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Explore the story of Daniel and his friends who faced persecution for their faith in God. Discover the power of trust and submission to God in the face of pressure. Learn how to stand firm in your faith and glorify God in all circumstances.
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Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
The King’s Command Daniel 3:1-7 What the image resembled is not stated, but it had the odd proportion of 9 ft wide and 90 ft tall. The entire image is gold, probably gold overlay for engineering purposes An exact description of the image or of the timing are not important to the purpose of the story
The King’s Command Daniel 3:1-7 The king commands his government officials from around the kingdom to gather before the image When the Babylonian orchestra played, they were to “fall down and worship the image”
The King’s Command Daniel 3:1-7 The worship would also demonstrate political loyalty to the government to gods had set up. A refusal to worship would be a sign of disloyalty and so punishable by immediate execution by fire
The Accusations Daniel 3:8-12 Polytheistic pagans would not balk at worshiping an additional god, but Exodus 20:4-6 prohibits it The Chaldeans make the accusations - most likely motivated by jealousy
The Accusations Daniel 3:8-12 Daniel is not mentioned so there is no information on why he was not also accused Three accusations: They Disregard the king. Do not serve your gods. Do not worship the image
The Trial Daniel 3:13-15 The king personally questions them and warns them He claims no god could deliver them out his hands His personal arrogance or His trust in his gods
A Faithful Response Daniel 3:16-18 They found no need to given an explanation for their refusal They state their faith in God’s abilities while yielding their lives to His will whatever it may be Obedience to God can result in persecution even to martyrdom
A Faithful Response Daniel 3:16-18 Trust of and submission to God results in a holy life that has confidence and peace in all circumstances How well do you trust & submit to God when facing pressure from Peers? School? Work? Government?
A Faithful Response Daniel 3:16-18 Your ability to stand firm will be based on your trust and submission to God God is faithful to you – 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Judgment Daniel 3:19-23 The king irrationally had them increase the fire seven fold resulting in the deaths of his mighty men They tied them up with all their clothes on
The Deliverance Daniel 3:24-27 The king was astounded to see them loose & walking around in the fire with an additional person with them The king recognized the supreme power of their God calling Him the Most High God
The Deliverance Daniel 3:24-27 The king’s officials confirm the miracle : Ropes burned away, but no injury, no hair singed, no damage to their clothes not even the smell of smoke
The Decree Daniel 3:28-30 Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged they were correct to violate his command and worship only their God The king recognizes their God as the Most High God and does not want to risk anyone offending Him
Conclusions God is the Most High God and He is very longsuffering and patient Sadly, many people who recognize God’s supremacy are resistant to yielding themselves to Him We need to learn to trust the Lord and submit to His will in all things
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ