Impressed but Not Changed
The Sovereignty of God | A Study Through the Book of Daniel • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsNebuchadnezzar was impressed by the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego but converted by God.
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Introduction
There is a great difference between being impressed by God and having a genuine conversion experience in God. Nebuchadnezzar was impressed. He even looked as if he was changed by his words and actions, but in the end, we will see that these words and actions were mere show and superficial. I wonder how many today are living in a mere show and superficial relationship with God not realizing their eternity is at stake. I’m afraid that many may be in the state that Nebuchadnezzar found himself.
Focus Passage: Daniel 3:26-30
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came out of the middle of the fire. The satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men, nor was the hair of their heads singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had even the smell of fire touched them. Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and surrendered their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or population of any language that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses made a rubbish heap, because there is no other god who is able to save in this way.” Then the king made Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego prosperous in the province of Babylon.
Outline
Simply impressed
Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by the miracle of God- ‘Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded...’ (v.24)
Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by the power of God
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that there was no god greater than God - ‘…the Most High God...’
Nebuchadnezzar, as well as his officials, witnessed the providential care of God, and saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men, nor was the hair of their heads singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had even the smell of fire touched them.
Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to God (cf. Hebrews 3:17-18)
These three heroes of faith trust in the sovereignty and providence of God more so than man. May this be a lesson to us. May this be a challenge to us. May we learn to be willing to lose it all in faithfulness to God.
And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient?
Nebuchadnezzar could not deny and acknowledged their faithfulness, rescued His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and surrendered their body rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Superficial worship
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the greatness of God - ‘…the Most High God…there is no other god who is able to save in this way...’
Nebuchadnezzar gives superficial worship to God - ‘…Blessed be the God of...’
Nebuchadnezzar may give worship to God but not as his god, but as the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
Nebuchadnezzar gives superficial reference to God - ‘...any…that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses made rubbish heap...’ (cf. Psalm 51:17; 1 John 1:9; John 14:6)
We must understand that God sees through all this. God knows when we have religion but not relationship. God knows when we are trying to cover up our sin with works of righteousness. God knows when we are trying to buy our way into heaven and a right relationship with him. God know when we are just acting rather than being genuine.
God has called us to be genuinely broken over of our sin and genuinely repentant of our sin.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Being impressed and having superficial worship and reference for God is not enough. God demands truthful and spiritual worship. It is only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.
Two lessons about faithfulness to the Lord
God works all things to the good of those that love Him (cf. Romans 8:28)
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
God has promised to give us grace in our time of need (cf. Hebrews 4:16)
Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.
Conclusion
There is a great difference between being impressed by God and having a genuine conversion experience in God. Nebuchadnezzar was impressed. He even looked as if he was changed by his words and actions, but in the end, we will see that these words and actions were mere show and superficial. I wonder how many today are living in a mere show and superficial relationship with God not realizing their eternity is at stake. May we heed the words of Peter...
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
Finally, if you know with certainty that you have that right relationship with the Lord, be sure that no matter what you face or what fire you face, God will work it to your good, even if that good is going home. Know for certain that God will provide grace for you in your time of need.