Faith that Stands the Test of Fire

Read Daniel 3

Daniel 3 KJV 1900

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. 9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. 10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellers, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellers, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in the province of Babylon.

How strong is your faith?

I’m not asking how much do you believe, I’m asking how strong is that belief.

Would the faith you have in God today withstand the ultimate test of fire?

Today, we will learn from the story of Daniels three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and discover the kind of faith that can stand firm in the face of trials and persecution. Lets turn to Daniel 3:15-18 and be encouraged by their unwavering faith.

Biblical Foundation:

In Daniel 3, we see King Nebuchadnezzar constructing an enormous golden image and commanding everyone to bow down and worship it. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were faithful followers of God, refused to bow down to any other god but the one true God.

When confronted by the king, they boldly declared in verse Dan 3:18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

Historical Context:

During this time, the people of Israel were living as exiles in Babylon, a land that worshipped many false gods. King Nebuchadnezzar, being a proud and powerful ruler, wanted to assert his authority and force everyone to worship him and this golden image. In the face of this cultural pressure, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained steadfast in their faith.

Explanation and Elaboration:

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful example for us as believers today. It teaches us that no matter how great the pressure to conform to the ways of the world may be, we must never compromise our faith. We must remember that we serve a God who is above all other gods and deserves our complete devotion and worship. In the face of persecution, we are called to imitate the unwavering faith of these three men and trust in the Lord to protect and deliver us.

I. The Test of Faith (v.15)

- King Nebuchadnezzar had set up an image of gold and commanded everyone to bow down and worship it.

- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol, even though they knew the consequences would be severe.

- Their faith was tested by the threat of death in the fiery furnace.

II. The Response of Faith (v.16-18)

- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly declared their faith in God and their loyalty to Him.

- They were not willing to compromise their faith, even if it meant losing their lives.

- Their faith was not based on their circumstances but on their unshakable trust in God.

III. The Deliverance of Faith (v.19-23)

- The furious king ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual.

- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.

- However, to the shock and amazement of all, they were walking freely in the midst of the fire, unharmed and accompanied by the Son of God.

IV. The Witness of Faith (v.24-27)

- King Nebuchadnezzar witnessed the power of God and was humbled.

- He acknowledged that there is no other God who can deliver like the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

- The faith of these three men became a powerful testimony to the entire kingdom.

V. The Reward of Faith (v.28-30)

- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were spared from the fire and promoted to higher positions in the kingdom.

- Their faith was rewarded by God, and they were honored for their unwavering trust in Him.

- Faith always brings a reward, whether in this life or the next, because God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him.

Conclusion:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegos faith was put to the ultimate test, but they emerged victorious. Their faith was not shaken by the fear of death or the heat of the fire because it was grounded in the unchanging power and faithfulness of God.

Their story inspires us to have the kind of faith

Faith that stands the test of fire.

Are you willing to stand firm in your faith, no matter the cost?

Peter admonishes us:

1 Peter 4:12 “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

As Doris Akers wrote several years ago, “These times must come”

Illustration:

During World War II, a young Christian girl named Corrie ten Boom and her family risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazis. When they were caught, Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to a concentration camp. Despite the harsh conditions, they never wavered in their faith and continued to share the love of Christ with those around them. Betsie later died in the camp, but Corrie was miraculously released and went on to share her testimony around the world. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, her faith in God never faltered, even in the face of persecution and death.

Application:

1. Are there areas of compromise in your life where you are bowing down to the idols of this world? Ask God for the strength to stand firm in your faith and not compromise your beliefs.

2. When faced with trials and difficulties, do you rely on your own strength or the power of God? Choose to trust in Gods power, and He will deliver you.

3. Our faith is a powerful testimony to the world. Are you living a life of unwavering faith that inspires others to also put their trust in God?

As we face the trials and challenges of life, we should remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

In order to have a faith that stands the test of fire, unshaken by fear or doubt we have to trust in the faithfulness of God, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.

In the face of trials and tribulations, our faith is going to be tested.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, we may find ourselves confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges that demand a response.

But a few things I want to leave with you tonight about their faith that I trust will help you:

Point 1: Faith That Acknowledges God's Power**

* Nebuchadnezzar's idol represented a symbol of his own authority and power.

* Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego acknowledged the true power of God over all other gods and rulers.

* They refused to bow down to the golden image, demonstrating their trust in God's ability to deliver them from any circumstance.

* **Subpoint: God is sovereign over all creation and holds the power of life and death.**

**Point 2: Faith That Resists Temptation**

* Nebuchadnezzar offered the three men a chance to escape execution by bowing down to his idol.

* However, they firmly resisted this temptation, choosing to remain faithful to God even in the face of death.

* They declared they would not serve his gods or worship his image, regardless of the consequences.

* **Subpoint: True faith is not swayed by threats or promises but holds steadfast to God's principles.**

**Point 3: Faith That Experiences God's Presence**

* When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were cast into the fiery furnace, a fourth person appeared with them.

* This figure, described as "a son of the gods" or an "angel," is believed to represent the presence of God.

* Their faith had brought them the miraculous protection and presence of God, even in the midst of the flames.

* **Subpoint: God's presence is a source of comfort, strength, and deliverance for those who trust in Him.**

**Conclusion:**

The steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego is an inspiring example for us today. As we face challenges and temptations, let us remember their courage and unwavering belief in God. Their story teaches us that faith that stands the test of fire is a faith that:

* Acknowledges God's power

* Resists temptation

* Experiences God's presence

I think of Polycarp, a bishop in Smyrna (modern-day Turkey), who lived in the 2nd century. When he was arrested and ordered to renounce his faith in Christ or face death, Polycarp famously replied, "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

Even as he was burned at the stake, Polycarp remained steadfast in his faith, becoming a symbol of unwavering commitment to Christ in the face of persecution. His courage and conviction continue to inspire Christians today to hold firm to their beliefs, even when facing severe adversity.

While not a martyr Brother Andrew faced his fiery furnaces:

He recounts a few of them in his book “God’s Smuggler”

The Checkpoint Miracle:Brother Andrew was crossing a checkpoint with a car full of Bibles and Christian literature. As he approached the guards, he prayed for protection and asked God to make the Bibles invisible to their eyes. The guards stopped him and searched the car meticulously, even opening the trunk where the Bibles were hidden. Miraculously, they didn't find anything suspicious and let him pass without realizing the contraband they had just inspected.

The Unseen Load:On another occasion, Brother Andrew had stacked his car with Bibles so high that they were visible through the rear window. He was concerned that he might get caught at the border, but he felt a strong sense of peace and assurance. When he reached the checkpoint, the guards waved him through without even checking his vehicle, oblivious to the Bibles piled in plain sight.

These stories illustrate Brother Andrew's belief in the power of prayer and divine intervention. Despite carrying banned materials in plain view, he often experienced situations where the Bibles seemed to become invisible to those who would have confiscated them. These "invisible Bible" moments became powerful reminders of God's protection and provision in his smuggling efforts

Again it is not how much faith - it is how strong is the faith you have.

Is it willing to be put to the fiery test?