Key Truth: God graciously warns and sovereignly humbles the proud in order to raise us up for His glory according to His redemptive promises.

Introduction:

Q: Who is beyond God’s humbling mercy and grace?

The King’s Doxology: The End at the Beginning:

Daniel 4:1-3

“ ‘It (has seemed good to me)’ shows that it was a true joy for the king to share what God had done in his life—delivered him from madness. This should be the attitude of any believer. If God has done something wonderful, an individual should be delighted to share that experience with others.”

Stephen R. Miller, The New American Commentary: Daniel

Q: What are some of the things that God has done in your life that you could share with others for His glory?

The Pride That Goes Before the Fall and the Grace That Goes Before Redemption:

Daniel 4:4-33

“Daniel is the kindness of God to Nebuchadnezzar in giving him truth and clarity in his dilemma.”

Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail

Q: What are some ways God has called you to repentance and humility? Has He ever had to break you to get your attention?

The Restoration of a Humbled King for God’s Glory:

Daniel 4:34-37:

“What a glorious evidence was this of the transforming efficacy of Divine grace! It is no easy matter for any man to acknowledge and confess his pride: but to confess it openly, to take shame to himself for it publicly before all, this is a work of grace indeed! and it is the true and proper operation of grace upon the soul.”

Charles Simeon, Horae Homileticae Vol. 9: Jeremiah to Daniel

Q: How has God restored you following His gracious exposure of your pride?

Daniel 4:1-37 teaches us that:

- God’s redeeming mercy and grace should move us to share our story with others

-God graciously warns and sovereignly humbles the proud in His severe kindness

-God raises up the humbled for His glory according to His redemptive promises