Daniel 3
.
This is the fourth of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Fireproof’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: How can we trust God this week and acknowledge his work in our lives to those on our frontlines?
WARM-UP
- When did you first hear this story from Daniel?
- Can you recall a time when you’ve had to choose following the Lord over something significant in your life? How did you make that choice?
Read Daniel 3:1-18
- In modern terms, how tall and wide was the statue that Nebuchadnezzar put up?
- What is the significance of the repetition of the phrase ‘he had set up’ in this passage? What is it supposed to communicate about Nebuchadnezzar and the image itself?
- Why were God’s people commanded not to make any image and bow down to it?
- What does the world think of the claim that God is the one and only God and that other ‘gods’ are false? What other ‘gods’ does the world worship?
- Put yourselves in the story. How do you think you may have reacted in this situation?
- On your frontlines, where can you see the world pressuring you to compromise on your faith? How have you/will you react in this situation?
- What was at the heart of Nebuchadnezzar’s fury? Why do you think he gave them a second chance?
- Why didn’t the three men need to defend themselves? What or who is their confidence?
Read Daniel 3:19-30
- How did Nebuchadnezzar make sure the three perish? What was the result of his recklessness?
- Does this story mean that we will always be saved from earthly trials if we have our confidence in God? Why/Why not? What does it communicate about God and us?
- How is God with us in our trials? How then can we have confidence in the face of adversity?
- What does the miracle tell us about Nebuchadnezzar’s earthly power and authority?
- In what way has God used his power towards us? Is this different to those who use power on earth?
Apply How could you grow in the confidence of God’s love, presence, power, and authority on your frontlines?
Prayer
Gracious God, you are in authority and in control over all things. Help us to grow in dependence on you, in confidence in you, and may we never be moved from this. Help us to give up all things in worship of you knowing that your will is good and that our eternity is secure because of the Gospel. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: Why does your work matter? Join us this Wednesday 7-8am for our Work + Faith meeting. Register here: stbarts.com.au/workfaith
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- AUDIO: “Daniel 3:1-30 - Secularism” by William Taylor
- AUDIO: “Clash of the Kingdoms” by Chris Wright
- AUDIO: “Courageous Christianity” by Christopher Ash
- ARTICLE: “Welcome to Exile. It’s Going to Be Okay” by Gospel Coalition
Series Resources:
Some helpful resources for our Series:
- Series overview both in PDF and Audiobook: https://bit.ly/3DsC3bB
- Daniel and the Twelve Prophets by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3jLRKnw
- Kingdoms in Conflict by Andrew Reid. https://bit.ly/3kZp61u
- Daniel Overview by The Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/daniel/
- “Exile” Overview by The Bible Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSua9_WhQFE
