The Preeminent Kingdom
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Nebuchadnezzar pays hommage to the sovereign God of Daniel.
Text: Daniel 2:46-49
Date: 08/20/2017, the Evening service.
Series: "Daniel: Divine Dominion and Deliverance" Part 8
Description:
In a chapter that has been filled with dramatic images, Daniel saves the most powerful one until last: the image of Nebuchadnezzar, the great and powerful pagan king lying face down at the feet of Daniel, giving homage to Yahweh as the true source of power and wisdom. We will analyze the importance of this image and then trace the preeminence of the Kingdom "not made by human hands" throughout history, particularly as it relates to the Kingdom of Christ and the growth of the church through the spread of the Gospel.
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I. Introduction, Acts 23:6, 1Cor. 1:18-25.
II. Exposition of the text, Daniel 2:46-49.
A. Context
B. Nebuchadnezzar's gratitude.
1. Nebuchadnezzar bows to Daniel, vs. 46.
a. The most incredible image, vs. 46a.
i. Changing perspective.
ii. The source of true wisdom.
b. Nebuchadnezzar's worship, vs. 46b.
i. Focus on Nebuchadnezzar.
ii. Focus on Daniel, Acts 14:14-15, Rev. 19:10.
iii. Analyzing Daniel's response.
¥ Authenticating the story.
¥ Authenticating the locale.
¥ Authenticating the date.
2. Honoring the God of Heaven, vs. 47.
a. All power to the God of Daniel, Dan. 2:21.
b. All wisdom to the God of Daniel, Dan. 2:27-28.
3. High honors and position, vs. 48-49, Dan. 2:6.
III. Interpretation
A. The sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of man.
B. The sovereignty of God over the kingdom of Israel, Matt. 21:42-44.
C. The Kingdom made by God's hands.
IV. Conclusion