Even If Faith: Standing Firm in Babylon
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the theme of living as Christ followers in a Babylonian culture, drawing from Daniel chapter 3. Babylon represents the current world and its systems, and as citizens of heaven, we are called to live with a bold, tenacious, and overcoming faith. This faith is not swayed by the culture around us but stands firm even in the face of trials and opposition.
We explored the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, demonstrating an "even if" faith. This kind of faith declares that God is able to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not bow to other gods or conform to the culture around us. Their story teaches us that the voice of the Lord must be louder than the sounds of culture, and that even in the fire, Jesus is with us.
We also discussed the importance of knowing God's voice and making space to hear it amidst the noise of the world. The voice of the Lord calls us higher and out of hiding, and it is powerful and majestic. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to stand firm because they knew God's commands and had prepared their hearts to obey Him.
Furthermore, we learned that no matter the outcome, God gets the glory. Whether we experience deliverance or face suffering, our lives are meant to glorify Him. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ends with King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the power of their God, showing that our faithfulness can impact those around us and bring glory to God.
In conclusion, we are called to live with an "even if" faith, attuned to the voice of the Lord, and committed to glorifying Him in all circumstances. Let us be bold and steadfast, knowing that God is with us and that His glory is worth more than our temporary suffering.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Voice of the Lord Must Be Louder Than the Sounds of Culture: In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is crucial to prioritize and recognize God's voice. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to stand firm because they knew God's commands and had prepared their hearts to obey Him. We must make space to hear God's voice, which calls us higher and out of hiding. [13:27]
2. Even in the Fire, Jesus is With Us: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that Jesus is with us in our trials. King Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth figure in the fire, who was the Son of God. This assures us that God does not promise a trial-free life but guarantees His presence with us in every situation. [16:32]
3. No Matter the Outcome, God Gets the Glory: Whether we experience deliverance or face suffering, our lives are meant to glorify God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faithfulness led to King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the power of their God. Our faithfulness can impact those around us and bring glory to God, even in difficult circumstances. [21:28]
4. Living with an "Even If" Faith: An "even if" faith declares that God is able to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not bow to other gods or conform to the culture around us. This kind of faith is bold, tenacious, and unwavering, rooted in the belief that God's character and promises are true regardless of our circumstances. [09:01]
5. Stepping on the Gas in the Face of Opposition: When we face opposition, it is not a time to retreat but to press in harder. We are called to lead, speak, give, and worship with greater intensity. These are not times to be lulled into complacency by the culture around us but to live boldly and tenaciously for God's glory. [26:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Introduction to the Series
[02:41] - Personal Story of Bold Faith
[04:14] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[05:37] - Nebuchadnezzar's Challenge
[07:06] - The Response of Faith
[09:01] - Even If Faith
[10:39] - The Sounds of Culture
[12:04] - The Voice of the Lord
[13:27] - Knowing God's Commands
[15:05] - Jesus in the Fire
[16:32] - God With Us
[18:14] - Personal Testimony
[19:41] - Seeking Jesus in the Fire
[21:28] - God Gets the Glory
[23:10] - The Coming Glory
[24:47] - Ushering in God's Glory
[26:17] - Stepping on the Gas
[27:45] - Living Boldly for Christ
[29:16] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[30:35] - Prayer and Commitment
[32:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
2. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
> When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3. Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
> But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when King Nebuchadnezzar threatened them with the fiery furnace? ([07:06])
2. According to the sermon, what does the "voice of the Lord" do compared to the sounds of culture? ([12:04])
3. How did King Nebuchadnezzar react when he saw the fourth figure in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? ([16:32])
4. What transformation did King Nebuchadnezzar undergo after witnessing the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? ([21:28])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-18 illustrate the concept of "even if" faith? ([09:01])
2. What does Isaiah 43:2 suggest about God's presence during trials, and how does this align with the experience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? ([16:32])
3. In what ways does Philippians 3:20 challenge believers to live differently in a "Babylonian culture"? ([01:13])
4. How can the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire believers to stand firm in their faith despite cultural pressures? ([04:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform to the culture around you. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now with an "even if" faith? ([09:01])
2. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that the voice of the Lord is louder than the sounds of culture in your daily life? ([12:04])
3. How can you remind yourself of God's presence during difficult times, similar to how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced Jesus in the fire? ([16:32])
4. Think of a situation where you faced opposition for your faith. How can you "step on the gas" and respond with greater intensity in your faith and actions? ([26:17])
5. In what ways can you glorify God in your current circumstances, whether they are favorable or challenging? ([21:28])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to develop an "even if" faith. What specific actions will you take to strengthen your faith in that area? ([09:01])
7. How can you create space in your life to hear God's voice more clearly? What distractions might you need to minimize or eliminate? ([13:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing God's Voice Over Cultural Noise
Description: In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, it is crucial to prioritize and recognize God's voice. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to stand firm because they knew God's commands and had prepared their hearts to obey Him. This required intentionality in making space to hear God's voice, which calls us higher and out of hiding. By tuning into God's voice, we can navigate the noise of culture and remain steadfast in our faith. [13:27]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to create space in your life to hear God's voice more clearly amidst the noise of the world?
Day 2: Jesus' Presence in Our Trials
Description: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that Jesus is with us in our trials. When King Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth figure in the fire, he recognized it as the Son of God. This assures us that God does not promise a trial-free life but guarantees His presence with us in every situation. Knowing that Jesus is with us in the fire gives us the courage to face our challenges with faith and confidence. [16:32]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are facing. How does knowing that Jesus is with you in this trial change your perspective and response to it?
Day 3: Glorifying God Regardless of the Outcome
Description: Whether we experience deliverance or face suffering, our lives are meant to glorify God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faithfulness led to King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the power of their God. This demonstrates that our faithfulness can impact those around us and bring glory to God, even in difficult circumstances. Our ultimate goal should be to glorify God in all we do, trusting that He will use our situations for His glory. [21:28]
1 Peter 4:16 (ESV): "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you faced a challenge. How can you shift your focus from the outcome to glorifying God through your response and actions?
Day 4: Embracing an "Even If" Faith
Description: An "even if" faith declares that God is able to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not bow to other gods or conform to the culture around us. This kind of faith is bold, tenacious, and unwavering, rooted in the belief that God's character and promises are true regardless of our circumstances. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified this faith by refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, trusting in God's sovereignty. [09:01]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to adopt an "even if" faith. What steps can you take to trust in God's sovereignty and remain faithful regardless of the outcome?
Day 5: Pressing Forward in the Face of Opposition
Description: When we face opposition, it is not a time to retreat but to press in harder. We are called to lead, speak, give, and worship with greater intensity. These are not times to be lulled into complacency by the culture around us but to live boldly and tenaciously for God's glory. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's example encourages us to step on the gas and live out our faith with courage and determination, even when faced with challenges. [26:17]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Consider an area where you have been hesitant to fully live out your faith due to opposition or fear. How can you take a bold step today to press forward and glorify God in that area?
Quotes
1. "This morning I want to talk to you about the kind of faith required to be a citizen of heaven in a babylonian culture. It is a great faith that is needed in this hour so that we would not conform to the culture around us. It's a bold faith, it's a tenacious faith, it's an overcoming faith and it's a faith that is a faith that is a faith that is a faith that is a faith that does not have fear of the future." [01:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You will find yourself in places and spaces where you have to choose am I going to succumb to the temperature of this culture or am I going to rise up to a level of greater faith as a citizen of heaven in God's kingdom." [04:14] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Standing firm in Babylon requires an even if faith in the middle of an only if culture. So culture would say serve God only if it serves you, worship God as long as you're comfortable, give God your best, give him the first of your tithe, give him what is costly to you only if you know that he's going to give it back to you. But even if faith says my God does not owe me anything, my Jesus died on the cross for me, my God is able, he is faithful, my experience does not dictate who God is, my God is who he says he is, he is the I am, he is the alpha and the omega, he was there before time and he will be there at the end of time, he is eternal, he is faithful, he is able to deliver me but even if he does not I will not bow, I will not conform to the current of the state around me, I will serve a higher way, I will worship only my God." [09:01] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The voice of the Lord must be heard and the voice of the Lord must be louder than the sounds of culture. Verse 5 says when you hear the sound of the horn flute zither anyone play the zither you do okay who lies liar liar on the camera zither lyre harp pipes and other musical instruments bow to the ground to worship King Neb's gold statue anyone who refuses to obey will be immediately thrown into a blazing furnace so at the sound of the musical instruments whatever their race or nation or language bowed to the ground and worshipped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up culture has a sound and you're like totally I know it's like my uncle arguing on Facebook that's the sound of culture it's annoying it's loud it's no that not necessarily there were many instruments used that day and the enemy has many instruments to lure you into apathy and settling into the current of Babylon." [10:39] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The voice of the Lord called to Zacchaeus and said, get out of that tree. We're having dinner today. The voice of the Lord called to Gideon and said, get out of hiding. You are a mighty warrior. If you're feeling encouraged, if you're feeling uncomfortable, if you're feeling called out, it just might be the voice of the Lord. Psalm 29 says this of God's voice. The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars. The Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forest bare. And in his temple, all cry glory. John 10 says, my sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me." [12:04] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Even in the fire, Jesus is with me. Verse 23 says, So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego securely tied, fell into the roar, flames. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet in amazement and asked his advisors, weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire? They replied, certainly your majesty. He said, look, I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed. And the fourth looks like a son of the gods. Neb is shook because scholars and all the smart people across the board will agree. This was not just a son of the gods. This was the son of God. This was Jesus in the fire physically with them, which is actually amazing because a hundred to 200 years before Daniel was written, Isaiah prophesied of the Lord in Isaiah 43. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. And when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your savior." [16:32] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you feel the opposition, step on the gas. Church, when you feel the opposition, step on the gas. When you feel the tension, when you feel the current of the culture, I encourage you to step on the gas, lead harder, speak louder, give greater, step on the gas, wake earlier, stay up later, seek his face harder, read longer, worship louder. Step on the gas. These are not times to bow down. Everyone older than me, smarter than me, I keep hearing them say, these are interesting times. And I haven't been around long enough to know what kind of times we're in, but I hear them and I go, okay, these must be interesting times. These are interesting times. It's not time to fall asleep and get lulled into the sounds of culture. It's time to step on the gas. It's time to live bolder. It's time to live with an even if faith that says, I will live bolder. It's time to live with an even if faith that says, I will serve one God. I will attune my ear to the voice of the Lord and I will not bow even if he doesn't. I will worship him." [26:17] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We might be singed. We might smell like smoke. We might be bruised and we might be battered, but we are going to see a glory like we have never seen before. It is going to be worth it on the other side. We will press in. We will dig. We will pray. We will serve. We will give. We will worship. I will not bow. I will not bow to the culture around me. We say, Jesus, come as citizens of heaven. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." [27:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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