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Q2. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty


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(Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

 

"Heaven rules" mean that God the Most High is sovereign over the whole earth including kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. "Acknowledge" mean to understand and accept. It is obviously hard for a king precisely because as a king, he can lord it over other men and often this can go to the king's head that he did it out of his own strength and person. Nebuchadnezzar probably believes that he is king because of his own personal qualities of greatness, while the truth is that God is the one who lifts people up and puts them down. 

 

We can deny that God is in charge by not submitting ourselves to God and prayerfully seeking God's counsel in the things that we do. We can deny that God is in charge when we achieve success in some area and not give credit to God but believe that we achieved that success through our own hands.

 

 

 

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? THIS IS MOST SIMPLY DESCRIBED IN Proverbs 3:5-6..."Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your." HE MEANS IT!

 

In what ways is this hard for a king? PART OF BEING KING is everything flows down from the head, everything that happens good or bad; falls under the kings responsibility and the king is held accountable.  REMEMBER IN Daniel 4:4-5, he said:  " I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.5  I had a dream that made me afraid..."HE PROBABLY don't get many moments like that.  What he did not realize is that moment was contrived and seasoned with FEAR to get a message through.

 

 

In what ways is this hard for us?  WE ALL WANT TO BE IN CONTROL of that which is under our control.  Territory is terrifying sometimes and we feel it must be defended.

 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? WE SIMPLY LET PRIDE OVERRULE and pretend it is all about us; until He commands our attention.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”?

 

It means that although the king is in the place of rulership he only is ruler because of the "Heavenly Father".  We western Christians have a hard time understanding that whoever is ruling over us (presidents, governors, etc).  Daniel recognized that the king was only in place because God ordained it.

 

In what ways is this hard for a king?

 

For an "ungodly king" it is nearly impossible for him to recognize this truth.  In the time frame that this event took place it was through cunning, power, strength and even murder that many kings ascended to the throne.  They accepted the praise and honor for being on the throne and not directing it to God.  It is only reasonable to expect that spiritual things can only be understood by spiritual beings.

 

In what ways is this hard for us?

 

We too want to accept the praise and adoration for "OUR" job well done.  We like the strokes that we get and the acknowledgement.

 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

 

Instead of passing on the praise to God, knowing in our spirit that without Him there is nothing we can do on our own we deny God.

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Q2 (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? 

It's another way of saying that "God is Sovereign"...The Only and all Powerful, King and Ruler over ALL, and that this king was only ruling by God's permission: "By Me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth." Prov.8:15,16.  and  "He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree"  Luke 1:52

In what ways is this hard for a king?

Kings have power, though delegated by God, over their subjects, giving them the impression that they themselves are sovereign and accountable to no one.

In what ways is this hard for us?

God created us with a free will, and like kings, we want to feel empowered to control our world and our lives....we squirm when we feel vulnerable and out of control. 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

We have the freedom to ignore His Sovereignty and to proceed with what we want to do, or in our dysfunction may even try to tell others what they ought to do. We may forget at times that we are the branches and He is the Vine...and that we can do NOTHING (of eternal or spiritual value) apart from abiding in Him.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?​

 

Acknowledging Heaven rules means accepting with all our hearts that God is sovereign, He is omnipotent, Omniscient, All knowing, all Powerful  God and all that He does is right. 

 

It is hard for a king because he also has power over a whole land of people, and everyone bows down to him and gives the king honor and respect, at his commands people move, rules are made and things happen.  Pride may make it hard for  a king to accept the Sovereignty of God.

 

It is hard on us sometimes when our plans and thoughts do not match with the plans God has for our lives.

 

When we do not enquire of the Lord to take decisions for our lives, when we neglect Gods statutes and laws and lean on our own understanding, and when we take the Glory to ourselves which actually belong to God we deny him by our actions.

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What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? 

 

You acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men.  This is difficult for the king because of his pride and position of power.  We, also, can be prideful.  We often think that we are doing things on our own and forget that God is the one in control. I have learned that in any accomplishments in life to say what the "Lord" has done instead of what "I" have done.

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the real king is God!  It's very humbling and not easy to give the rule to someone else--pride gets in the way.

its the same with us.  We get so puffed up by pride, thinking no one else could do our job like we can.  "I" disease!

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"?

Quite simply it’s to concede to the reality of the sovereignty of God, as mentioned in Dan 4:25, “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

In what ways is this hard for a king?

For kings, who have power over subjects, comes arrogance, because they assume that they in control of everything which includes their respective destinies, especially during ancient times.

In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

Instead of attributing our successes to God, we assume that whatever gained is “through my hard work.” Failure sure as hell is ascribed to God without even considering the fact that it was God’s decision that we did not need the success of failed scheme.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”?

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to God.

 

In what ways is this hard for a king?

Pride it wont let you admit that you are pride

 

In what ways is this hard for us?

Pride

 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? 

​We rebel to those God is using to help us

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

 

I think I have answered this type of question before, probably in a previous book of the bible study (possibly the book of John). The king has spent all of his life being the 'king pin' and mixed with his heathen religion philosophy and background he is not about to, surrender to this God of Daniel's! It was going to take a lot to knock this stubbornness out of him.

Because of pride I sometimes like to take control of my life, it's human nature (1 John 2:15,16)

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God rules over all men and it is proper to acknowledge Him as the most high God, creator of all. Heaven rules over the earth, and we should always remember that. The king had a problem acknowledging God as the most high because he was very selfish and felt no one is above the king. I try to acknowledge God over every area of my life because I can't make it without Him.

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What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"?

The Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.

In what ways is this hard for a king?

God is the "One True King" over all kingdoms.

In what ways is this hard for us?

Our pride seems to get the best of us at times and we like to run things our own way.

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

We sometimes forget that we are only the branches and God is the vine.
 

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What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”?

It means that God will set up who is king not man.

 

In what ways is this hard for a king?

A king thinks of themselves as the absolute ruler to do what he wants.  He believes that he will choose who will follow him as king.

 

In what ways is this hard for us?

God has given us "free will" to choose for ourselves.  But God still is the absolute ruler over all, even us.

 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? 

We sometimes choose to do things that God is not pleased with, even-tho we want to do it. 

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"?
King Nebuchadnezzar's pagan culture believed in many gods and even though he did acknowledge the power of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego was great, he did not “fully” understand that the "God of Israel" is the "Most High God" who rules supreme in the world, that Heaven is His throne, and earth is His footstool.  

 

Q3. In what ways is this hard for a king?
It was hard for king Nebuchadnezzar to understand because he was full of pride, his heart was boosting that it was he who made Babylon great, not understanding that it is pride and a haughty spirit that leads to destruction.  

 

There is a difference between having head knowledge of God, and that of heart knowledge; head knowledge alone "will" open the door of "SELF" to rule, as the king thought he was great enough to speak for God and to bring judgment to any people, nation, or language that would speak against the God Daniel worshiped, when it is God who rules from Heaven: It is God who is displeased when sin and idolatry are knowingly rejoiced in, it is the mercy of God that calls the heart of man to repentance, it is because of his love that He rebukes and chastens, not that of man.

 

Q4. In what ways is this hard for us?
My heart finds it not hard at all; my hearts purpose is to follow after that of righteousness.

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Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

To acknowledge that heaven rules is to admit that God is in control of making or breaking people. A king with so much power would have a hard time realizing that God had decided who rules. It is hard for all of us to grasp this because it is easy to think we our in total control of our lives. When we don't take the time to acknowledge our creator and ask for direction it shows that we do not think God is in control of our lives.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

 

"Heaven rules" is a wake up call that there is something bigger than us.  We often think, as did the king, that we/he believes we are the center of the universe and everything revolves around us.  Pride puffs us up, especially when you are in a position of authority.  The king ruled and he began to believe he ruled over everything.   We often believe we rule our own lives and we make our own destiny.  Even when we say God is in charge, yet, we act contrary to God's laws and God's will for our lives.  James 4:13-16 is just such and example when we boast about what our plans are without acknowledging God's plans.  

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

In Daniel 4:23-26, the phrase "acknowledge that Heaven rules" is that the king will be as an animal until he can be humbled and admit that God rules over all the earth, giving kingdoms to anyone he wishes.

This can be hard for a king to humble himself and admit that God has placed them their there by his power. Because of their family successors or being placed as king by victory over another nation, it is hard for them to realize God put them there. They become filled with pride and actually think themselves as god over their kingdom.

We sometimes like to believe we have accomplished our goals in life and have achieved this all by our selves. This causes kings to become very prideful and leave God totally out of the picture.

Because we become so prideful of our accomplishments, we begin to think of ourselves as very intelligent, skillful or worked our way over others who might have been in line for advancement ahead of us. We believe, because of our pride and actions, God had nothing to do with our achievements. We are in charge of our life, not God, we actually become so prideful we think god ought to be proud of our goals.    

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To acknowledge that Heaven rules is to know and confess that God is sovereign over everything and everyone – and we are not. We are subordinate to Him. This would be very hard for a king who had absolute authority and unquestioned rule over a realm and its people. Humbling himself before anyone or any “god” was not within the framework of Nebuchadnezzar's understanding. He had no problem giving “props” to the undeniable power of the God of Daniel, but in his mind that God (associated with Daniel and Jerusalem, not Babylon) was not a higher power to himself. He saw himself as subservient to no one.

 

Especially in America, I think we can relate to this as a nation of people who are used to the independence of generally having control over our individual lives. Here, we have no legal king and it's hard to imagine yielding to a sovereign who dictates what we can and cannot do with our lives. I also think this blessing of individual freedoms has made it more difficult for western Christians to acknowledge and accept that God is truly in charge of all. A self-sufficient spirit can have a harder time being humble and submissive. We so often jump in feet first to make plans, take care of business, and get things done before we ever seek God. And pride with a desire for control just come natural. It takes deeper understanding and great effort to humble yourself, seek Him first, and submit to Him in all things. I think that comes as our love for Him grows deeper.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? 

a.Acknowledging heaven rules is the acceptance that the Word of God ,His wish and His plan is the kingship to humans ,,,,,,Ruler above every earthy rulers .

b.The king himself considered that he is the most high .This hard because the king loses his kingdom (driven out) and be like an animal and wandering ,

c.Humans have many plans and many self righteous believes where self is the central figure ,To humble oneself is difficult ,and to wait on the Lord is also not easy if our faith is not even of a mustard seed

d.We deny the plan of God by excessive griping ,excessive praying ,depending on false freinds like entertainment and addictions ,,,ignoring the study of Word and always striving t be victor in the eyes of world by expecting rewards of kind and cash ,flattery of men etc

,,

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"Acknowledge that Heaven rules" means recognising the ruling authority of the Most High, the Creator and the Giver of Life.

 

Kings see themselves as gods on earth, so they often do not recognise the authority of God.  It is hard for kings to submit themselves to another higher authority even that is God.

 

Human kind has always denied the presence of God.  The theory of the evolution is an example showing man's denial of God's authority.  Individually, man often denies God's authority and his providence by showing pride in his success, or has faith in science (example: artificial insemination, abortion, change sex, genetic manipulation, etc.).

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

 

Although much of the world thought that Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty (even divine) king, God demonstrated that Nebuchadnezzar was an ordinary man. The king would go insane and become like an animal for a set period of time (“seven periods of time”). God humiliated Nebuchadnezzar to show that almighty God, not Nebuchadnezzar, was Lord of the nations. No matter how powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life. Pride may be one of the most dangerous temptations you will face. Don’t let your accomplishments cause you to forget God. He is in charge of everything.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? 

In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways

 

is this hard for us? How do we sometimes by our actions that God is in charge 

of all?
1.  To acknowledge the truth is that God is the one who lifts people up and puts them 

down, who "gives [the kingdoms of men]to anyone he wishes.” 

 

 

2.  It is hard for a king when a he has to lower himself, put down pride, and understand 

that it is not about him, but about God.

 

 

3.  It is hard for us when we realize we will not be the center of attention and 

perhaps not use what we have to gain the attention of others. It is hard for us to

drop our pride and become humble.

 

 

 

4.  When we think about ourselves and not God, we forget he is in charge. 

We mess up when God is not first in our lives.

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Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) 

What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? 

In what ways is this hard for a king? 

In what ways is this hard for us? 

How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all?

Nebuchadnezzar was urged to acknowledge God’s sovereignty - His supremacy over all. It is extremely difficult for a king to humble himself and acknowledge that Heaven rules - especially for a king like Nebuchadnezzar who ruled over nearly the whole known world. He was so accustomed to getting his way, his every wish was granted, and he was idolized here on earth. He had power over life and death. Like most monarchs of the time he ruled as an absolute dictator, often with unfairness, and with violence in dealing with his subjects. But we see him being humbled into submission to God’s authority because he had refused to recognize that it was God that had granted him his position and power. Daniel had warned the king about impending hard times if he fails to acknowledge God’s supremacy. This was ignored as he refused to humble himself, and he credited himself with the prosperity of the empire. With us it is the same – very hard to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. Humility requires the lowering or lessening of oneself. This however, goes against our sinful and prideful nature and we therefore refuse to be brought down and diminished in our importance. In fact, we are so self-centred - it is all about us. We even think we deserve more – more happiness, financial prosperity, and freedom. This all is our so called right! A prideful heart is a form of idolatry because it places the individual on a pedestal glorifying self without recognizing God’s authority over everything and everyone. We need to humble ourselves and acknowledge our Heavenly Father in everything we do. We need to remember the Word: “Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honour. Proverbs 18:12; and “A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour. Proverbs 29:23. God gives us the opportunity to humble ourselves, but we can be assured that if we, like Nebuchadnezzar, continue in our stubborn self-absorption, either through direct or indirect circumstances, God Himself will humble us. 

 

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