Warning Signs

Introductory Thoughts

Because of the fallen world in which we live, there are dangers all around us. we are constantly looking for warning signs to keep us safe.

Even when we go to the doctor he is looking for the warning signs of things that will hurt us.

What if we took the same care with our spiritual heath and looked for the warning signs of things gone wrong.

King Nebuchudnezar wrote a decree from life experiences giving us some warning signs to keep our healthy spiritually.

Here are the 4 warning signs from King Nebuchudnezar:

God’s peace demands surrender before His peace can be proclaimed.

Daniel 4:1–3 ESV

1 King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. 3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

God’s love demands a warning before His judgement demands a punishment.

(tell the story of the dream 4:4-18)

Daniel 4:19 ESV

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!

Dan

Just like a doctor, Daniel has to deliver some bad news.

The diagnosis is not good.

The king doesn’t want him to sugar coat it. “Just give it to me straight.”

Love tells you the truth even when it’s not pleasant.

God warns us because he loves us.

God’s warns us before it is too late.

Daniel 4:23–25 ESV

23 And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,’ 24 this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king, 25 that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.

Dan 4:23

God’s mercy demand righteousness before repentance breaks the curse of sin.

Daniel 4:27 ESV

27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”

God’s warning is his blessing in the form of mercy.

God’s demand for righteousness and met through his Son.

We obtain that righteousness by trusting in Jesus.

Repentance breaks the curse of sin as we choose to walk in the righteousness of Christ.

When we don’t heed the warning only judgement remains.

Daniel 4:28–33 ESV

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws.

Daniel 4:28–31 ESV

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you,

Dan 4:28-

God’s majesty demands praise and honor before His kingdom crushes the prideful.

dan 4:

Daniel 4:34 ESV

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

daniel 4:

We must learn to focus our eyes on the everlasting kingdom.

Understanding that we have no kingdom.

We are just subjects in the kingdom of God.

When you focus on the kingdom you focus on the King of Kings.

When you focus on the kingdom you can see your life more clearly.

Daniel 4:36–37 ESV

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

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God’s kingdom will always win. If you don’t heed the warnings in your life your kingdom will fall as well.

Daniel 4:36 ESV

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.

Next Steps

Find someone that can help you diagnose your spiritual health and listen to their instructions no matter how hard it is to hear.

Dan 4:

Identify a sin that needs to be broken in you life and overcome it through the righteousness of Christ.

Surrender to God’s rule by renouncing your kingdom and letting His peace sustain you.