October 20, 2019

DANIEL  3: An Insane Faith
October 20, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Most of us, at some time in our lives, have faced a challenge that caused us to sacrifice our personal limits or preferred conduct and bow to peer pressure, later bringing us much retribution or pain! Can you share a memory?

We are continuing our study of Daniel, finding truths in this amazing book that give us a glimpse into the remarkable inner strength found in four young, Jewish boys. Today we see three of them take a stand when the king challenges their faith in the one, true God. The lesson is very applicable to choices we make today, thousands of years later.
Focal passage: Daniel 3:1-30
Key verse: Daniel 3:18: “But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
  • King Nebuchadnezzar decided it would immortalize him to build a huge, 90 foot tall, statue of a “god.“ What took place at the opening ceremonies?
  • There probably were hundreds, or even thousands, of people in attendance. At the sound of the instruments, what did all of them do ? Who was left standing?
  • The king’s rage knew no bounds when he saw his three Jewish wise men, Shadrach, Meshach, and AbedNego, still upright as all the people bowed low. What did he threaten?

1. The pressure of compromise never goes away

  •  Read Daniel 3:13-15. Why would Nebuchadnezzar give the three another chance, which was totally out of character for kings in that day?
  • This was not the first time these Jews had had a conflict with the authority of Babylon (nor would it be the last); what had previously happened?
  • In all honesty, could you have stood, when everyone around you was kneeling, and defied the king as they did? Has there been a “standing“ moment in your life, and can you share?

2. Trusting God is more important than personal comfort

  • Read verses 16-18. What were the three risking by taking such a stand against authority, and violating the king’s edict?
  •  Why did they say, “But if not“? Explain why it is possible this was their way of saying, “If it be Your  will, O God“.
  • How did Nebuchadnezzar respond?

3. God will never leave you on your own

  • Read verses 24-26 (NAS or NLT, if possible).  What happens to personal anger when something supernatural occurs?
  • Look back at Daniel 2:46-48. How could Nebuchadnezzar forget the lesson he had previously learned about the God of Daniel and his three friends? How do you explain his change of heart?
  • How would  your brain process what had just happened – – and would you have the faith to say, “There is no God like this?”
 Takeaway: When we have the courage to practice insane faith, God will do the supernatural. 
Close :
Living in modern times, it is perhaps incomprehensible to imagine the bravery of these young Jewish boys during the incredible events that unfolded as the years slowly passed. Their faith in God through all their trials never wavered. Now they are made to attend a ceremony where they are expected to bow down to a golden statue made by a heathen king. We read how they challenged the king and might assume we would have such a similar response. The truth is, we often face this choice in our own lives in today’s world, although usually not with dire consequences such as death.
We are living in a time when laws are being put into effect that regulate everything from the words of our mouths to those we write.  We are being forced to accept rules and people who not only hold nothing sacred, but conflict with everything we believe. People who refuse to ‘bow down’ in this new society are jailed daily, for nothing more than standing firm when they are forced to except godless authority over them. Where do you fall in all this? Is your faith in God so strong that you know He will be with you through persecution, or do you give in? Have you learned He is a faithful Defender who will be with you if you end up in the center of oppression? He is. Trust Him, try Him, and see if He is not faithful to keep all His promises. How do you do that? Wait – – you may have the choice very soon to try Him and find out.
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