Faith and Liberation: Glory Beyond Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that there is glory after every trial and tribulation. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, we saw how these three young men stood firm in their faith despite facing a fiery furnace. Their unwavering commitment to God, even when threatened with death, serves as a powerful reminder that our faith must be steadfast, regardless of the circumstances. They declared that God is able to deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to any other god. This level of faith is what we are called to emulate.
We also delved into the significance of knowing who God is before facing our trials. The names of God—Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh Shammah, and Yahweh Sabaoth—each reveal different aspects of His character and power. Recognizing these attributes helps us to elevate our praise and trust in His ability to deliver us from any situation. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that the fire we face is not meant to destroy us but to liberate us. They went into the fire bound but came out loose, walking, and unharmed, with Jesus as their plus one.
The ultimate takeaway is that our trials are not just about us; they are opportunities for others to see Jesus in us. Just as Nebuchadnezzar changed his testimony after witnessing the faith and deliverance of these young men, our lives should lead others to acknowledge the Most High God. Our purpose is to reflect Christ so that others may come to know Him. This is the true essence of leveling up in our spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unwavering Faith in Trials: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated unwavering faith by refusing to bow to any god but the Most High, even when faced with death. Their declaration that God is able to deliver them, but even if He does not, they will remain faithful, challenges us to trust God regardless of our circumstances. This level of faith is essential for spiritual growth. [43:36]
2. Knowing God Before the Fire: Understanding the different names and attributes of God—Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh Shammah, and Yahweh Sabaoth—helps us to elevate our praise and trust in His power. Recognizing God as our Creator, Preserver, Almighty, and Ever-Present One equips us to face trials with confidence, knowing that He is with us. [46:08]
3. Liberation Through Trials: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that trials are not meant to destroy us but to liberate us. They went into the fire bound but came out loose and unharmed. This illustrates that the very trials meant to bind us can be the means through which God sets us free. [58:11]
4. Impacting Others Through Our Faith: Our trials are opportunities for others to see Jesus in us. Just as Nebuchadnezzar changed his testimony after witnessing the faith and deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our lives should lead others to acknowledge the Most High God. Our purpose is to reflect Christ so that others may come to know Him. [01:10:04]
5. Living Out Our Inheritance: Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper because it is our inheritance as servants of the Lord. This inheritance is not just about personal blessings but about living a life that leads others to Christ. Our ultimate accomplishment is when our lives cause others to see Jesus and desire to know Him. [01:02:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:02] - Introduction to Daniel 3
[39:12] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Stand
[40:59] - The Decision to Stand Firm
[41:43] - Facing the Fire
[43:36] - Unwavering Faith
[44:37] - Knowing God Before the Fire
[46:08] - Names of God
[47:36] - Yahweh Sabaoth: Lord of Angel Armies
[49:18] - Angels Watching Over Us
[50:05] - God is Able
[51:02] - Imagining God's Deliverance
[52:58] - Leaving the Enemy Dumbfounded
[54:12] - The Miracle of Being Loose
[56:56] - Jesus is Our Plus One
[58:11] - Liberation Through Trials
[01:02:01] - Living Out Our Inheritance
[01:10:04] - Impacting Others Through Our Faith
[01:12:04] - No Other God
[01:14:08] - The Roman Centurion's Testimony
[01:16:36] - Reflecting God's Glory
[01:18:45] - The Ultimate Next Level
[01:20:23] - Invitation to Know Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Daniel 3:23-26 (NKJV)
> "And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished, and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, 'Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?' They answered and said to the king, 'True, O king.' 'Look!' he answered, 'I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.' Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, 'Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.' Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came from the midst of the fire."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction when he saw four men in the fire instead of three? ([52:58])
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king's threat of the fiery furnace? ([43:36])
3. What were the names of God mentioned in the sermon, and what do they signify? ([45:29])
4. What was the first miracle that occurred when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the fire? ([58:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared their faith in God's ability to save them, even if He chose not to? ([43:36])
2. How does understanding the different names of God (Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh Shammah, Yahweh Sabaoth) help us face our trials? ([45:29])
3. What does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach us about the purpose of trials in our lives? ([58:11])
4. How did Nebuchadnezzar's testimony change after witnessing the faith and deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? ([01:10:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant trial. How did your faith in God help you through that situation? ([43:36])
2. How can you prepare yourself spiritually before facing a difficult situation, similar to how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew God before the fire? ([44:37])
3. In what ways can you elevate your praise and trust in God by recognizing His attributes (Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh Shammah, Yahweh Sabaoth)? ([45:29])
4. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view this trial as an opportunity for liberation rather than destruction? ([58:11])
5. How can your response to trials serve as a testimony to others about the power and presence of God in your life? ([01:10:04])
6. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. How can you live out this inheritance in your daily life, especially in difficult times? ([01:02:01])
7. Identify one person in your life who might be impacted by your faith. How can you intentionally reflect Christ to them this week? ([01:10:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Unwavering Faith in Trials
Description: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated unwavering faith by refusing to bow to any god but the Most High, even when faced with death. Their declaration that God is able to deliver them, but even if He does not, they will remain faithful, challenges us to trust God regardless of our circumstances. This level of faith is essential for spiritual growth. [43:36]
Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV): "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you demonstrate unwavering faith in God, even if the outcome is uncertain?
Day 2: Knowing God Before the Fire
Description: Understanding the different names and attributes of God—Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh Shammah, and Yahweh Sabaoth—helps us to elevate our praise and trust in His power. Recognizing God as our Creator, Preserver, Almighty, and Ever-Present One equips us to face trials with confidence, knowing that He is with us. [46:08]
Psalm 9:10 (ESV): "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
Reflection: Reflect on the different names of God. Which attribute of God do you need to focus on today to strengthen your trust in Him?
Day 3: Liberation Through Trials
Description: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that trials are not meant to destroy us but to liberate us. They went into the fire bound but came out loose and unharmed. This illustrates that the very trials meant to bind us can be the means through which God sets us free. [58:11]
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: Identify a trial you have faced or are currently facing. How has or can this trial lead to your liberation and growth in faith?
Day 4: Impacting Others Through Our Faith
Description: Our trials are opportunities for others to see Jesus in us. Just as Nebuchadnezzar changed his testimony after witnessing the faith and deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our lives should lead others to acknowledge the Most High God. Our purpose is to reflect Christ so that others may come to know Him. [01:10:04]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you have faced. How can you use your experience to encourage someone else and point them to Christ?
Day 5: Living Out Our Inheritance
Description: Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper because it is our inheritance as servants of the Lord. This inheritance is not just about personal blessings but about living a life that leads others to Christ. Our ultimate accomplishment is when our lives cause others to see Jesus and desire to know Him. [01:02:01]
Isaiah 54:17 (ESV): "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and decisions. How can you live out your inheritance in Christ in a way that leads others to Him?
Quotes
1. "See, we all want to go to the next level, right? But now you're going to have to come to a point where you're going to have to make a decision. You can't go to the next level with both feet on either side of the street. Either you're going to be all for God, or you're going to be all for the world. Either you're going to be all for God, or you're going to be all for the things of man. You're going to have to make a decision." [41:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You got to know who God is for yourself before you go into the test. Before you go into the doctor's office, you got to say, God is able. I'm going to elevate your praise this morning. Everybody ready? See, when I looked at God being able, see, the boys said before they went in, they said, God is able. I'm going to make that declaration before you go in. Everybody say, God is able." [44:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you say God is able, this is how you elevate your praise. You are pretty much saying Elohim. You are calling him Elohim. Elohim means God is creator. He's a preserver. He's transcendent. He's mighty and strong. So before I go into my situation, I'm going to look at my fire and I'm going to say, God, you are powerful. God, you are my creator. You are my preserver. You are transcendent. You are mighty and God, you are strong." [45:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can only get your inheritance. It's called the will. You can only get the will once somebody dies. Well, I got good news for you. One Friday. Watch this. You got to walk in your inheritance. Your inheritance says, it's not going to hurt you. That's my inheritance. It's not going to hurt you. No matter what they meant for evil. God is going to turn it around for your good. It's not going to hurt you. As a matter of fact, your pain is getting ready to elevate you." [01:02:40] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The ultimate blessing. The ultimate. Next level is if your life can lead somebody to Jesus. Y'all thought y'all was going to get a million dollars, huh? No. I can't promise you that. If you get that, great. Make sure you tithe. But the greatest accomplishment you will have on this earth is by somebody looking at your life. And then they say, I want to know who Jesus is." [01:05:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Everything you go through is that somebody can say Jesus still reigns. Servants the Most High God. He changed his testimony. Everything we do is so that somebody can change. He changed their testimony. Everything you go through is that somebody can see Jesus. Everything, every hurt, every pain is so that somebody can see the Lord. I don't know what else to tell you. That's your whole purpose in life. God, can they see you in me?" [01:11:10] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If our lives. Don't reflect his glory. Then everything we are doing. We are doing it in vain. If this church. Listen to me. If this church. In the 77 years. That has been existing. If nobody gets saved. We have failed. don't care how. Much you shout. Burn the carpet up. Don't care how many cartwheels you can do. If nobody sees Jesus. all we did. Was come in here get sweaty. And leave the same way we came." [01:17:27] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If I want to go to the next level. It's not about acquisition. It is about. People being able to see Christ. On the inside of me. It is no longer I. The apostle Paul said. But it is Christ. That lives inside of me. I've got something. On the inside. That's working. To the outside. That can change. Your life. To make your name great. Here I am. Send me. I will go. In Jesus name. Amen." [01:19:33] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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