Chapter 3 of the Book of Daniel begins with King Nebuchadnezzar erecting a huge gold statue and then requires all the subjects of the Babylonian Kingdom to fall down and worship it. Nebuchadnezzar showed the danger that awaits us when we allow power and pride to control our lives and he evidenced what an arrogant fool he actually was.

What King Nebuchadnezzar should have done after receiving the interpretation of his dream was to submit to and worship the Lord ,but instead he sets himself up to be worshipped and this will lead to his downfall (Proverbs 11:2). He continues with his error by punishing the three young men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego) who refuse to bow down to the image and throws them into a blazing furnace. The Lord will once again show His sovereign control by delivering these young men from the flames. Nebuchadnezzar will at least admit to the Lord’s power but he never really submits to the Lord which will cause Nebuchadnezzar to suffer the humiliation of losing his kingdom as we will see in Daniel chapter 4.

It would have done King Nebuchadnezzar well to have paid attention to the words of Daniel when he wrote these words in Daniel 2:20-22; “Daniel answered and said; blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belongs wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings, he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Here is the full lesson from Daniel 3 –

Lesson 3 – Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3

Lesson 3 – Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3 (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 3 -Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3 (PPT)