Facing the Lions - Crazy Without You (Daniel 4)

Insanity is knowing something is true - and living as though it wasn't.

Icebreaker:
What is something that you used to believe that you now look back on as a “crazy idea?”

Read Daniel 4:1-18
What does this passage reveal about Nebuchadnezzar's situation and mindset?
What happens in the dream?

Read Daniel 4:19-27
By Daniel Chapter 4, Daniel has been in Babylon approximately 23 years using his obedience to God and integrity to build his relationship with King Nebuchadnezzar.
What do you notice about Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar relationship?
What acknowledgment does Nebuchadnezzar need to make if he is to be restored? (vs. 26)
How is that acknowledgment made evident in action? (vs. 27)

Read Daniel 4:28-32
What attitude and statement triggers God’s disciplinary action?
What acknowledgment does Nebuchadnezzar need to make for his sanity to be restored? (vs. 32)

Read Daniel 4:33-37
How is Nebuchadnezzar restored?

Applying God’s Word to Our Lives
Where do you see Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude of verse 30 in culture today?
Pastor Andrew talked about how “insanity is knowing that something is true - but living as though it wasn’t.” How do Christians today sometimes live as “functional atheists?” (Knowing something is true, but living as if it wasn’t?)

How are you going to apply the life lessons of this story? (I.e. truth-telling in a relationship, listening to God, care for the poor, living the way God has called you to, etc.)