Bible Study - Impact (3) - Stand Courageously - Daniel 3:13-18 and 26-28 - November 1, 2015

Bible Study – Impact (3) – Stand Courageously – November 1, 2015

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Game Changer How to Impact Your World.”

Our focus scripture is Daniel 3:13-18, 26-28.

Be ready and willing to stand for GOD.

As Christians, we often think of having to take a stand for CHRIST in the face sure death like our lesson. But often, we overlook those times when we remain silent for fear of offending our friends or to support political correctness. I am not saying that we need to be obnoxious or collar people but to pray and ask GOD to reveal to us how we should respond. It may be to remain silent but to speak by living truth and trusting GOD.

Our lesson today reveals how GOD uses HIS children to witness to others. We have a lot of scripture in today’s lesson.

King’s often thought of themselves as gods and their subjects should worship them. It was an ego trip and their advisors promoted these ideas to gain favor with the king. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Daniel 3:1-7: (Background)

Nebuchadnezzar's Gold Statue

1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue, 90 feet high and nine feet wide. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 

This is one huge gold stature. Do you think since the interpretation of the king’s dream, which referenced him as the head made of pure gold, prompted him to have this stature made? The dream came from GOD. When GOD acknowledges us in HIS plans, can we get the wrong ideas for our lives? Often, the flesh rules and ignores the leadership of GOD. The king saw the witness of the One True GOD of Israel but he could not embrace the truth that he should abolish his gods and place his faith in the One True GOD. Often, we take GOD’S blessings as HIS endorsement of our lifestyle and our self-sufficiency.

Often, people see truth but due to many factors choose not to take action to embrace GOD as truth. The king wanted to be worshipped as a god.

2 King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 

Satraps were governors over major cities of the empire. They represented the king in those cities. Prefects were the governors over the conquered cities. It is possible they were also military officials responsible to the satraps. Governors were civil administrators over provinces or smaller regions within the empire. The others listed carried out the various functions of governance ruled by the king.

3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue the king had set up. Then they stood before the statue Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 

There was a great gathering for this great reveal.

4 A herald loudly proclaimed, "People of every nation and language, you are commanded: 

5 When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

6 But whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire." 

7 Therefore, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and every kind of music, people of every nation and language fell down and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The people responded as directed, except for four of which we know.

Christians are being told to remain silent regarding politically correct issues that clash with Biblical facts. When we do, are we not bowing down to the manmade stature contrary to our faith?

When we speak out, we can face the fiery furnaces of public opinion. Are we willing to speak out for fear of public retaliation?

Let’s read Daniel 3:8-12:

The Furnace of Blazing Fire

8 Some Chaldeans (astrologers) took this occasion to come forward and maliciously accuse the Jews. 

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "May the king live forever. 

10 You as king have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music must fall down and worship the gold statue. 

11 Whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. 

12 There are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." 

Likely these astrologers feared some retribution from their gods because there was not 100% participation of all who were to bow to the stature. Or they may have been jealous that Jews had been given positions of power by the king. GOD uses the ungodly to achieve HIS plans and purposes. GOD needed for the king to continue to be exposed to truth and HIS power, which trumps the king’s power.

Let’s read Daniel 3:13-15:

13 Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. 

The king had another temper tantrum and had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego brought before him.

14 Nebuchadnezzar asked them, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don't serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up? 

The king had appointed these men to important positions in his kingdom. Rather than jumping to a conclusion he gave them an opportunity to respond to the allegations being made against them. Notice the king did not ask them to abandon their GOD but to include his gods in their worship. Isn’t this what the world is asking Christians to do today – make us feel better about the things we worship?

15 Now if you're ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don't worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire-and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?" 

The fact that the king was giving Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, a second chance to get it right, it likely reflected his high regard for them, Daniel and possibly Daniel’s GOD. Notice Daniel was not rounded up with his friends. Why do think Daniel was not included? Was it because the king knew his relationship with the One True GOD of the Israelites? Was he afraid of what Daniel’s GOD might do to him? All are possibilities.

Let’s read Daniel 3:16-18:

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to give you an answer to this question. 

In essence, “Our minds are made up and nothing you have to say will change them.” Notice that they did not address as king but as “Nebuchadnezzar.”

17 If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. 

18 But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." 

WOW! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had faith in GOD whether HE spared them from the fiery furnace or not, plus they did not fear the king. The GOD of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego gave them boldness because of their relationship with HIM. This was a powerful witness to the king.

What was the king’s reaction to such boldness? Let’s read on.

Let’s read Daniel 3:19-25:

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times more than was customary, 

The king had another temper tantrum and his hope that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would go along with his request vanished. It seems the king in essence was saying, “I will show you young punks who is in charge of your lives.” I am god and greater than your GOD. I will show you that your GOD cannot protect you.

20 and he commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 

The king wanted to make certain that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could not escape what he had planned for them. He had his strongest soldiers to secure them.

21 So these men, in their trousers, robes, head coverings, and other clothes, were tied up and thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. 

Some translations read that the king ordered the furnace “to be seven times hotter than usual.”

22 Since the king's command was so urgent and the furnace extremely hot, the raging flames killed those men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego up. 

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

This was likely a top loaded furnace for smelting. The furnace likely also served as a kiln to fire clay for bricks or stones. Temperatures could reach 1800-2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The soldiers took them up and they fell. The heat killed these strong soldiers but not Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

I recall years ago visiting a brickyard and looking into a kiln loaded with bricks. The fire was intense and the heated bricks appeared as if you could see through them. They were white hot and translucent.

Delivered from the Fire

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, "Didn't we throw three men, bound, into the fire?" "Yes, of course, Your Majesty," they replied to the king. 

25 He exclaimed, "Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." 

The king was angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and wanted to hear them scream and watch them being burned to a crisp. But the king was startled. He saw four figures walking around in the furnace. He confirmed with his advisers that three were thrown into the furnace but he saw four. He recognized Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego but the fourth “looks like a son of the gods.”

Who was the fourth person in the furnace? It was the One and Only True Son of GOD, JESUS.

This happening can be referred to as the “Immanuel” Concept, which means “GOD is with us.” GOD is with HIS chosen in all situations and circumstances whether those HE is with live or die. Those who live, often tell of the experience. Those who die are carried into heaven with HIM.

Let’s read Daniel 3:26-28:

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and called: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God-come out!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. 

The king approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and commanded that the servants of the MOST HIGH GOD – COME OUT! The king acknowledged that he got the message. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. 

27 When the satraps, prefects, governors, and the king's advisers gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men: not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. 

Not only did the king witness this miracle but those in authority in Babylon.

28 Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego violated the king's command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted GOD which resulted in a powerful witness to the king and the king’s officials. How did this experience impact the king’s life? Did GOD reward their faith by rescuing them? Their faith was in GOD regardless of the results. Let’s read on.

Let’s read Daniel 3:29:

29 Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this." 

When the allocation was brought to the king’s attention, “8 Some Chaldeans (astrologers) took this occasion to come forward and maliciously accuse the Jews,” it was directed at the Jews. The king put any future attempts to blame his chosen Jewish officials to rest or at least this seemed to be his goal. The king did not want to upset the GOD of the Israelites. Just maybe GOD was little by little getting his attention, which HE does when HE tries to get our attention.

But also notice that the king did not tell the people to throw away their gods and embrace the One True GOD of the Israelites. As Christians we cannot serve GOD and the flesh. We must abandon the gods of the flesh and open our lives to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit trusting that the power of GOD will be our source of strength.

 30 Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faith in GOD resulted in a powerful witness to so many others.

How we live by our faith is a witness to those with whom we come into contact every day of our lives. As Christians, we may never face a true fiery furnace but we do face issues each day where we have to make choices and decisions. Will we be a positive witness for our LORD JESUS or be neutral, silent or negative? Only the Holy Spirit within each of us can empower us to be the witness GOD desires for us. That is why every Christian must have an intimate, loving relationship with HIM.

We, as Christians, are all sinners saved by grace and are being sanctified as we live our lives upon earth. Will we trust JESUS to be the strength of our lives as we build our relationship with HIM through obedient service? Are we growing in our trust of HIM? Blessings!!!