Week 3: Daniel Chapter 3

Jan 23-29

Overview: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship the golden image and the consequences their refusal to comply would bring. More importantly, they knew God, His standards and His power to deliver them. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been captured and brought to Babylon when they were young men. Along with Daniel, they refused to eat the king’s food (Daniel 1). God provided strength, health and deliverance for them during that trial. They also saw God provide Daniel with an interpretation of the king’s dream (Daniel 2). Their knowledge of and experience with God enabled them to stand in opposition to the king’s newest command. King Nebuchadnezzar was furious with their refusal to obey. His actions to ensure their deaths in the fiery furnace provided evidence of their miraculous deliverance at God’s hand. The men were bound by the “strongest” soldiers (3:20), yet they were found unbound in the furnace. The furnace was so hot that the men who pushed them in were killed because of it, yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unharmed. They didn’t even smell like smoke which is hard even after being around a small fire. And four men were found walking around, not the three who were thrown in. Because of their past experiences and their relationship with God, these men knew they could not worship the golden image. They were willing to risk their lives in obedience to God.

Day 1: Daniel 3

What does this passage say about God?

What does it say about people?

How does God interact with/relate to people in this text?

Day 2: Daniel 3

What is one thing that struck you about this passage?

Is anything unclear or confusing to you about this passage?

How do you think the people hearing this passage in that time would have received it?

Pick a favorite verse. Write it out. Look up the definition of the major words in that verse and write how that enhances the impact of the text in your heart.

Day 3: Daniel 3

What were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego willing to risk if God didn’t deliver them the way they knew He could?

How has God used “smaller” trials/experiences to prepare you for other trials/experiences?

Have you ever stood up for God and His standards? What happened?

How are you experiencing God in the trials you are facing?

Day 4: Daniel 3

What sins are we being called to avoid?

What commands are we given to obey?

What promises can we claim?

What examples are there to follow?

Any other special truths that stick out to you?

Summarize what you think Daniel is trying to teach the readers of this letter through this week’s reading. Be sure to cover each main point!

Day 5: Daniel 3

Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life.

What do you think God was trying to teach you this week? (Review each day’s notes & mark what stood out to you the most.) And why do you think that?

Keeping in mind what God was trying to teach you this week, what is a SAM application you can make?

S – Specific – What exactly do you want to do?

A – Attainable – Can you accomplish this application in the time frame given?

M – Measurable – Is this something you can track and quantify its progress?

Who can you share with this week what God taught you? What could encourage a believer? What could encourage a nonbeliever?

Sermon Notes:

Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”