Faith in Trials: Trusting God Through the Fire
Summary
In today's message, I wanted to speak directly to those who are experiencing difficult times, those who feel like they are in a fiery trial. Life can be challenging, and as Peter describes in the New Testament, these trials test our faith, revealing its genuineness. We explored the story of Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who faced the ultimate test of faith when they were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a false idol. Their story teaches us that a faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted.
The narrative of these young men is a powerful reminder that God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn't, our faith should remain steadfast. They stood firm in their belief, declaring that their God was able to save them, but even if He chose not to, they would not bow to another god. This is a profound expression of faith, one that trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of the outcome.
In our own lives, we face daily tests of faith. We are constantly presented with choices between doing what is right and what is easy, between pleasing God and pleasing people. Our faith is tested in these moments, and like Daniel's friends, we must choose to stand firm. Even when God doesn't deliver us from the fire, He promises to be with us in it. Jesus met Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, and He meets us in our trials too.
The story concludes with King Nebuchadnezzar witnessing the miraculous survival of the three men and acknowledging the power of their God. This transformation shows that our faithfulness in trials can lead others to recognize God's presence and power. As we navigate our own fiery trials, we can hold onto the hope that Jesus is with us, speaking to us, and strengthening our faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith Tested, Faith Trusted: Trials reveal the authenticity of our faith. Like gold refined by fire, our faith is purified and proven genuine through challenges. A faith that has been tested is one that can be trusted. [02:26]
- God is Able, Even If He Doesn't: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's declaration that God is able to save them, but even if He doesn't, they will not bow, is a profound testament to unwavering faith. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when outcomes are uncertain. [18:29]
- Daily Tests of Faith: Every day presents opportunities to choose between right and easy, between worshiping God and idols. Our faith is tested in these moments, and we must decide to stand firm in our beliefs, just as Daniel's friends did. [12:41]
- God's Presence in the Fire: God may not always deliver us from trials, but He promises to be with us in them. Jesus met the three men in the furnace, and He meets us in our fiery trials, offering His presence and strength. [24:13]
- Impact of Faithfulness: The faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led King Nebuchadnezzar to recognize God's power. Our steadfastness in trials can inspire others to see God's presence and power in our lives. [22:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - Life's Fiery Trials
- [02:26] - Faith Tested, Faith Trusted
- [04:28] - Daniel and Friends' Test
- [06:40] - Nebuchadnezzar's Idol
- [08:44] - Refusing to Bow
- [10:34] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [12:41] - Daily Tests of Faith
- [14:56] - God is Able
- [16:20] - When God Doesn't
- [18:29] - Even If He Doesn't
- [20:40] - The Fourth Man in the Fire
- [22:08] - Jesus Meets Us in the Fire
- [24:13] - God's Presence in Trials
- [26:58] - Impact of Faithfulness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:7 - "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold."
2. Daniel 3:16-18 - "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.'"
3. Daniel 3:24-25 - "Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, '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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 1:7 say about the purpose of trials in a believer's life? How does this relate to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? [02:26]
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to King Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship the gold statue? What does their response reveal about their faith? [08:44]
3. What was King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction when he saw four men in the fire instead of three? What does this signify about God's presence in trials? [20:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego illustrate the concept of a faith that can be trusted after being tested? [06:40]
2. In what ways does the declaration "But even if He does not" (Daniel 3:18) challenge or encourage believers in their own faith journeys? [18:29]
3. How might the presence of the fourth man in the fire (Daniel 3:25) be understood in the context of God's promise to be with us in our trials? [22:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your faith through that experience? [12:41]
2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith despite the threat of death. What are some modern-day "idols" that challenge your faith, and how can you stand firm against them? [13:41]
3. The sermon mentioned that God may not always deliver us from trials, but He promises to be with us in them. How can this perspective change the way you view your current challenges? [24:13]
4. King Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of God's power was influenced by the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. How can your faithfulness in trials impact those around you? [22:54]
5. The phrase "God is able, but even if He doesn't" was emphasized in the sermon. How can adopting this mindset affect your prayer life and trust in God's sovereignty? [16:20]
6. Consider a specific area in your life where you feel like you're in a "fiery trial." What steps can you take to invite Jesus into that situation and seek His presence and guidance? [26:58]
7. How can you support someone else who is currently going through a difficult season, based on the lessons learned from this sermon? [28:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Refined Through Trials
In life, trials serve as a crucible for our faith, testing its authenticity and strength. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is purified and proven genuine through challenges. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego illustrates this truth vividly. When faced with the fiery furnace, their faith was not only tested but also revealed as trustworthy. They stood firm, confident in God's ability to save them, yet unwavering even if He chose not to. This teaches us that a faith tested is a faith that can be trusted. As we encounter our own fiery trials, we are invited to see them as opportunities for our faith to be refined and strengthened. [02:26]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that could be an opportunity for your faith to be refined? How can you embrace this process today?
Day 2: Trusting God's Sovereignty
The declaration of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that God is able to save them, but even if He doesn't, they will not bow, is a profound testament to unwavering faith. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when outcomes are uncertain. Their story reminds us that faith is not contingent on our circumstances but on the character of God. In our own lives, we may face situations where the outcome is unclear, and we are called to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, regardless of what happens. This kind of faith acknowledges that God is able, but even if He doesn't act as we hope, He remains worthy of our trust and worship. [18:29]
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: Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty, even if the outcome is uncertain? How can you express your trust in Him today?
Day 3: Choosing Faith Over Convenience
Every day presents opportunities to choose between doing what is right and what is easy, between worshiping God and idols. Our faith is tested in these moments, and like Daniel's friends, we must decide to stand firm in our beliefs. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenges us to prioritize our faith over convenience, even when it means facing difficult consequences. In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with choices that test our commitment to God. By choosing faith over convenience, we demonstrate our allegiance to God and our trust in His ways. [12:41]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to choose convenience over faithfulness? How can you stand firm in your beliefs today?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Trials
God may not always deliver us from trials, but He promises to be with us in them. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows us that Jesus met them in the furnace, offering His presence and strength. This powerful truth reassures us that we are never alone in our fiery trials. God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, enabling us to endure and overcome. As we face our own challenges, we can hold onto the promise that God is with us, walking alongside us and providing the support we need. [24:13]
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: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your current trials? What steps can you take to invite His strength and comfort into your situation today?
Day 5: The Impact of Faithfulness
The faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led King Nebuchadnezzar to recognize God's power. Their steadfastness in trials became a testimony to others, inspiring them to see God's presence and power. This story reminds us that our faithfulness in difficult times can have a profound impact on those around us. As we navigate our own fiery trials, we have the opportunity to be a witness to God's faithfulness and power. By remaining steadfast, we can inspire others to recognize God's presence in their own lives. [22:54]
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: Who in your life might be impacted by your faithfulness in trials? How can you intentionally let your light shine to inspire others today?
Quotes
"Life can be really, really difficult. And Peter, in the New Testament, he calls these difficulties, he calls them fiery trials. Some of you may be in a fiery trial right now. You're battling with depression, or you're discouraged, and you might even feel like your faith is being tested right now. Peter said of the trials, he said this in 1 Peter 1, 7, he said, these trials will show that your faith is genuine."
[00:02:26]
(30 seconds)
"They're going to literally be thrown into a fiery trial, a fiery furnace, and they're going to discover, that a faith that's been tested is a faith that can be trusted. I want to say it again. A faith that's been tested in the middle of a trial is a faith that can be trusted."
[00:03:10]
(20 seconds)
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, watch the respect. Watch the directness and the kindness. They're not arrogant. They're not mean. They're not critical. They're clear. They're direct. And they're respectful. They said, King Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to defend ourselves. We don't need to tell you. We don't need to defend ourselves before you're in this matter. If we're thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it." [00:09:10] (38 seconds)
"And our God will deliver us from your majesty's hand. I don't need to tell you about my faith. I don't need to tell you why you're real stupid. I don't need to sit back and I don't need to make a big point. I'm just going to tell you right now, we worship God. We're going to serve God. We're not bowing down to you. And the God we serve is able." [00:09:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Every single day, your faith is tested. You have a choice between doing what's right or doing what's easy. Every single day. You have a choice between doing what pleases God or doing what pleases people. And at the heart, I can describe it this way. You have a choice between worshiping God or giving your heart to an idol." [00:12:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Whatever you're facing right now, if you're in a fiery trial, and I know that many of you are, and you're asking God to deliver you right now, one of the greatest faith statements you could ever make goes like this. God, I believe you can. And God, I believe you will. But even if you don't, I still believe." [00:18:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Didn't we throw three in? And the king says, look, he answered. I see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire and they're not even hurt. And the form of the fourth is like the son of God. This just got crazy. This just got powerful. Our God is able. Three men are thrown into the fire. And a fourth man appears." [00:20:49] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God didn't deliver them from the fire. God delivered them in the fire. And this is so important. I hope you'll hear this. Embrace the truth, that God doesn't always deliver us from our trials, but he is always with us in our trials. In the middle of the worst, fiery trial of their lives, Jesus met them in the fire." [00:24:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You're going through a trial right now, a fiery trial. And I want to tell you right now, by the power and the grace of God, for some of you, not only are you not gonna get burned, but you're gonna come out not smelling like smoke. Your God is gonna be faithful. He's gonna prove himself faithful to you. You're gonna walk through the fire." [00:22:54] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"No matter what you're going through, Jesus will meet you in the fire. And when he does, if you listen, he'll speak to you. He'll speak to you through his word. He'll speak to you through his sermon. He'll speak to you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Some of you know what I'm talking about." [00:27:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God, we thank you that a faith that has been tested is one that can be trusted. God, draw us close, teach us to depend on you. God, help us to know you in the fire." [00:30:56] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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