Daniel 4:1-37; When Dreams Become Nightmares

Sermon in a sentence: I must destroy my pride before it destroys me.

Introduction

Have you ever let your pride take over while you were arguing with your spouse?

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (vs. 1-19)

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream had become a nightmare to him and Daniel.

Even though he had the entire world at his fingertips, he still did not have peace.

One of the greatest tragedies in this life can actually be that moment you realize your wildest dreams.

Jim Carey - Golden Globes Speech

Thank you. I am two-time Golden Globe winner Jim Carrey. You know when I’m going to sleep at night, I’m not just a guy going to sleep. I’m two-time Golden Globe winner Jim Carrey going to get some well needed shut eye. And when I dream I don’t just dream any old dreams. No sir. I dream about being three time Golden Globe winner Jim Carrey. Because then I would be enough. It would finally be true. And I could stop this, this terrible search. For what I know ultimately won’t fulfil me. But these are important these awards. I don’t want you to think just because you blew up our solar system alone, you wouldn’t be able to find us or any of human history with the naked eye, but from our perspective, this is huge. One more time, here are the nominees for best motion picture, comedy.

Dear friends, DO NOT WASTE YOUR LIFE CHASING YOUR DREAMS. Lay down your life and find a new one in Christ!

I am so blessed to have accomplished many of my dreams! Wife, kids, college, M.Div, pastor - but they can’t fulfill me! I need Christ!

Nebuchadnezzar’s Demise (vs. 20-33)

God used his messengers to bring Nebuchadnezzars’ pride to nothing.

We should be humble and realize the spiritual forces around us. We should not forgot how fragile our lives really are.

Daniel warns Nebuchadnezzar to repent, in order that God may not punish him!

Friends, repent today! Confess your sins and turn to God that He may not judge you.

Realizing that God is sovereign should lead us to humility not pride.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

There is no room for Cage Stage Christianity at the cross.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Declaration (vs. 34-37)

Even this pagan realized that God was in control.

We can say God is sovereign but not really mean it.

He worshipped God with his lips but not his actions.

Jesus tells us that it will be worse for those who know the truth on the day of judgement than those who do not. Let us not be the foolish man that looks in the mirror and walks away.

Conclusion

Rhonda Rousey’s rise and fall. Her fall lead her to contemplate self harm.

Proverbs 16:18–19 ESV

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Kill your pride today and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for life! He is the perfect example of a humble King!