FEARLESS FAITH—2
SHADRACH, MESHACH, ABEDNEGO
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1
Then the herald loudly proclaimed, "This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." Daniel 3:4-6
…But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" Daniel 3:15b
A FAITH THAT’S TESTED BY FIRE IS A FAITH THAT CAN BE TRUSTED.
WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED BY FIRE
OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS INSTEAD OF MAN’S EXPECTATIONS.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. Daniel 3:16
BELIEVE GOD’S TRUTH INSTEAD OF THE FACTS.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. Daniel 3:17
BELIEVE GOD. DON’T JUST BELIEVE IN GOD.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:18
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king." "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Daniel 3:24-25 NKJV
They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Daniel 3:27-28
Life Group Questions
Faith that’s tested is faith that can be trusted. What “fiery trials” have you endured that strengthened your faith?
In what area of life are you most tempted to follow people’s expectations instead of God’s commands? (Remember to have your Life Group pray for you about this.)
There is a difference between believing in God and believing God. What are you “believing God” for?
