LESSON OBJECTIVES
Daniel WEEK 3 LEAD
Goals
1. To further students understanding of the Old Testament book of Daniel
2. To encourage students with the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
3. To inspire students to live lives of courageous faith, knowing God is with them
Topics
Daniel, Difficulties, Honor God, Idols, Influence, Persecution, Protection
Scripture Memorization
Daniel 3:17-18
GETTING STARTED (10 minutes)
Before we get started today, let’s review:
General Discussion:
• What has happened so far in Daniel’s life?
• One of the main themes of Daniel is God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in the world, despite the fact that it appears that non-believers run the show. How has God shown Himself to be faithful to David?
Two weeks ago, we discussed how Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, stayed true in the little things and were blessed by God as a result. This week, a huge thing is thrown at them, and their faithfulness to God is truly put to the test.
DIGGING IN (30 minutes)
Read Daniel 3:1-7
Discussion Questions:
1. What would possess Nebuchadnezzar to build this center of worship? (Arrogance.)
2. Who showed up for the big revealing (see verse 3)? (All the main leaders and officials were there.)
3. While we tend to trust our officials and leaders, can you think of any examples in our culture where our officials might be off in their judgment? (This is obviously an opinion question, so answers may vary.)
4. What would be the purpose of forcing the people to bow down to a statue? (Test allegiance, etc.)
5. Why would they be so serious about this thing that they would actually kill people who didn’t do it? (Control, pride, etc.)
6. What would be the nearest equivalent to this statue in our culture?
7. Have you ever felt pressure to “bow down” to something that has faced you?
Often situations that we face as Christians don’t make a ton of sense. People do things for all sorts of reasons. Certainly, there are times when Satan is involved and he is leading people to do things that force us to pick a side and face the consequences.
Read Daniel 3:8-15
Discussion Questions:
1. Who tells on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in verses 8-10? (Some of the other trained wise men)
2. What motivation did they have to get Daniel’s friends in trouble? (Jealousy, etc.)
There are lots of pressures for these three men to bow down. Consider this:
• Size: the idol was 90ft. high and 9 ft. wide
• Money: the idol was made of gold
• Peer pressure: everyone was doing it
• Authority: the king said to do it, and he’s in charge
• Physical threat: death was the reward of not bowing
• Time: You must do it immediately, no time to think on it
General Discussion:
1. Which of the reasons above do you think would have made the situation the hardest?
2. Have you ever felt discriminated against because of your faith?
3. What do you think motivates people to have ill feelings towards Christians?
Read Daniel 3:16-23
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think were the main factors in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being so strong in this situation? (They had trusted God in little things earlier in their lives, preparing them for bigger things later. They had established a pattern of holding to their standard, despite the outcome [not eating un-kosher food in ch. 1]. Their main friends were believers who were also willing to stand up with them. Their faith in God was the main focus of their lives, and anything else came second, no matter the cost.)
2. Although the King was furious with the three men, did they lose their composure or respond to the King harshly? (No, they remained calm and continued to speak to the King in a respectful manner.)
MAKING IT REAL (10 minutes)
While God’s faithfulness is evident at the end of the story, the faithfulness of the three men is evident now. They knew that they don’t always understand God’s ways and that He might possibly allow them to suffer for their faith. There are many books written on Christian martyrs who died for their faith, and God didn’t save them from it.
In lesson 1, we talked about moving from belief to conviction.
General Discussions:
• In what ways does a Christian have to be different from his/her peers to be the type of believer that these three guys were?
• What steps can each of us take to become more faithful followers of Christ?
• What “idols” are we tempted to bow before?
Theologian Paul Tillich talks about a concept, which he calls “Ultimate Concern.” He says, “A person’s god is the thing or person they are most concerned about or think the most about.” Do you agree or disagree?
Read Daniel 3:24-30
General Discussion:
• Have any of you ever had a time where you had to take a stand for something you believe in?
• How did you experience God bringing you through that situation?
• Who do you think the fourth person in the furnace was?
It is no secret that this life is hard. As a Christian, at times it is even harder. Persecution, discrimination, peer pressure, and many other problems come our way and try to sway our attention off of God. It is in those times that we are called to stand strong and put our foot down. Often, even those who are hurling insults at us or who are the ones causing the situation respect us more in the end.
You need to remember that no matter what situation you face, God is with you. He walks with us through the fire. You will never be left alone to have to figure everything out, to have to make every decision, or to have to be strong on your own. God is always there to hear your prayers and guide you in every way.
CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)
Praise God that no matter what, He is with you.