Rescued through the Trial
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
If you have your Bibles, you can open them to Daniel chapter 3. Last week, we focused on verses 1-7 and spent our time evaluating Nebuchadnezzar and his decree that everyone at the sound of music was to fall and worship the 90 ft. tall golden image that he had constructed. The command was given and so was the consequence. If anyone refused to fall down and worship, they would be thrown in a furnace and burned alive. This morning, we continue in this chapter making it to one of the more infamous stories of the book of Daniel, and really of the Bible. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, AKA, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whom we have not heard from yet, but have been included in previous passages, are being put to the test. This morning, my hope is that you will be encouraged by this passage, but also challenged, as we examine the faith of these three Israelites, and how they handle the test of their faith. Also, we will see how God acts to preserve his people, by rescuing them through the trials that they face. So if you will, stand with me as we read Daniel 3:8-30.
Body
Body
(1) Pressures of Persecution
a. Malicious Accusers
b. A Raging Ruler
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Application: As a Christ follower, there will be times of persecution. We live in a time, where at least for now, the freedom for us to worship God in public, and publicly speak his name is still protected, but yesterday, I saw a video that concerned me (J.D. Vance going to Vermont). I recognize the fact that a little more each day, disagreement becomes less and less tolerated.
(2) Perseverance through Assurance (If I may present this second point in the form of a confession)
a. God is able to deliver us...
i. The God who redeemed Israel out of Egypt.
ii. The God who gave Israel victory over their enemies.
iii. The God who gave them strength and health for their initial test.
iv. The God who gave them wisdom and understanding for their time in Babylon.
v. The God who has defeated sin and death and will bring it to a complete end.
b. But if he doesn’t…
Application: Do you have a “But if he doesn’t” kind of faith. I think in our rose-colored glasses with our 1st world problems in America, we tend to miss the magnitude of this question.
c. Let it be known…
d. We will not serve anyone or anything else.
(3) Preservation through Redemption
a. Four Unbound Men
b. Three Unscathed Believers
c. One Awestruck King
Conclusion
Conclusion
