Humility: The Art of Self-Forgetfulness
Pastor Zach Bearss
January 29, 2023
Daniel 4
Connect: In your words what does it look like to love bad people? Have you had to forgive someone who is hard to love? What was that like for you? What do you think the dangers of pride look like in our world right now?
Engage: Read through Daniel 4, What stands out in this chapter to you?
Daniel knew he had to speak the truth about the dream – have you ever had to tell someone the truth of what God was saying to you and how was that for you? How do you handle yourself if they do not listen to you? Do you get frustrated, angry, defensive or can you let God work in that person’s life?
Alex Solzhenitsyn says, “Pride grows in the human heart like lard on a pig” What does that look like in real life.
1. Pride is Dangerous because it is hidden.
a. Daniel tried to tell him, but he did not listen.
Do you ever ask God to search your heart for pride? Where have you seen this in your life or the lives of others? How has that affected those around you or lives of others
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Pride causes us to be forgetful
a. Pride says,“I did it.” “I am owed this.“Where have you seen this in your life? – Are there things you can do to fight pride?
b. How do we heal from pride? God continued to pursue Nebuchadnezzar even though he was an animal. Nebuchadnezzar realizes that God loves him even if he is an enemy – think back to the question the kids asked at the beginning? ☺ It changed him.
c. God can take the most prideful and change their heart. Vs 34 -37
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The cure for pride is humility. Humility says it is a gift from God.
a. Humility makes us realize that we don’t desire this. Do you have a thankful spirit? What is one way you can start having a thankful heart?
4. The 2nd cure for pride is making much of God Vs 34 I raised my eyes toward heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:21 says 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
What does this verse say to you personally
Apply: What is one thing you can do to counteract pride?
What is one thing you are going to apply considering this message?
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