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INTRODUCTION

When you hear someone say, “That’s old school!”, they are probably referring to something from an earlier era or something they think is “old-fashioned.” However, the phrase “old school” was originally used to suggest a high regard for something shown to have lasting value or quality.

In this collection we will look at the lives of some timeless figures from the Old Testament. Though ancient, their stories hold profound relevance for our lives today, offering us insight through their guiding values.

“These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” —1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Get ready to dig into the archives of time and learn some valuable lessons on how we are to live in these ever-changing times. We will look at:

July 4/7
Esther: The Pressure of Doing What’s Right

July 11/14
Saul: The Cost of Pride and Jealousy

July 18/21
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: The Value of Accountable Friendships

July 25/28
Deborah: The Joy of Having Courage

Text: Daniel 3 (CSB, Old Testament)

Today’s Takeaway: Accountable friends help us to stand when the world bows.

Week 3 - SHADRACH, MESHACH, ABEDNEGO: THE VALUE OF ACCOUNTABLE FRIENDSHIPS

I. EVERYONE

Reveal Answer

SOMETHING OR SOMEONE (vs 1-2)

A. Worship of

“Do not have other gods besides me. 4Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.” —Exodus 20:3-4

B. Influence on

• We will influence our kids and others spiritually one way or
  another.
  

II. PEOPLE WILL

Reveal Answer

US TO DO WHAT THEY WANT US TO DO

A.

influence by others

B.

confidence in God

“Now this is what the Lord says—the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.” —Isaiah 43:1-2

• Faith means obeying God regardless of the feelings within us, the circumstances around us, or the consequences before us.
  

III. THE RIGHT FRIENDS

Reveal Answer

A HUGE DIFFERENCE (vs 16-18)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were:

A. United and confident in their

• True faith isn’t frightened by threats, impressed by crowds, or swayed by superstitious ceremonies.
  

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, 15but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” —1 Peter 3:14-15

B. United and confident in their

• True faith obeys God and trusts Him to work out the consequences according to His plan.
  

Four Character Traits of Their Friendship

1. Complete

   Reveal Answer
   to their God (v 16)
   

2. Complete

   Reveal Answer
   (v 17)
   

3. Complete

   Reveal Answer
   (v 18)
   

4. Complete

   Reveal Answer
   (v 28)
   

CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to form accountable friendships?

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