Nebuchadnezzar: Outside the Furnace

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Power Conflict• Nebuchadnezzar Builds Statue (1)

Imposing & Irrational Authorities are Insecure!

(So extend compassion to them!)

Power Conflict• Nebuchadnezzar Builds Statue (1)• Nebuchadnezzar Demands Loyalty (2-

7)Non-Conformity Prevents Compromise & Costs

Greatly!(So buckle up!)

Power Conflict• Nebuchadnezzar Builds Statue (1)• Nebuchadnezzar Demands Loyalty (2-7)• Peers Inflict Punishment (8-12)• Nebuchadnezzar Inflicts Punishment (13-18)Conformity without Compromise Honors God!

(So excel fully!)

Power Conflict• Nebuchadnezzar Builds Statue (1)• Nebuchadnezzar Demands Loyalty (2-7)• Peers Inflict Punishment (8-12)• Nebuchadnezzar Inflicts Punishment (13-

18)God Trumps All Human Authorities!

(So serve Him!)

God & Human Author i t i es“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” - Romans 13:1

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” - Proverbs 21:1

Cl imat ic Intervent ion• Reaction of Surprise• Realization of Authority Limitation• Recognition of Divine Being

God Remains Present in Our Suffering!(So trust that He is with you still!)

Cl imat ic Intervent ion“In suffering, God may be found precisely where He was on Good Friday; identifying with us in our suffering, acting to resolve that suffering in ways we may not see or imagine, and yet sovereign in the heavens, accomplish-ing His eternal, though mysterious, purposes.”

- Robert Pyne

Dramat ic Resolut ion• From Execution to Invitation• From Ignorance to Reverence

God Uses Non-Conformity to Change Authorities!

(So pray for them!)

Dramat ic Resolut ion“Louie was seized by childlike, giddy exuberance. Before he realized what he was doing, he was bounding down the aisle. In bewilderment, the men who had abused him watched him come to them, his hands extended, a radiant smile on his face.”

- Hillenbrand in Unbroken

Nebuchadnezzar: Outside the Furnace

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