Perspectives On Fire

Reylourd P. Reyes

OTST 571 The Book of Daniel

1st Sermon on the Book of Daniel

Perspectives on Fire

Daniel 3:1-30

INTRODUCTION

"Perspective" Defined

“The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision”

“A way of regarding situations, facts, etc., and judging their relative importance”

1. In Dan 1, we were introduced to three companions of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach, andAbed-Nego...

a. Like Daniel, they were young men taken from Judah into captivity and trained to serve before the king - Dan 1:6-7

b. Like Daniel, they were blessed by God and impressed the king after their period of training - Dan 1:17-20

2. Dan 3 reveals more about the character of these three young men...

a. In recounting an incident that has fascinated many, both young and old

b. Like Dan 1, it illustrates the power of a strong faith in those who are young

This inspiring story, which I like to call “Perspectives on Fire”, begins by describing...

I. THEIR TRIAL

A. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO IT...

1. Nebuchadnezzar’s image, and his command to worship it - Dan 3:1-7

2. The accusation against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego - Dan 3:8-12

The king’s threat of the fiery furnace - Dan 3:13-15

Quote: "He felt that it required more than ordinary power to deal with these noble men. His mind was strongly impressed that something unusual would interpose in their behalf," and he wanted to make sure of their death.” -Vol. 4, SDA BIble Commentary, page 1169

B. THE NATURE OF THEIR TRIAL...

1. To save their situation

a. They had been promoted over the affairs of Babylon - Dan 3:12

b. They would lose their position as well as their lives

2. To sacrifice their conscience

a. All they needed to do was to conform outwardly

b. Of course, that would have meant disobedience to God - Exo 20:4-5

C. WE MAY FACE SIMILAR TRIALS TODAY...

1. To save our situation, such as:

a. Our popularity at school, by doing things our peers or teacher do not see wrong

b. Our position at work, by doing that which our boss or company requires which

may be illegal, unethical, or immoral.

Quote: “I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful.”

-Mother Theresa

2. To sacrifice our conscience

It would be easy to conform outwardly, to “go along with the crowd”

Quote: “The greatest want in the world is the want of men. Men who will not be bought or sold. Men who in their inmost souls are true and honest. Men who do not fear to call sin by its right name. Men who's conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole.Men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

-Ellen White

b. But our conscience would condemn us, and so would God

Likely we all have been tempted in some way like this. How did we react? How should we have reacted? How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego react? Let’s consider...

II. THEIR TESTIMONY

A. THEY DEMONSTRATED FAITH...

1. In the power of God - Dan 3:16-17

a. That God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace

b. If it was His will

2. In the will of God - Dan 3:18

a. If it was God’s will not to deliver it, so be it!

b. They would still not worship other gods, nor the gold image!

B. THEY DETERMINED TO SERVE GOD NO MATTER WHAT...

1. Like Job in the midst of his affliction - Job 1:20-21; 13:15

2. Like Habakkuk who would praise God even in suffering - Hab 3:17-19

3. Like the apostles who rejoiced to suffer in His name - Ac 5:27-29

4. Like Polycarp who offered this prayer as he was being burned at the stake:

Illustration:“O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of Thee,the God of angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Thy presence; “I bless Thee for that Thou hast granted me this day and hour, that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs' in the cup of Thy Christ unto resurrection of eternal life,both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. “May I be received among these in Thy presence this day,as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as Thou didst prepare and reveal it beforehand, and hast accomplished it, Thou that art the faithful and true God. “For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, through the eternal and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, through whom with Him and the Holy Spirit be glory both now and for the ages to come. Amen.'