Faith in the Furnace

I. Introduction

What fiery furnace are you dealing with in your life right now?

A. Opening scripture: Daniel 3:8-25

Daniel 3:8–25 CSB

8 Some Chaldeans 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.” 13 Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. 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? 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?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. 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.” 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, 20 and he commanded some of the best soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 So these men, in their trousers, robes, head coverings, and other clothes, were tied up and thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. 22 Since the king’s command was so urgent and the furnace extremely hot, the raging flames killed those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell, bound, into the furnace of blazing 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.”

B. Introduce the theme: Faith in the Furnace - Life often presents us with trials and challenges that feel like we're walking through fire. But just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced, our faith in God sustains us through these fiery furnace experiences.

What did y’all see in this story?

C. Explanation of the Old Testament story of the fiery furnace - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol and were thrown into a blazing furnace. Yet, they emerged unharmed because of their unwavering faith in God.

II. The Fiery Furnace Experience

What do you think a fiery furnace represents in our lives?

A. Definition: Trials, tribulations, and challenges in life - The "fiery furnace" represents any difficulty or adversity we face, whether it be illness, loss, persecution, or personal struggles.

What’s a fiery furnace you’ve been through in your life?

B. Personal examples of "fiery furnace" experiences - Share personal stories or anecdotes of challenges faced and overcome through faith.

C. Connecting with the struggles faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Reflect on the courage and resilience of these biblical figures and how their story resonates with our own experiences.

III. Jesus in the Fire

A. The significance of the fourth person in the fire (Daniel 3:25) - Discuss the symbolic representation of Jesus' presence in the midst of our trials, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

B. Understanding Jesus' presence in our trials (Isaiah 43:2) - Reflect on the promise that God is with us through the waters and fires of life, providing comfort, strength, and protection.

Isaiah 43:2 CSB

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you.

C. Relating Jesus' presence to our own fiery furnace experiences - Encourage the congregation to recognize and lean on Jesus' presence in their own struggles, knowing that they are not alone.

IV. Faith Over Fear

What is faith?

A. Definition of faith (Hebrews 11:1) - Define faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, emphasizing trust and belief in God's promises.

hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:1 CSB

1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

B. Trusting in God's sovereignty and presence - Encourage the congregation to trust in God's control over all situations, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Romans 8:28 CSB

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

C. Overcoming fear through faith in Jesus - Challenge believers to replace fear with faith, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world and empowers us to face any trial with courage.

FALSE

EVIDENCE

APPEARING

REAL

Satan will lie to you and tell you that you aren’t worthy and that you are alone, but read this quote

As sure as God puts His children in the furnace of affliction, He will be with them in it.

Charles Spurgeon

V. Jesus Overcomes the World

A. Scriptural assurance John 16:33 - we will find peace and assurance, despite the tribulations of the world.

John 16:33 CSB

33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

B. The victory of Jesus over the trials of the world - Emphasize that Jesus' death and resurrection have secured victory over sin, death, and every challenge we face.

C. Encouragement to hold onto faith despite challenges - Urge believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ.

VI. Application

What Fiery furnace are you going through tonight?

A. Practical steps to strengthen faith in the furnace - Offer practical suggestions such as prayer, reading scripture, seeking support from fellow believers, and trusting in God's promises.

B. Encouragement to seek Jesus' presence in every trial - Encourage the congregation to intentionally invite Jesus into their struggles, seeking His guidance, comfort, and strength.

C. Invitation to surrender fears and worries to Jesus - Invite those struggling with fear and anxiety to surrender their burdens to Jesus, trusting in His care and provision.