In Daniel 3:1-30, Daniel’s three friends find their faith tested with the threat of idolatry and resulting punishment. What does it mean to have faith in a foreign land when the fire comes?
Sermon Outline
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)
Invitation (Daniel 3:1-7)
Accusation (Daniel 3:8-17)
Declaration (Daniel 3:16-18)
Tribulation (Daniel 3:19-25)
Exaltation (Daniel 3:26-30)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you experienced pressure to act in a way or do something that is inconsis- tent with your faith in God? How did you respond?
- This week we continue our series “Daniel: Apocalyptic Imagination and Exile Faith.” Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you through His word. Then read Daniel, chapter 3, aloud before continuing with the rest of the study.
- How would you describe the situation in verses 1-7? What would you say is Nebuchad- nezzar’s goal here?
- What happens in verses 8-12? What do you think is the motivation behind the astrolo- gers bringing this accusation against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- In light of King Nebuchadnezzar’s threat in verses 13-15, what stands out to you about the three men’s response in verses 16-18?
- If you were in their shoes, how might you have responded? Have you ever felt like you were in a situation like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? What happened?
- The king follows through on his threats in verses 19-23. What happens in the fiery furnace (verses 24-25)?
- The literal wording of Daniel 3:25 is that the fourth figure in the fire is “like a son of the gods,” which is a Semitic idiom for a divine being. Many commentators see this as a pre-incarnate presence of Jesus. What does it tell you that God Himself was present in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- What surprises you most about the response of King Nebuchadnezzar to Daniel’s situation (verses 26-30)?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.
DIG DEEPER
- Listen to episode 2 of the podcast on Daniel, “Faithfulness in Exile,” at The Bible Project entitled “The National Idol”.
- Watch Chris Tomlin perform the song “Jesus,” which carries some of the themes of this week’s message.