9/6/26
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
King Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed the greatness and sovereignty of God in Daniel 2 through the revelation and interpretation of his dream. Yet rather than submit to God, he responded with self-centered rebellion. He consumed enormous resources of his kingdom to construct a massive golden image and commanded every people, nation, and language to bow down and worship it.
Rebellion rejects God’s authority. Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed God’s power yet refused to submit to God’s authority. He established his own image and demanded the obedient false worship from others.
Rebellion seeks personal glory. The king exalted himself, his power, and his kingdom. Pride blinds us and turns our attention from the greatness of God to the greatness of self.
Rebellion demands conformity. Everyone was commanded to bow when the music played. The king’s command demanded conformity to his decree. Rebellion pressures others to abandon conviction and conform to sinful standards.
Rebellion replaces God with adoration of self and leads to self-centered living. Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship of his manmade image rather than worship of the true God. In the human mind, idolatry replaces the Creator with something created. Romans 1:18-25
Rebellion rejoices when others capitulate. The king’s command brought the crowd to its knees. Sin is encouraged when others abandon their convictions for acceptance, comfort, or safety.
Rebellion always begins in the heart. Our sinful nature does not want to bow to the authority of another, not even God. We want to be our own bosses and establish our own standards. That rebellion in the human heart is at the root of sin. Romans 3:23; 6:23
The great danger of pride is that it turns our attention from the greatness of God to the greatness of self. Pride always brings destruction. Proverbs 16:18
Rebellious pride is sinful. God alone is worthy of worship. Isaiah 45:5,6