Standing Firm: Faith Amidst Idols and Trials
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the golden image he set up in the plain of Dura, as described in Daniel chapter 3. This image represented an idol, and Nebuchadnezzar commanded all the leaders and people to bow down and worship it. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for the idols we set up in our own lives—things we prioritize over God, our families, and our responsibilities. We must be vigilant about the gatherings we attend and the influences we allow into our lives, as they can lead us astray and set us up for spiritual failure.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to the idol, even under the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, is a testament to unwavering faith. They trusted God to deliver them, and their faith was rewarded when God protected them in the furnace. This teaches us that in order to be promoted in our spiritual lives, we must be willing to go through tests and trials. These tests are not meant to break us but to strengthen our faith and reliance on God.
We also discussed the importance of having a backbone in our faith, standing firm even when faced with severe trials. The illustration of the kitchen table with food and the Bible was used to emphasize the choices we make when we are at our lowest. Do we turn to God first, or do we seek comfort in worldly things? The sermon concluded with a call to be ready for greater tests and challenges, as these are opportunities for spiritual promotion and deeper intimacy with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Idols in Our Lives: Just as Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image, we often set up idols in our minds and lives—things we prioritize over God. These idols can be anything from our jobs to relationships. We must be vigilant and ensure that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with God. [01:36]
2. The Danger of Gatherings: We must be cautious about the gatherings we attend and the influences we allow into our lives. Not every opportunity or social interaction is beneficial; some are set-ups designed to lead us astray. Spiritual discernment is crucial in navigating these situations. [03:03]
3. Unwavering Faith: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us the importance of unwavering faith. Even when faced with the threat of death, they trusted God to deliver them. This kind of faith is essential for spiritual growth and promotion. [09:45]
4. Choosing God Over Comfort: The illustration of the kitchen table with food and the Bible highlights the choices we make when we are at our lowest. Do we turn to God first, or do we seek comfort in worldly things? This choice reflects our true priorities and faith. [11:58]
5. Preparation for Greater Tests: The trials we have faced so far are nothing compared to what lies ahead. We must be prepared for greater tests and challenges, as these are opportunities for spiritual promotion and deeper intimacy with God. Our faith must be strong enough to withstand these trials. [25:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Setting Up Idols
[03:03] - The Danger of Gatherings
[04:26] - Spiritual Set-Ups
[05:08] - The Fiery Furnace
[06:36] - The Set-Up of Satan
[07:22] - Ultimatums and Faith
[08:27] - Calling on Jesus
[09:45] - Unwavering Faith
[10:24] - The Kitchen Table Illustration
[11:58] - Choosing God Over Comfort
[13:30] - Ready for Promotion
[14:42] - Trusting God in Trials
[15:42] - The Furnace Heated Seven Times
[17:49] - Walking in the Holy Spirit
[18:21] - Bound and Tested
[20:03] - Facing Greater Tests
[21:37] - Standing Alone Before God
[22:26] - Delivered from the Furnace
[24:14] - Seeking God's Heartbeat
[25:38] - Preparing for Future Tests
[26:26] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Daniel 3:1-30: The story of King Nebuchadnezzar, the golden image, and the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did King Nebuchadnezzar command the people to do when they heard the sound of music? (Daniel 3:4-5)
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king's command to worship the golden image? (Daniel 3:16-18)
3. What was the consequence for not bowing down to the golden image, and how did the three men face this consequence? (Daniel 3:19-23)
4. What miraculous event occurred in the fiery furnace, and who was seen with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? (Daniel 3:24-25)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar symbolize in our lives today? How can we identify modern-day idols? [01:36]
2. Why is it important to be cautious about the gatherings we attend and the influences we allow into our lives? How can we practice spiritual discernment in these situations? [03:03]
3. How does the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire us to trust God in the face of severe trials? What can we learn from their example? [09:45]
4. The illustration of the kitchen table with food and the Bible was used to highlight our choices when we are at our lowest. What does this illustration teach us about our priorities and faith? [11:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any "golden images" or idols that you have set up, perhaps unknowingly? How can you begin to remove these idols and prioritize your relationship with God? [01:36]
2. Think about the gatherings and social interactions you participate in. Are there any that might be leading you astray or negatively influencing your spiritual life? How can you practice better discernment in choosing where to spend your time? [03:03]
3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith even when faced with death. Can you recall a time when your faith was tested? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [09:45]
4. When you are at your lowest, do you turn to God first, or do you seek comfort in worldly things? What practical steps can you take to ensure that you turn to God in times of need? [11:58]
5. The sermon mentioned that greater tests and challenges lie ahead. How can you prepare yourself spiritually for these future trials? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith and reliance on God? [25:38]
6. How can you develop a "backbone" in your faith, as illustrated by the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? What areas of your life require more boldness and trust in God? [09:45]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being ready for spiritual promotion through tests and trials. What current challenges are you facing that could be opportunities for spiritual growth? How can you shift your perspective to see these challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles? [25:38]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, reflect on their personal faith journeys, and apply the lessons learned to their daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Identifying Modern Idols
Description: In the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the golden image, we see a powerful metaphor for the idols we set up in our own lives. These idols can be anything we prioritize over God, such as our jobs, relationships, or material possessions. Just as Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to bow down to his idol, we often find ourselves bowing to the pressures and demands of these modern idols. It is crucial to be vigilant and ensure that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with God. By identifying and removing these idols, we can refocus our lives on what truly matters. [01:36]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What are some things in your life that you might be prioritizing over your relationship with God? How can you begin to shift your focus back to Him today?
Day 2: The Influence of Gatherings
Description: The gatherings we attend and the influences we allow into our lives can have a significant impact on our spiritual well-being. Not every opportunity or social interaction is beneficial; some are set-ups designed to lead us astray. Spiritual discernment is crucial in navigating these situations. By being cautious about the gatherings we attend and the company we keep, we can protect ourselves from negative influences and stay true to our faith. [03:03]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Think about the gatherings and social interactions you participate in. Are there any that might be leading you away from your faith? How can you exercise better discernment in choosing where to spend your time?
Day 3: Unwavering Faith in Trials
Description: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us the importance of unwavering faith. Even when faced with the threat of death, they trusted God to deliver them. This kind of faith is essential for spiritual growth and promotion. By standing firm in our faith, even in the face of severe trials, we demonstrate our trust in God's power and His plan for our lives. This unwavering faith not only strengthens our relationship with God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. [09:45]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond in faith? What can you do to strengthen your faith in future trials?
Day 4: Choosing God Over Comfort
Description: The illustration of the kitchen table with food and the Bible highlights the choices we make when we are at our lowest. Do we turn to God first, or do we seek comfort in worldly things? This choice reflects our true priorities and faith. By choosing to turn to God in times of need, we demonstrate our reliance on Him and our commitment to our spiritual growth. This choice can lead to deeper intimacy with God and a stronger foundation for our faith. [11:58]
Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: When you are feeling low or facing difficulties, what do you typically turn to for comfort? How can you make a conscious effort to turn to God first in these moments?
Day 5: Preparing for Greater Tests
Description: The trials we have faced so far are nothing compared to what lies ahead. We must be prepared for greater tests and challenges, as these are opportunities for spiritual promotion and deeper intimacy with God. Our faith must be strong enough to withstand these trials. By embracing these challenges and relying on God's strength, we can grow spiritually and be ready for the greater tests that come our way. [25:38]
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 are some ways you can prepare yourself spiritually for future tests and challenges? How can you strengthen your faith to be ready for these opportunities for growth?
Quotes
1. "We need to be very careful who we follow in this life. We need to be very careful who, what parties we may walk into, or what gatherings. We may... We may go and gather in, because it could be a set-up to bring us down spiritually. It could be a set-up. The phone rings, and you think that's an opportunity for you to talk, talk, talk. And they may be setting you up for failure. They're trying to pull something out of your mind that will hurt you in the long run. We must be very careful of the gatherings. The gatherings that we attend, and what we entertain on the telephone. We must be very careful, because it was a set-up." [03:03] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Don't follow the crowd. Just cause it's large. Don't mean the presence of God. God is there. Come on, somebody. And all the rulers of the providence were gathered together unto the dedication to the image that Nebuchadnezzar, the king, had what? Had set up. Had set up. You're going towards a set-up this morning. You need to be ready in God. You may be already have been set up. And you are already in the tunnel as deep as the tunnel can go. But God is calling on you today. I want to bring you out. Because you were set up. You were deceived. Hallelujah." [04:26] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's a set-up. And then that set-up will require something out of you. You have to bow down. Whenever you walk into the gathering. Something is going to be required of every one of you and me. And there was to be bowed down. Or you will be cast into a burning fiery furnace. Oh friends and neighbors. None of us want to be given an ultimatum this morning. None of us want to be given an ultimatum. That we either bow down to the things of this life that are going on modern right now. Or we're going to be cast into the fire. But many of us are we making the right decisions in our personal lives. Or we're making the right decisions when the set-up comes. Or we're calling on the name of Jesus." [08:27] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Glory to God. Jesus will get you through. But we run to Sally and Janie. And Ruth and Donnie and David. And Brian. And we're crying to them. Oh. If you're in God. You realize a set-up is coming. But in order to be promoted. You've got to be willing to go through the set-up. You must be tested. Verse 17. If it 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. Oh King. Woo. Me Shaq, Shaq, Rack, and Abednego. They've got some backbone. How many in the church today have got some backbone? Come on somebody. How many of you have got a backbone? I'll stand up for God if it burns me." [09:05] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When I'm at my lowest. Where do I go? When you're at your lowest. Where do you go this morning? Hallelujah. In order to be promoted in God. And be able to discern the spirits that are out there. To discern Christians that are not right with God. You must be tested by God. And the test is the kitchen table. Hallelujah. And the word of God this morning. Hallelujah. Woo. And he. Will deliver us out of your hand. Oh King. These three boys. Me, Shaq, Shadrach, and Abednego. They were standing there. That fire furnished was over there. Woo. Their faith arose. I pray to God. That my faith will arise. When I'm challenged. Hallelujah. I pray to God. When I'm challenged. To distinguish." [12:35] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you're trusting God. You stop whining and complaining. Can you hear me this morning? If you're trusting God. You stop whining over the same mess. And stop complaining over the same mess. That includes me. Honey. You stop. And you give it to God. Because don't nobody else want to hear it. Hallelujah. My wife gets tired of it. Glory to God. Verse 19. Woo glory. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury. Woo. You made the devil mad man. You made people mad. Because you were set up. And you went on. You went on. And the form of this visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego." [15:13] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I still trust God. I want to be promoted in God. Lord I thought that cancer. That you gave me a healing over. I thought that was the worst thing. I was going to have a face in life. But now I'm here. And I've got to declare your name. And stand with you. Or they're going to kill me. I'm going to be burned alive. I thought that family member. That hurt me so bad. Was the worst thing. That was ever going to happen to me. But now you're being tested. It might be. It might not be a fire. But you're going to get tested for God. It might be. Mom or dad dying. And you say. Oh my goodness. I can't go. I can't go through no more pain." [20:03] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When it's all said and done. And I'll stand alone. We'll all stand alone. Judgment day before Christ our savior. And we'll be judged. That song we sung. Touches my life. Because I know it is God. That I must be right with. Not my beautiful wife Lisa Ray. Or you folks. I must be right with God. Are you right with God today. Or are you ready to be promoted. Verse 23. And these three men. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Failed down bound in the midst. Of the burning fire I furnished. Now you're in the midst of the test. Daniel chapter 3 verse 23. You're in the midst of your test. What were they saying. And I'm almost finished. What were they saying. I hope I would be in that attitude. I hope you. Would be in that attitude this morning." [21:37] (108 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want. To be promoted in God this morning. To have. More of an anointing. Than he's already given me. I want to be promoted in God. That he reveals. More to me. There was a season. In my life. And I'm not in that season right now. I was standing before the church. I pastored. And I could. God was telling me exactly what was going on with folks. Some couldn't handle that. And that. And most of it has come true. And it will come true. Because it was from God. Oh we go through different seasons. But I want to know. The heartbeat of the father." [24:14] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "In order to be promoted. You must be tested. And the test you've gone through. Are not what you're going to go through. I want to say it again. The test you've gone through so far. Are not. Nothing compared to what you will go through. Before the end of the year. And into 2021. God. Is opening. Our minds. To receive from him. I have failed. And in every once in a while. I feel the Holy Spirit stronger than others. And I have felt the Holy Spirit stronger this morning. Stronger. And I believe God is touching lives. That are right here. And touching lives on land." [25:38] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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