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FAITH
AND THE FURNACE
(Daniel
3)
…Why do
we at times suffer when we have been __obedient__ to Christ? This is a hard question
with no easy answers…but that is not to say we haven’t any idea. We do know
some things and Daniel 3 unfolds a number of those.
…The passage today
presents the account of 3 brave men who risked their lives for the sake of their
__loyalty__ to the Lord. Their heroism, bravery, and __faith__ in the Lord in the face
of fire have inspired God’s people during similar times and trials. They did
not waver.
FOUR EVENTS WHICH CALL US TO EXERCISE FAITH IN THE LORD EVEN THOUGH WE MAY FACE
SUFFERING.
I. KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR BUILT A STATUE OF GOLD AND USED IT TO __TEST__ THE
LOYALTY OF HIS LEADERS. (VV1-7)
A.
This chapter
is not dated, 585 BC seems to be a good guess. This is 18 years after chapter
two and just after __Jerusalem__ was totally destroyed.
B.
This golden
statue of him is in defiance to what he knew from chapter two…in effect, “I will
not allow the God of Daniel to set my kingdom aside. My __Kingdom__ will
endure!”
C.
Daniel is
absent from the scene. We don’t know where he is. He wrote this later…
D.
The storm
broke on the 3 men, who were without their __leader__.
E.
When the music
was played…all were under threat to bow down and __worship__ the image.
II. THE THREE GODLY MEN HAD __ENEMIES___ WHO ACCUSED THEM OF DISLOYALTY TO
THE KING. (VV8-12)
A.
After
flattering the king, they pointed out with contempt “the Jews” who refused to
bow. 8-11
B.
These enemies
were motivated by __jealousy__ and resentment…the same is true today.
C.
The crime
committed: the three men “do not serve your gods, nor worship the image.” 12
…these
men were loyal workers for the king, but He was __not__ their #1 priority.
III.
THE THREE MEN
EXHIBIT UNWAVERING LOYALTY TO GOD THROUGH THEIR FAITH IN HIM. (VV13-18)
God has His __few__ even today!
A.
The king
examines them hoping for a confession. “Is this true?” 14
B.
What pride:
“What god will be able to rescue you from __my__ hand?” 15 He forgot the lesson…
C.
Their reply is
one of the most wonderful statements in our Bible. 17-18
1.
God is
certainly __able__ to deliver us, and will rescue us…
2.
But, if He
does not, we will not serve your gods…The thought here, God is able but we do
not know His __will__. “nevertheless, your will be done.” Hebs 11:35…
D.
Some would
have attempted to rationalize…so as to be able to bow, and still __serve__ the
Lord…
E.
The men knew
several things that gave them strength to stand in this great test of their
commitment:
1.
God is
sovereign. He is able to save us and if He chooses to…this is faith in the face
of the furnace.
2.
They knew
their __Bible__. This is why they refused to break God’s law. They triumphed
because their minds were filled with Scripture.
3.
They were
willing to __die__ for their convictions. Obedience is the price we must be
willing to pay.
IV. GOD DELIVERS THE THREE MEN FROM THE FIERY FLAMES. (VV19-30)
A.
In his anger,
the king has the three men thrown into the extra hot furnace. They are
helpless.
B.
The Lord is
with the three, reminding us that He goes __with__ His people in their trials.
C.
God protects
them. This fulfills Isaiah 43:2…and Hebrews 11:34 points back to them. Wow!
D.
God is praised
by this pagan king and the men are __promoted__. 28-30
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. You
and I as Christians are called to be different. We are a peculiar people.
2.
Be encouraged, the Lord is always with us. You are never alone.
3.
Be one of the few who strive to be loyal to the Lord.
4.
This story wonderfully illustrates the utter inability of man in injure us
beyond the limits that God sets.
5.
God is ever ready to deliver those that put their trust in Him.
6.
With God all things are possible.
7.
We too must be resigned to the will of God. Be willing to accept whatever
God does, e
8.
If you don't know Christ as Savior, you're not o.k.. You must be born
again. You must receive the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.
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