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THE GOD WHO HOLDS YOUR BREATH IN HIS HANDS

Text: Daniel 5
22 November 2009

(I) COMPREHENDING GOD AND HIS KINGDOM

1. God of heaven who is sovereign over time and rulers

“So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: ” Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;” Daniel 2:19-21

2. He is the Most High God

“Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him,” Daniel 3:28

a) Who sent His Angel to protect

b) Who delivered His servants

3. His kingdom is eternal

a) An everlasting kingdom ( Daniel 4:3 )

b) It is God most High who rules in the kingdom of men ( Daniel 4:17, 25, 32, 5:22 )

(II) CONSIDERING FURTHER INSIGHTS TO GOD

1. God holds man accountable for his actions

a) Belshazzar had desecrated the holy vessels of the temple ( Daniel 5:1-4 )

b) This was an affront to God

c) God sent a finger to write on the wall to hold Belshazzar accountable ( Daniel 5:5, 25-28 )

2. God has the prerogative to give man another chance or not

a) He gave King Nebuchadnezzar another chance ( Daniel 5:20, 21 )

b) God did not give Belshazzar another chance ( Daniel 20:22, 23 )

3. God holds the breath of man

‘And the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” Daniel 5:23

a) God holds his breath…his life in His hand

b) God has the power to give breath and to take it away

c) He owns all man’s ways

(III) COMPARING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE RESPONSES OF 2 KINGS

1. The appropriate response of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34-37)

2. The inappropriate response of King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:29)

(IV) CULTIVATING THE HIGHEST REGARD FOR GOD THIS CHRISTMAS

1. Knowledge of God and His kingdom

2. New insights appreciated

3. Appropriate Responses to be given