Gateway Church
In the Old Testament, the reigns of four powerful kings—Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus the Great—stand out as significant symbols during the Jewish people’s 70 years in Babylonian captivity. Although each of these kings came from a pagan background, all were ultimately used as instruments in God’s hand, with one king freeing the Jewish people through an unlikely decree. In his new series, The Kings of Babylon, Pastor Robert Morris brings to life the stories of these four ancient kings and relates them to the struggles God’s people still face today and, more importantly, His redemptive plan that awaits us all.
This weekend, Pastor Robert continues The Kings of Babylon series with a message about the deception of King Darius and the dangers of pride in our lives.
Daniel 6:1-7 NLT
1. Pride opens the door to deception.
Daniel 6:8-9 NLT
Belshazzar, being greatly alarmed at the mysterious handwriting on the wall and apprehending that someone in disguise might enter the palace with murderous intent, ordered his doorkeepers to behead anyone who attempted to force an entrance that night, even though such person should claim to be the king himself. Belshazzar, overcome by sickness, left the palace unobserved during the night through a rear exit. On his return the doorkeepers refused to admit him. In vain did he plead that he was the king. They said, “Has not the king ordered us to put to death anyone who attempts to enter the palace, though he claims to be the king himself?” Suiting the action to the word, Darius grasped a heavy ornament forming part of a candelabrum, and with it, shattered his skull.
Daniel 6:10 NLT
1 Kings 8:35-36 NLT
Psalms 55:17 NLT
2. Pride always brings regret.
Daniel 6:16 NLT
Daniel 6:18 NLT
3. Pride causes spiritual blindness.
Daniel 6:23-24 NLT
John 9:6-15 NKJV
John 9:18-21 NKJV
John 9:24-27 NKJV
John 9:39-41 NKJV
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me through this message?