Life Group Questions 10/13/19

 

Sunday’s Sermon Text

Daniel 4:28–37

Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation

[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.

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

[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;

[35] all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth;

and none can stay his hand

or say to him, “What have you done?”

[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. (ESV)

Summary: Pride is the greatest sin. It blocks the knowledge of God. Salvation is a gift. The only way to get in on it is through humility. It is not achieved but received.

Observing the Text: Read Daniel 4:28-37

  1. What words or phrases mentioned in this passage are repeated in the rest of the chapter? [dominion, beasts of the field, Most High, etc.]

  2. How does the end of the chapter reflect the end? [poem of praise, first-person perspective from Nebuchadnezzar]

Interpreting the Text:

  1. What does V.30 reveal about King Nebuchadnezzar’s view of himself and view of God?

  2. C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity: “According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind” Agree/disagree and explain.

  3. What is removed from Nebuchadnezzar that enables him to see? What has to be taken from you to see?

  4. Read V.37. How would you re-state the verse in your own words?

  5. How are power and humility connected? In what area of life might you pray “God would you give this to me if I have the humility to handle it”?

  6. How does Nebuchadnezzar express humility and repentance?

  7. How can you cultivate humility today?

Applying the Text:

What’s a pattern of praising God you can introduce into your life today?

What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?

To Announce:

  • Support Friend Training - Foster the Bay will host a Support Friend Training on Wednesday, October 30 from 6:00-8:30 pm. There are so many ways to care for kids in foster care. One of the roles that many can serve in is the role of Support Friend. Sign up here.

  • Celebrating Santa Clara County Social Workers: Each Life Group can supply one case of water and 3 packs of rolls/bread to Marta Jones on Tuesday, October 22nd. The celebration luncheon is the next day and Marta is planning to go and take the supplies. We need for supplies for 350 people! Sign up here and email marta.c.jones@gmail.com for her address.

  • Serve the City Team: Interested in helping reach our community and city through service? Join the Serve the City team. For more info, email amber.antle@outlook.com.

  • Mobile Pack - On Friday, November 15 from 6:30-8:30pm, we're looking for 50 people to help with this year's MobilePack! We're welcoming adults, children, and even your Life Group to serve together to "hand-pack nutritious MannaPack meals specifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition." Sign up here.

  • Sign Up Soon! - From All-Church Retreat! This is one of our favorite weekends of the year and the deadline for registration is quickly approaching. Join us for an incredible weekend together in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains as we worship together, hear from our guest speaker Eden Chen, share meals together, have fun together, and get to know one another better.



 
Life Group QuestionsKarly UnderwoodGarden City Church