The handwriting is on the wall

Topics: prophecy, arrogance

I. The judgment of Babylon was foretold

A. Fulfilled prophecies confirm that Scripture is the word of God!

1. "Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation," declares the Lord, "for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation" (Jeremiah 25:12).
2. Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The Lord has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; for it is the vengeance of the Lord, vengeance for His temple (Jeremiah 51:11; See Daniel 5:5).

B. Future prophecies warn about coming judgment for everyone!

1. For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God." So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God (Romans 14:10b-12).
2. "Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?" (Matthew 16:3b).

II. The judgment of arrogance is foretold

A. King Belshazzar should be greatly alarmed at the finger of God!

1. Then the king's face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints went slack and his knees began knocking together. . . Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed (Daniel 5:6, 9).
2. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said (Exodus 8:19).

B. All the proud, arrogant, and haughty need to repent now!

1. Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud and abase the haughtiness of the ruthless (Isaiah 13:11).
2. "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil (Joel 2:12, 13).
   

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins January 17^th, 2021