The Testing Of The Faithful

Daniel 3-The Three Faithful Friends of Daniel are Tested

I. Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image Set Up for Worship (v.1-7)

A. The Image Description (v.1)

B. The Call of Image Worship to Leaders (v.2-7)

1. The Leaders Gathered (v.2-4)

2. The Worshipper’s Requirements (v.5-7)

II. The Accusation Against the Hebrews (v.8-12)

A. They have not regarded thee(v.10a)

B. They serve not thy gods (v.10b)

C. They worship not the golden image (v.11)

III. The Three Faithful Friends Before Nebuchadnezzar (v.13-18)

A. Nebuchadnezzar’s Rage & Fury (v.13)

B. Nebuchadnezzar’s Questioning (v.14)

C. Nebuchadnezzar’s Offer/Second Chance (v.15)

D. The Faithful Respond w/Wisdom & Submission (v.16-18)

1. We are not careful to answer thee in this matter

2. Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us

3. He will deliver us out of thine hand

4. But if not…we will not serve thy gods/image

IV. The Fiery Furnace Trial (v.19-25)

A. The Fury of Nebuchadnezzar (v.19,20)

B. The Faithful in the Furnace (v.21-25)

1. Bound & thrown into the furnace

2. Men slain from the heat

3. Fell down bound in the furnace

4. Nebuchadnezzar’s astonishment

5. The Fourth is like the Son of God

V. The Focus of Nebuchadnezzar Transformed (v.26-29)

A. He Calls for the Three Faithful to Come Forth (v.26)

B. All Witness the Fire’s Powerless Effect on the Three Faithful (v.27)

C. Nebuchadnezzar Blesses God (v.28)

1. Who hath sent His angel

2. And delivered His servants that trusted in Him

3. Have changed the king’s word

4. And yielded their bodies that they might not serve/worship any god, except their own God

D. Nebuchadnezzar’s New Decree (v.29)

E. Nebuchadnezzar’s Promotion of the Three Faithful (v.30)

VI. Application

A. Preparation for Coming Persecution (Daniel 3:16-18; Luke 21:12-19; I Peter 4:12-14; Revelation 13)

B. Promise of Presence of God (Daniel 3:24,25; Isaiah 43:1-7)

C. Priority of Dedicated Worship (Daniel 3:5,6,7,9,11,12,14,15,18,28; John 4:20-24)