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PREPARE
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, young men of nobility from the tribe of Judah, had been taken captive when Babylon conquered Israel. They had studied for 3 years in the king’s school alongside Daniel; “to these 4 young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning” ….to the king they were found superior to all others; “ten times better than all the magicians, and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” (Daniel 1:17, 20) They rose to high levels of government in Babylon, set as administrators over the province of Babylon. As captives in a pagan land, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s ability to trust in God and obedience to worship and serve Him only is remarkable to be sure.
The hero of this story is God, who miraculously protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the king’s wrath and punishment of death by fiery furnace. God had been with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, giving them wisdom and courage as they navigated life in Babylon’s culture and false religion. It is challenging to trust God and worship Him only when we are surrounded by a culture who neither acknowledges God nor honors our commitment to Him. We may never face such brutal consequences for our loyalty to God, but like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s we need Jesus to help us cultivate wisdom in navigating our current culture and to grow our trust in and love for Him. Jesus is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy! To Him be all glory! (Jude 24-25)
LISTEN
Verses: Daniel chapters 1 & 3
Main Point: God calls His people to live differently as a witness to God’s worthiness.
1. Hold Fast: (Daniel 1)
2. Under Pressure: (Daniel 3:1-23)
3. Delivered: (Daniel 3:24-30)
REFLECT
1. What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you?
2. How did God reveal His character in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? How can we be faithful witnesses in a world that is hostile to the gospel? What would it look like for you live fully for God in the way Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did?
3. Read Daniel 1:1-8. What do these verses tell us about the historical background and situation that that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found themselves in? What do we know about these four men?
4. What ways did the Babylonians attempt to isolate, indoctrinate, and assimilate Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? At what point did they draw the line?
5. Read Daniel 1:9-21. How did God move in this situation? What deal did Daniel make with the official? How did it turn out?
6. What was the result of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s learning? How did God put them in a position to influence the King?
7. Read Daniel 3:1-7. How big was the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar set up? What was the penalty for anyone who would not bow down and worship the statue?
8. Read Daniel 3:8-15. Who reported Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s disobedience? How did Nebuchadnezzar respond?
9. Read Daniel 3:16-18. What does Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s response reveal about about their faith? What would it take for you to respond this way if you were in their situation?
10. Read Daniel 3:19-30. Describe the situation in these verses? Normally, what would have been the outcome of being thrown into the furnace? What happened to the guards who through the men in the furnace?
11. How many men did Nebuchadnezzar see when he looked inside? Who was in the fire with them? What was the outcome of their faith and obedience?
12. What did Nebuchadnezzar do in response to what he saw? What decree did he issue? In the end, who did Nebuchadnezzar end up worshipping?
ACT
- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?