animal, 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:50.779 and then spending seven years in this terrifying, terrible predicament. 00:26:51.879 --> 00:26:52.399 Why? 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:55.059 Why? 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:57.759 As you work your way through, 00:26:57.879 --> 00:26:58.819 and you'll find out later, 00:26:58.920 --> 00:27:05.500 it was because God meant for the individual to learn humility. 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.859 Remember what I said at the beginning? 00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:10.559 Humble yourself, 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:12.819 or you will be humbled. 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.379 That truth, 00:27:16.179 --> 00:27:20.519 we find appearing over and over again in Scripture. 00:27:21.179 --> 00:27:23.459 Over and over again in Scripture. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:29.839 And it's a matter that appears not only in Scripture of divine revelation, 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:35.899 but it is something that humanity recognizes as being pretty important. 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.919 I'll give you a couple of illustrations of that. 00:27:41.959 --> 00:27:43.480 There is a saying that, 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:45.659 whom the gods will curse, 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.819 they first bless. 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:49.699 That was a statement from Greek mythology. 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:53.600 The idea being that what the gods would do, 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.759 the pagan gods, 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:57.819 is they'd give a man a certain amount of accomplishments, 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.799 and after that, 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:01.080 his pride would get the best of him, 00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:01.799 he'd be destroyed. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.460 And by the way, 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:07.420 in the arena of politics, 00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:10.200 and I don't want to bring it into the message unnecessarily, 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:12.400 but how many of you heard the word hubris? 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:15.259 It has a nice ring to it, 00:28:15.280 --> 00:28:15.600 doesn't it? 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:16.040 Hubris. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:20.600 The idea of hubris is that you're just stinking in your pride, 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:20.960 right? 00:28:21.280 --> 00:28:22.960 And in politics, 00:28:23.420 --> 00:28:26.620 people are very good at identifying hubris in other people, 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:28.019 but never in themselves, 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:28.420 right? 00:28:29.320 --> 00:28:29.620 Well, 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.540 he has hubris. 00:28:31.080 --> 00:28:32.620 Seldom have I ever heard it said, 00:28:33.060 --> 00:28:35.100 I am struggling with hubris. 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:36.460 Have any of you heard that? 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:43.380 God cares about humility. 00:28:45.140 --> 00:28:46.140 And so here he is, 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:49.019 giving this warning to the king, 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:52.220 and I think it's important for us to recognize 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:54.559 that that's what this portion is about. 00:28:57.259 --> 00:29:00.480 God gives warnings to all mankind 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:05.420 about the nature and the consequences of sin. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:11.440 And we do well to listen carefully to them. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:18.079 God warned Adam and Eve about what sin would do, 00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:21.259 and they didn't listen. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:26.799 God warned Cain about what sin would do, 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:28.500 and he didn't listen. 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:33.299 God used Noah to build this. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:38.319 Can you imagine seeing a boat being built for the first time 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:42.740 in the pre-flood generation? 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:43.319 I mean, 00:29:43.399 --> 00:29:45.500 here is one guy and his family 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:49.139 cutting down timbers and putting up a boat, 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:49.819 and you're thinking, 00:29:50.059 --> 00:29:52.019 what in the world is that for? 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:55.379 And along with his construction project, 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:57.579 how many of you like to drive by construction sites? 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:57.759 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:58.279 well, 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:58.960 look at that. 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:01.140 It must have been an entertaining thing 00:30:01.140 --> 00:30:02.360 to watch Noah build the boat. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:04.059 But along with the boat building, 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:06.759 Noah was doing preaching. 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:08.819 That's what it tells us in the Scriptures. 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.559 He was preaching. 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:14.019 He was warning people for 120 years to repent. 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:17.180 God warned Egypt. 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:20.560 Over in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:23.820 we find that warnings come even for the church of the living God. 00:30:24.080 --> 00:30:26.640 It says that when we take the Lord's table, 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:32.480 we should examine ourselves before we take it. 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.160 Why? 00:30:34.340 --> 00:30:39.539 Because if we do not engage in self-examination, 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:45.779 we will receive the discipline of the Father. 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:47.759 Now, I want to tell you something. 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:51.559 There's a difference between the way a father disciplines his children 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:55.440 and God deals with the unbeliever in eternity. 00:30:56.740 --> 00:30:59.220 One of the nice things about being the child of God 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:01.759 is that He will not let me get away with sin. 00:31:01.819 --> 00:31:02.700 Can I say that slowly? 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:09.980 He will not let me get away with sin. 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:14.220 An advantage of being my age is that I've tried long enough 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.779 that I really know it doesn't work, 00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:21.019 and so I'm quicker to repent and go the other way. 00:31:23.580 --> 00:31:26.559 When God gives you warnings that there's something in your life 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:27.620 that needs to be changed, 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.600 I've got to tell you, 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:34.659 it's appropriate to respond with repentance and humility. 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:40.639 One theologian named Platinga made the statement 00:31:40.639 --> 00:31:45.059 that sin is an opportunistic virus that always destroys its host. 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:48.000 And so here we sit today, 00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:54.299 listening to this account of a king who struggled with pride, 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:57.599 and I want to tell you that the reason that it's recorded here 00:31:57.599 --> 00:32:01.719 is not merely to give us some history lesson, 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:05.139 but so that we who are the children of God 00:32:05.139 --> 00:32:10.079 may remember that pride must be dealt with in our own life 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:12.879 quickly rather than slowly. 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.799 Remember the lesson? 00:32:19.899 --> 00:32:23.059 Humble yourself, or God will humble you. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:28.799 So let's take the portion that we see here 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:32.519 and bring it into practical application to our life. 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:35.859 Because I want you to understand that 00:32:35.859 --> 00:32:41.079 the lesson that we're looking at as we walk out of here 00:32:41.079 --> 00:32:43.980 is a lesson that has value and application 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:46.279 to every person who is here. 00:32:46.279 --> 00:32:50.639 Whether you know Christ as your Savior or you do not, 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:53.779 you have an ongoing battle with pride. 00:32:56.259 --> 00:33:00.700 And pride has its greatest remedy 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:04.899 in the work of Christ in salvation. 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:08.440 The benefit I have as a believer 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:11.240 in dealing with my ongoing struggle with pride 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:15.220 is that I enjoy the indwelling Holy Spirit 00:33:15.220 --> 00:33:16.460 that can help me. 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:22.259 I have the blessing of the Word of God 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:24.059 that gives me understanding. 00:33:25.779 --> 00:33:28.559 And I have the counsel and the encouragement 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:32.200 of godly companionship that have teeth. 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:35.900 in our home, 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:40.500 when I am struggling with pride, 00:33:40.580 --> 00:33:41.840 my wife doesn't say to me, 00:33:41.880 --> 00:33:43.059 honey, do you need a nap? 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:48.400 She says, why are you being proud? 00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:49.700 I don't like that, 00:33:49.840 --> 00:33:52.059 but it's necessary very rarely. 00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:56.519 When I'm being sarcastic, 00:33:56.519 --> 00:34:01.500 I don't attribute that to my love language. 00:34:03.500 --> 00:34:04.440 My wife says, 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:06.119 why are you being proud? 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:11.199 When I get caught up 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:12.539 and I'm easily offended, 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:17.440 the problem's my pride. 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:20.099 And I want to tell you, 00:34:20.400 --> 00:34:21.639 the greatest remedy 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:23.259 for the natural struggle 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:25.179 that I have with pride 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:27.179 and you have with pride 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:29.559 is the blessing of salvation 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.579 that changes 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:32.819 the broken and dark heart 00:34:32.819 --> 00:34:33.419 of a sinner. 00:34:39.419 --> 00:34:41.559 You cannot deal with pride 00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:42.839 apart from faith. 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:45.779 You can put a band-aid on it 00:34:45.779 --> 00:34:46.839 and you may fool the natives, 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:48.259 but you don't fool God. 00:34:50.159 --> 00:34:51.759 And so if you're here today 00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:52.839 and do not know Jesus 00:34:52.839 --> 00:34:53.639 as your Savior 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:55.460 and you are convicted 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:56.400 that your pride 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:58.480 is this ugly cancer 00:34:58.480 --> 00:34:59.420 to your soul, 00:34:59.599 --> 00:35:00.779 the only remedy 00:35:00.779 --> 00:35:02.400 is to repent 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:04.199 and believe in Jesus Christ alone. 00:35:06.299 --> 00:35:07.440 If you're a believer, 00:35:08.659 --> 00:35:10.000 I have great news for you. 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:11.799 First of all, 00:35:12.379 --> 00:35:13.559 you have the blessing 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:15.199 of the indwelling 00:35:15.199 --> 00:35:16.099 of the Holy Spirit 00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:17.000 to help you with pride. 00:35:17.859 --> 00:35:19.339 It's a great thing 00:35:19.339 --> 00:35:21.059 to have the Holy Spirit, 00:35:21.279 --> 00:35:21.659 isn't it? 00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:24.440 It's a great thing 00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:25.480 to have the Holy Spirit 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.699 ministering to you 00:35:26.699 --> 00:35:28.339 and prompting you 00:35:28.339 --> 00:35:29.679 and I appreciate 00:35:29.679 --> 00:35:30.619 a couple weeks ago 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:31.899 I was listening to Pastor here 00:35:31.899 --> 00:35:34.099 and he referred to the passage 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:35.339 in Philippians chapter 2 00:35:35.339 --> 00:35:36.000 where it gave us 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:37.159 the illustration of Jesus, 00:35:37.379 --> 00:35:37.659 right? 00:35:39.420 --> 00:35:40.359 And the Holy Spirit 00:35:40.359 --> 00:35:41.159 takes that and says, 00:35:41.299 --> 00:35:43.319 quit being such a jerk, Tim. 00:35:43.359 --> 00:35:44.239 Be like Jesus. 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:46.199 And you have the help 00:35:46.199 --> 00:35:46.799 of the Holy Spirit 00:35:46.799 --> 00:35:47.500 to do that. 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:50.679 Not only do we have 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.940 the Holy Spirit helping us, 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:53.460 but we also have 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:54.980 the enabling of His Word. 00:35:56.179 --> 00:35:57.239 We have the enabling 00:35:57.239 --> 00:35:58.219 of His Word of God. 00:35:58.639 --> 00:35:59.519 And I've got to tell you 00:35:59.519 --> 00:36:01.800 that this business 00:36:01.800 --> 00:36:03.960 of attending to the Word of God, 00:36:04.360 --> 00:36:05.900 I plead with you, 00:36:07.119 --> 00:36:08.239 do not make it 00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:09.380 kind of like a grabbing, 00:36:10.500 --> 00:36:11.820 can I ask you a question, Pastor? 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:14.780 I'm going to ask Pastor a question. 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:15.960 I have permission. 00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:16.480 He smiled. 00:36:19.199 --> 00:36:20.960 Do you have copies of the, 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.500 what is it called, 00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:22.159 Bread of Life 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:22.420 or what, 00:36:22.480 --> 00:36:23.940 a little devotional out here? 00:36:24.500 --> 00:36:24.900 You don't? 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:25.900 Okay. 00:36:26.220 --> 00:36:27.500 Well, I'm going to say this anyway 00:36:27.500 --> 00:36:28.119 even though Pastor 00:36:28.119 --> 00:36:28.740 has them out here. 00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:30.119 I would prefer that you 00:36:30.119 --> 00:36:31.480 not rely upon those, okay? 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:32.980 You need a little bit more 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.179 than just, you know, 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:36.440 yeah, I have an app on my phone 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:37.860 that pops up two Bible verses 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:38.760 and that's what I do 00:36:38.760 --> 00:36:39.760 for Scripture, right? 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.480 Don't do that 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:42.920 and think you're going to cut it. 00:36:42.920 --> 00:36:46.619 bear your heart 00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:47.579 in the Word of God. 00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:50.220 Plead with the Spirit of God 00:36:50.220 --> 00:36:51.740 to bring it into value 00:36:51.740 --> 00:36:52.420 in your life 00:36:52.420 --> 00:36:54.099 and let it make a difference 00:36:54.099 --> 00:36:55.119 in who you are. 00:36:55.119 --> 00:37:06.019 seek companionship 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:08.839 with the body of Christ 00:37:08.839 --> 00:37:12.380 in lasting relationships 00:37:12.380 --> 00:37:15.239 that nurture 00:37:15.239 --> 00:37:18.679 godly humility. 00:37:20.739 --> 00:37:22.319 Tim Kenoyer is an advocate 00:37:22.320 --> 00:37:24.160 for lasting relationships. 00:37:26.740 --> 00:37:28.600 Not because I think 00:37:28.600 --> 00:37:29.440 it's a good idea 00:37:29.440 --> 00:37:32.380 but because God's Word 00:37:32.380 --> 00:37:33.180 makes it clear 00:37:33.180 --> 00:37:34.140 that it's part 00:37:34.140 --> 00:37:36.180 of this business 00:37:36.180 --> 00:37:38.620 of growing in grace. 00:37:41.200 --> 00:37:41.800 Relationships 00:37:41.800 --> 00:37:44.039 are one of the means 00:37:44.039 --> 00:37:45.059 that God uses 00:37:45.059 --> 00:37:46.840 to help me 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:48.380 help you 00:37:48.380 --> 00:37:51.539 grow in humility. 00:37:52.320 --> 00:37:55.160 And so, 00:37:55.240 --> 00:37:56.300 the takeaway this morning 00:37:56.300 --> 00:37:58.320 as we look at this passage 00:37:58.320 --> 00:37:59.660 is we ask ourselves 00:37:59.660 --> 00:38:01.680 practically this question, 00:38:02.500 --> 00:38:02.800 so, 00:38:03.800 --> 00:38:06.240 am I working 00:38:06.240 --> 00:38:07.360 at humility 00:38:07.360 --> 00:38:10.880 or am I sitting 00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:12.220 waiting for God 00:38:12.220 --> 00:38:13.600 to go get the stick 00:38:13.600 --> 00:38:14.519 and help me? 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:14.600 Amen. 00:38:18.380 --> 00:38:19.500 Let's close in prayer. 00:38:22.320 --> 00:38:27.340 not by might 00:38:27.340 --> 00:38:31.120 nor by power 00:38:31.120 --> 00:38:34.480 but by my spirit 00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:36.240 saith the Lord. 00:38:37.240 --> 00:38:37.980 Amen. 00:38:37.980 --> 00:38:38.139 Amen.