A sermon on Daniel 4:1-3 by David Camera

Application questions:

• What are the greatest influences on how you conceive of your identity?
• How often do you consider your membership in God’s kingdom?
• How can embracing our identity as citizens of Christ’s kingdom provide stability and purpose for our lives?
• Read Romans 12:1-2. What reality do we face daily as members of Christ’s kingdom?
• How do we resist the pressures of the world which seeks to conform us into its mold?

A sermon the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms by Dr. Greg Lanier.

Application questions:

• Reflect on point 1: “God ordains the rise of the kingdoms of man”
  • How does God’s common grace through human rulers bring temporary blessings to God’s people?
  • Read Jer 29:1-7. How can you as a Christian respond to exile by “seeking the welfare of the city where God has sent us”?
• Reflect on point 2: “God ordains the fall of the kingdoms of man”
  • In what aspects of life are you most tempted to pride? Where have you experienced God’s humbling in your own life?
  • Read Jer 25:8-14. Discuss how God uses Nebuchadnezzar as his “servant” to accomplish his will—but also will bring judgment on Nebuchadnezzar?
  • Where are you tempted to put too much hope in the prosperity of the kingdom of man?
• Trace out the following passages: Dan 4:17 (God giving kingdoms “to whom he wills”); Luke 4:6 (Satan’s giving the kingdoms “to whom he wills”); Isa 14:3-4, 12-14 (the fall of “Lucifer”); Luke 10:18 (the fall of Satan). Reflect on how the tumult of earthly kingdoms reflects the battle between Satan and Christ. Then read Rev 18:1-2. What will ultimately happen to Satan’s kingdom?
• Now trace out Dan 4:12 and Mark 4:30-32. How can you stir up greater hope in the future kingdom of Christ that will bless all nations?

A sermon on Nebuchadnezzar's fall and restoration by David Camera.

Application questions:

• Verse 28 begins “all this...” - what does “this” refer to?
• How would you describe Nebuchadnezzar in verses 29-30?
• What was the purpose of his humiliation?
• How does the humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar demonstrate the truth of verses 34 and 35?
• What do we learn about God from this passage? (His nature and his character)
• What do we learn about ourselves?
• Look at v. 27. What is the recommended cure for pride?
• How would you describe Nebuchadnezzar in v. 36-37.
• What has changed and how did God change him?
• Read Proverbs 3:24, 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:2. What do we learn from these verses?
• How has the Cross of Jesus turned humility into greatness in the eyes of God? (cr. Phil. 2:1-10)
• Why is pride so deadly to us?
• Read Ephesians 4:1-2 and Colossians 3:12-13.
• What areas of your life in particular right now do you need to embrace these Christian virtues?
• Where are you tempted to unhealthy pride? How can you embrace humility in those situations or relationships?