Knowing God: Faith in Trials and Transformation
Summary
Who is God to you? This is the question that echoes through every part of our lives, shaping our faith, our choices, and our identity. Each of us must answer it personally, not just with our words, but with our hearts and our lives. God is not distant or abstract—He is present, active, and intimately involved in every detail. He is the miracle worker, the one who has called us more than conquerors, the one who never leaves or forsakes us. Our relationship with Him is not based on stories we’ve merely heard, but on the living reality of His presence and power in our lives.
We are reminded that faith is not about lip service or outward appearance. Jesus warned that many honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him. True faith is rooted in the heart, in a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. Like the story of the squirrel and the snake, we must discern what has a hold on us—are we believing lies, or are we anchored in the truth of who God is? The Bible is not a collection of fairy tales or distant history; it is the living Word of God, and our response to it reveals the depth of our faith.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace is not a tale of tragedy, but of triumph. They knew who God was to them, and because of that, they stood firm—even in the face of death. Their faith was not in what God might do, but in who God is. They declared, “Even if…”—even if God does not deliver us the way we expect, we will not bow to another. This is the kind of uncompromising faith that God honors, the faith that knows God is with us in the fire, not just when He puts the fire out.
God is the fourth man in the furnace, the one who walks with us through every trial. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever—the Redeemer, the Healer, the Provider, the faithful Husband, the soon-coming King. Our lives are miracles, testimonies of His grace and power. When we know who He is, we are not shaken by the storms or the “what ifs” of life. We stand on the certainty of “even if,” confident that He is with us, and that is enough.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing God personally transforms everything. It’s not enough to know about God or to repeat what others say; we must encounter Him for ourselves. Our faith is anchored in a living relationship, not in secondhand stories or traditions. When we truly know Him, our identity, purpose, and confidence are unshakable. [26:10]
- Faith is proven in the fire, not in the absence of it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not pray for the fire to be extinguished, but trusted God to be with them in it. The miracle was not the removal of the trial, but God’s presence and deliverance through it. This kind of faith says, “Even if…”—choosing trust over compromise, no matter the outcome. [51:16]
- Compromise leads to loss, but conviction leads to deliverance. The things we compromise—our integrity, our faith, our relationships—are the very things we risk losing. The three Hebrew men refused to bow to the culture’s demands, and God honored their stand. Uncompromising faith is costly, but it is also the place where God’s power is most clearly revealed. [01:03:25]
- The Bible is not just a storybook; it is the living Word of God. How we approach Scripture reveals our heart. If we treat it as mere literature, we miss its power. But when we receive it as God’s voice to us, it becomes the foundation for faith, guidance, and transformation. [44:13]
- God is the “fourth man” in every furnace—faithful, present, and unchanging. Throughout Scripture and in our lives, He reveals Himself as everything we need: Redeemer, Healer, Provider, Friend. No matter what we face, He is with us, and His presence is our greatest assurance. Our testimony is not just what He has done, but who He is to us. [01:09:32]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:10] - Who Is God to You?
[27:25] - Our Identity in Christ
[28:19] - The Squirrel and the Snake: Discernment
[31:42] - Lip Service vs. Heart Relationship
[33:58] - Let Them Alone: The Power of Choice
[35:45] - Miracles: Recognizing God’s Work
[39:01] - Personal Stories: Who Is He to You?
[41:01] - The Story of Cuddles: Relationship and Loss
[44:13] - How Do You View the Bible?
[46:11] - Blind Leading the Blind: Who Are You Following?
[48:26] - What Is, What If, and Even If
[51:16] - God in the Fire: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[56:56] - Worship from the Heart, Not Mandate
[57:56] - The Uncompromising Answer
[01:03:25] - The Cost of Compromise
[01:06:09] - God Loosens Every Bondage
[01:09:32] - Who Is the Fourth Man?
[01:14:13] - Jesus: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
[01:18:00] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Who Is God to You?”
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### Bible Reading
- Daniel 3:8-30 (The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace)
- Matthew 15:8-11 (“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…”)
- Hebrews 13:8 (“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Daniel 3, what specific actions did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to do, and what was the consequence for their refusal?
2. According to Matthew 15:8-9, what does Jesus say about people who honor God with their lips but not their hearts?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the “fourth man” in the furnace, and how did King Nebuchadnezzar react when he saw him? [[01:06:09]]
4. What does Hebrews 13:8 say about the nature of Jesus, and how does this connect to the message of God being present in every situation?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego say, “Even if God does not deliver us, we will not bow”? What does this reveal about their understanding of who God is? [[59:12]]
2. How does Jesus’ warning in Matthew 15 about honoring God with lips but not with the heart challenge the way people approach faith and worship? [[31:42]]
3. The sermon says, “Faith is proven in the fire, not in the absence of it.” What does this mean for someone going through a difficult time? [[51:16]]
4. The pastor described the Bible as “the living Word of God, not just a storybook.” How does this perspective affect the way someone reads and responds to Scripture? [[44:13]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon asked, “Who is God to you?”—not just in words, but in your heart and life. If you had to answer honestly, what would your life say about who God is to you right now? [[26:10]]
2. The story of the squirrel and the snake was used to illustrate believing lies versus truth. Is there something in your life that has a hold on you—a lie or fear—that you need to let go of? What would it look like to replace it with God’s truth? [[28:19]]
3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had an “even if” faith. Can you think of a situation where you need to trust God, even if He doesn’t answer the way you hope? What would it look like to stand firm in that situation? [[59:12]]
4. The sermon said, “The things you compromise are the things you risk losing.” Is there an area where you’ve been tempted to compromise your faith, integrity, or relationships? What step could you take this week to stand firm instead? [[01:03:25]]
5. The pastor challenged us to see the Bible as God’s living Word. How do you usually approach reading the Bible? What is one practical way you could start treating it more as God’s voice to you, rather than just a book? [[44:13]]
6. The “fourth man” in the furnace was described as God’s presence in the fire. When have you experienced God’s presence in a difficult time? How did it change you? [[01:09:32]]
7. The sermon said, “Knowing God personally transforms everything.” What is one area of your life where you want to experience more of God’s presence and transformation? What is a first step you could take this week? [[26:10]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for areas where they want to know God more personally or need courage to stand firm in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: True Worship Comes from the Heart, Not Just Words
It is easy to honor God with our lips while our hearts remain distant, but God desires genuine relationship, not empty rituals. Jesus warns that outward displays of faith mean nothing if our hearts are far from Him, and that true worship is a matter of the heart, not just external actions or traditions. Examine your own life: are you drawing near to God with sincerity, or simply going through the motions? God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth, letting their love for Him overflow into every part of their lives. [31:42]
Matthew 15:8-9 (ESV)
“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to give God lip service instead of heartfelt devotion? What would it look like to worship Him with your whole heart today?
Day 2: God Is With You in the Fire
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace, they stood firm in their faith, refusing to compromise even when threatened with death. They knew that God was able to deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to any other god. God’s presence was with them in the fire, and He brought them through without harm or even the smell of smoke. No matter what trial or “fire” you face, remember that God is with you—He may not always remove the fire, but He will walk with you through it, and His presence is your greatest assurance. [51:16]
Daniel 3:16-18, 24-25 (ESV)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 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.” ... Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Reflection: What is one “fire” or challenge you are facing right now? How can you trust God’s presence with you in the midst of it, rather than just praying for the fire to be removed?
Day 3: Refuse to Compromise Your Faith
The story of the fiery furnace shows that what you compromise, you risk losing. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise their devotion to God, even when pressured by the world around them. Their unwavering stand led to God’s miraculous deliverance and a powerful testimony of His faithfulness. In your own life, the things you compromise—your integrity, your values, your relationship with God—are the very things you may lose. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God honors those who honor Him, and He will be with you through every test. [01:03:25]
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 an area where you are tempted to compromise your faith or values for comfort or acceptance? What step can you take today to stand firm for God?
Day 4: Know Who God Is—He Is the Fourth Man
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself in countless ways—as Redeemer, Shepherd, King, and so much more. In the fiery furnace, He was the “fourth man,” present with His people in their trial. Knowing who God is—His character, His faithfulness, His love—gives you confidence to face any situation. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He will always show up for you. Let your faith be rooted in the unchanging nature of God, and let that knowledge shape your response to every challenge. [01:14:13]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Reflection: Which aspect of God’s character do you need to remember most today? How does knowing “the fourth man” is with you change your outlook on your current circumstances?
Day 5: Faith Is Trusting God’s Word as Truth
Just as you trust the stories of those you love, faith means taking God at His word—even when you haven’t seen the miracles yourself. The Bible is not just a collection of stories, but the living, spoken word of God. Choose to believe what God says about Himself and about you, and let that faith shape your life. When you know who He is and what He has promised, you can walk by faith and not by sight, confident that His grace is enough for you every day. [44:13]
Romans 10:17 (ESV)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Reflection: Do you treat the Bible as God’s living word or just another story? What is one promise from God’s word you will choose to believe and act on today?
Quotes
Who is that fourth man? Can I tell you who that fourth man is? Can I tell you who He is? In Genesis, He is the seed of a woman. In Exodus, He is the Passover lamb. In Leviticus, He's our high priest. In Numbers, He is our pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. In Deuteronomy, He's a prophet like unto Moses. In Joshua, He's the captain of our salvation. In Judges, He is our judge and our lawgiver. In Ruth, He's our kingsman and redeemer. In 1 and 2 Samuel, He's our trusted prophet. In 1 and 2 Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning king. In Ezra, He is our faithful scribe. In Nehemiah, He is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life. In Ezra, in Esther, He is our Mordecai. In Job, He's the ever living redeemer for Job. And I say, He is my redeemer. [01:09:32] (59 seconds)
Who is that fourth man? Can I tell you who He is? In Psalms, He is our shepherd. In Proverbs, in Ecclesiastes, He's our wisdom. In Song of Solomon, He is our lover and our bridegroom. In Isaiah, He is the prince of peace. In Jeremiah, He's a righteousness branch. In Lamentations, He's a weeping prophet. In Ezekiel, He's a wonderful four -faced man. In Daniel, He is the fourth man in the fiery furnace. But can I tell you some more? Can I tell you more who He is? He and Hosea, He's a faithful husband. He's the faithful husband. [01:10:35] (37 seconds)
Who is He? In Joel, He's the baptizer of the Holy Ghost. In Amos, He's our burden bearer. In Obadiah, He's the mighty to save. In Jonah, He's the forward missionary. In Micah, He's the messenger with beautiful feet. In Naaman, He's the avenger of God's elect. In Habakkuk, He's God's evangelist. In Zans, He is our savior. In Haggai, He's the restorer of God's lost heritage. In Zechariah, He's the fountain open in the house of David. In Malachi, can I tell you again who He is? Who He is, the Matthew? He's the Messiah. In Mark, He's the wonder worker. In Luke, He's the son of God. In John, He's the son of God. In Luke, He's the son of man. In Acts, He's the Holy Ghost. In Romans, He's the justifier. In 1 and 2 Corinthians, He's the sanctifier. In Galatians, He's the redeemer from the curse of the law. In Ephesians, He's the Christ with unsearchable riches. In Philippians, He's the God that supplies all my needs. Can I tell you who God is? Colossians, He's the fullness of the Godhead boldly. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, He's our soon coming king. Praise God. Who is that fourth man? He's the God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [01:12:02] (89 seconds)
He is that man that will show up this man will always show up he's never going to never going to leave you never forsake you his goodness and his mercy will follow you all the days of life see who he was to Abel he was Abel's sacrifice in Noah he was his rainbow he's Abraham's ram he's Isaac's whale he's Jacob's scepter he's Moses's rod he's Joshua's son in mood that stood still he was Elijah's mantle he was Elijah's staff he was Gideon's fleece he was Samuel's horn of oil he was David's slingshot he was Isaiah's fig ointment he was Hezekiah's sunlit sundial he was Daniel's vision he was Amos's burden he's Malachi he's the son of righteousness who is this fourth man [01:14:46] (49 seconds)
Who is this fourth man that showed up in that fiery furnace? Who is that fourth man that showed up in your fiery furnace? Who is that fourth man that showed up in that fiery furnace for you? Who is that fourth man? Who is He to you? Let me keep on going. [01:14:24] (22 seconds)
When we know what is, we're not concerned with what if. We stand on even if, because we know that if is an increasing faith, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We don't have an increasing fear, because God hasn't given you a spirit of fear. He's given you love, power, and a sound mind. [00:48:35] (19 seconds)
Some of you are praying for God to blow the fire out. Your prayer is not working because you're asking the wrong prayer. Don't blow the fire out. The prayer is, I don't care if the fire is in front of me or behind me or around me. My God is with me. That's all that matters. [00:51:07] (20 seconds)
If you're loving Jesus right now with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind, that is a miracle. Because that is a God that knows how to change a heart. That is a God that says, you are a miracle. Because Satan has already tried to kill, steal, and destroy you the day you took your first breath. [00:36:20] (23 seconds)
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