2. When we read 2 Corinthians 12:2-7, we see Paul was not like Nebuchadnezzar when given a gift from God. To help Paul from being conceited about the revelation God showed him he was given a “thorn in the flesh.” Can you think of other examples in the Bible where people received gifts or revelations and misused them? Can you understand why Nebuchadnezzar acted pridefully about the interpretation of the dream? Do you feel God has ever given you a gift or revelation? If no, do you seek that? If yes, how have you used it? (Numbers 22:1-37, Judges 14-16, Daniel 3:1-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

3. We can see from the first three chapters in Daniel that Daniel and his three friends did not compromise their faith. How difficult is it to not compromise our faith? What are some things we can learn from the Bible that will help us not compromise our faith? Can you think of a time when you felt the need or desire to compromise your faith? How did you get through it (Colossians 3:5, 1 Peter 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:4, Acts 5:29, James 4:4, Matthew 6:33, 1 John 1:8-10)

4. 1 Peter 3:15 says that we must always be ready to give a defense for what we believe. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego simply said they would not bow down to foreign gods or man-made idols. Have you ever had the opportunity to give a defense for your faith? If yes, explain? (1 Peter 3:15, Isaiah 43:10, John 20:30-31, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Titus 1:9, Colossians 4:5-6, 2 Timothy 3:16)

5. Have you ever heard words similar to these, “I prayed to God for help but he did not answer” or “I cannot believe in prayer because when I prayed for my mother to be healed, she died?” What do you say to those people? How do you feel about God answering your prayers? Is your faith in any way affected by the way God answers your prayers? Explain. (Matthew 7:7-11, James 1:5, Job 22:27, Psalm 91:15, Psalm 145:18, John 14:14)

6. Do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were afraid when they knew they were going to be thrown in the furnace? Why or why not? Have you ever been faced with the fear of losing something because of your faith? Explain. Can you think of any situation in the future where you might be faced with the fear of losing something because of your faith? How can you/we prepare for that? (Luke 14:33, Matthew 8:18-22, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Romans 14:7, Galatians 2:20)

7. Related to question 6, one of the points that were given during the sermon was, “Our faith is truly tested when we have something to lose.” What does that mean to you?