EVEN IF GOD DOES NOT DELIVER US, WE STILL WILL NOT BOW. (PART 2) WHO IS THIS FOURTH MAN?
DANIEL 3: 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 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 thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire killed those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was any hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.
INTRO: EVEN IF GOD DOES NOT DELIVER US, WE STILL WILL NOT BOW. WHO IS THIS FOURTH MAN IN THE BURNING FIRE? (TEACH AND PREACH)
Review: Background To The Story Of The Three Hebrew Boys: The year is 605 B.C. and the world is in chaos. The Egyptians have attempted to invade Babylon. A young, mean, insidious, infidelous monarch named Nebuchadnezzar, soundly defeated the Egyptians. Not satisfied with his victory, he pursued them down the Sinai Peninsula. Along the way he conquered the city of Jerusalem, who had been loyal to Pharaoh instead of God. God is allowing foreign countries to abuse his people because of disobedience. The Babylonian army walked right into their temple and took the articles used to worship God. They then rounded up the best and brightest of the Jewish youths and marched them to Babylon. The plan was to train these young men for 3 years and give some of them positions in the royal court (1:3-5). Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego were among this group. The 3 years of training in Babylon was an attempt to brainwash them. Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to become so indoctrinated in Babylonian culture that they would think and act like Babylonians.
1. He Sought To Change What They Said - Their Language - Daniel 1:4. In ancient Babylon, 3 languages were used – Aramaic for ordinary business and diplomacy; A Shemitic Tongue - the language of historic and legal documents; Accadian, a sacred tongue in which most magical formulae and ritual directions of Babylon were written.
2. He Sought To Change What They Read - Their Literature - Daniel 1:4: Nebuchadnezzar sought to fill their minds with Babylonian philosophy, science, astrology and religion. He would reeducate them and replace the things of God with the value system of Babylon.
3. He Sought To Change What They Did - Their Lifestyle - Daniel 1:5: Nebuchadnezzar appointed them to be given a portion of the royal delicacies of Babylon that he indulged in along with the wine, which he drank - wine that had been offered to idols.
4. He Sought To Change What They Stood For - Their Loyalty - Daniel 1:7: The 4 young men had names which reflected their Hebraic heritage and ties to God. Daniel = God is Judge. Hananiah = God is Gracious. Azariah = God is my Help. Mishael = Who is like God? He changed their names to gods of Babylon: Belteshazzar - Bel will protect. Shadrach - inspired of Aku (the moon god). Abednego - servant of Nebo (Venus). Meshach - who is like Aku.
5. He Sought To Change Their God: The Babylonians worshipped many gods including the King. It has been proven over and over that the God of the Hebrews was powerful and this posed a threat to the King. The image was designed to test the loyalty of the Hebrews.
THERE WAS ONE PROBLEM THOUGH.
They Underestimated These 4 Teenagers. Living in a foreign land, 1500 miles away from family and anything familiar, these boys stood out, stood together, and stood up for God. They provide a shining example of no matter how young a person is, God can use them to change the world. Standing for God does not just happen. You must plan and make a commitment for it to happen.
WHAT DID THEY DO AS REPRESENTED BY DANIEL?
1. They Purposed In Their Heart Not To Defile Themselves With The Royal Food And Wine. (Daniel 1:8) This was a decision made beforehand out of a strong conviction. The food given them was offered to idols. They would not defile themselves before God.
2. They Proposed A Compromise. (Daniel 1:9-10) Daniel approached the head official and politely explained that because of deeply held religious convictions they would not eat the royal food. While the official felt for Daniel and his friends, he was not willing to risk his life by changing diets. Daniel proposed a compromise – “Give us vegetables for 10 days and then see how we look, and “treat your servants according to what you see.”
3. They Prospered Physically And Socially. (Daniel 1:15-20) While the rest of the Jewish boys ate Babylonian delicacies, the 4 Hebrew boys ate regulated diets. In 10 days, others looked paler, but Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael, and Azariah looked healthier, were blessed with wisdom 10 times greater than any of the wise men in Babylon.
BECAUSE OF SUCH COMMITMENT, OBSERVE SOMETHING ABOUT THE FIRE
1. He Made Them Free In The Fire: All the fire did is burn away the things that had them bound. The Lord used the fire to loosen these men from the ropes that held them.
2. They Were Fine In The Fire: We are told that they “have no hurt.” God allowed them to go through the fire, but He did not allow the fire to go through them.
3. Preserved By An All Powerful God (27): When those boys came out of the furnace, they were inspected by Nebuchadnezzar and his men. Not a hair was singed, there was no soot on them and they didn’t smell like smoke! What a miracle!
4. Jesus Is Still In The Furnace Waiting For Us: Only 3 men were thrown into the furnace. But when Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he saw 4 men walking around. When Nebuchadnezzar called for the men to come out of the fire in verse 26, only 3 came out. What happened to that 4thman? Well, He is still in the furnace! So, when you go there, you will find Him waiting for you. He will look at your flames and say “Cool it!”
5. See How God Delivers: In the Bible 3 ways he intervened when his people got in trouble: First, send a man, second, send an angel, thired, he himself came down.
WE LEARNED LAST TIME I PREACHED THAT, LIKE THESE BOYS…
1. The Fire Was Not Meant To Consume You, But To Refine You. Precious metals are put through the fire to be refined. This is done by removing the impurities in the precious metals so that when they come out they look smooth and polished.
2. The Fire Was Meant To Destroy You But It Will Only Destroy That Which Held You Bound. There are 2 ways to get to the fire. First, take yourself to the fire. Second, others take you to the fire. Nebuchadnezzar ordered these boys to be thrown in the fire. But whether we take ourselves to the fire or others take us there, when we plea God’s mercies, He delivers us.
3. Jesus Loves To Show Up In The Fire. Jesus loves to come into our mess. A perfect Jesus came into an imperfect world and dwelt among us – He enters our fire and saves us from mess. I don’t know about you, but Jesus saved me while I was in my mess. That is why you don’t look like what you’ve been in. You don’t smell like smoke.
4. When Will The Fire Burn But Not Consume You? When you make Up your Minds. They knew who they were: Had Self-Esteem, Self-Respect, Self-Confidence & Lived For God Alone. They did not follow the crowd nor fear people. They had God’s Word, Each Other and Faith.
WHO IS THIS 4TH MAN IN THE FIRE WHOSE PRESENCE MSADE THEM NOT TO BURN?
Illustration: Six blind men of Indostan heard that an animal called an elephant had come to town. So each went to get an impression of what the animal was like by feeling different parts of its body. The first blind man felt the leg and concluded that the elephant is like a pillar. The second blind man felt the tale and concluded that the elephant was like a rope. The third felt the trunk and stated that the elephant was like a tree branch. Another felt the ear and said the elephant is like a huge fan. Another felt the belly and concluded that the elephant is like a wall. The sixth felt the tusk and concluded that the elephant is like a solid pipe. And so these men disputed loud, long and hard among themselves that each in his own opinion was right. Though each was partly in the right, all were in the wrong! The king explained to them: All of you are right. The reason every one of you is telling it differently is because each one of you touched a different part of the elephant. So, actually the elephant has all the features you mentioned.
A Proper Understanding Of Christ Positions Us Well. When we know on whom we believe, it strengthens our faith. Psalms 18:25 With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; 26 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. 27 For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks. The Bible says the King looked in and saw a revelation of Jesus. The same Revelation given to Peter that made Jesus say: “Flesh & blood has not reveal it to you – my father.”
BIOLOGICALLY AND CULTURALLY, WHO IS JESUS?
1. Some say he was white, black; Christianity a white or black man’s religion. Jesus was not white. He was not black. He was born in Israel - an Israelite – a Jew.
2. Biologically, he was the son of Mary but not of Joseph.
3. People try to tell us He had long hair. We have no picture so how do we get long hair?
4. As a young baby, the devil tried to halt his purpose by attempting to kill him or make him sin.
5. He was a carpenter by trade and a traveling or itinerant evangelist.
6. Bible: Jesus had 4 brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, Judas / Jesus had sisters, not named.
7. Historically, he changed our concept of time – From BC to AD.
8. Spiritually, he impacted Judaism and shook the foundation of the Roman Empire.
9. Divinely, He is the son of God. God spoke and said: “With him I am well pleased.”
10. He changes lives. Raised the dead. Healed the blind. Calmed the seas. Drove demons out.
11. Jesus Never Went To College. No formal education. And yet he has dominated our history, academics, military, etc. Some say he was a mad man. Some say he was a radical. Some say he was ordinary. Some say he is the one on whom western culture has been built. But who is Jesus? The answer to that question will determine your life now and in the life to come.
While I May Not Be Able To Prove Jesus Scientifically, I can prove him by faith. Everything you do, you do by faith. Sitting in chairs. Eating food. Going to sleep. Riding a car. Flying in planes. Going to work. You do all by faith. Friends, look at your problems and take Christ by faith. He can heal. Deliver. Save. Faith will close your eyes to the natural and open it to the spiritual.
SEVEN OF JESUS' SPECTACULAR CLAIMS
1. He Claims To Be God. "I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he" (John 13:19). John 10:30, "I and the Father are one."
2. He Claims To Exist Before He Was Born. "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am'" (John 8:58).
3. As God, He Claims To Have Come As A Shepherd To Die For His Sheep. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"
4. He Claims To Be The Only Way To God. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
5. He Claims To Be The Bread & Water That Gives Eternal Life. "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).
6. He Claims That We Can Do Nothing Without Him. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser… you are the branches… for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:1, 5).
7. He Claims To Be The One Who Raises All From The Dead At The End Of History. "I am the resurrection & the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).
JESUS APPEARS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT NOT JUST THE NEW (CHRISTOPHANY)
1. Genesis 12:7-9: The Lord appeared to Abraham on his arrival in the land God had promised to him and his descendants.
2. Genesis 18:1-33: One day, Abraham had some visitors: two angels and the Lord. He invited them to come to his home, and he and Sarah entertained them.
3. Genesis 32:22-30: Jacob wrestled with what appeared to be a man, but was actually the Lord.
4. Exodus 3:2 - 4:17: The Lord appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush.
5. Exodus 24:9-11: The Lord appeared to Moses with Aaron and his sons and the seventy elders.
6. Deuteronomy 31:14-15: The Lord appeared to Moses & Joshua in transfer of leadership.
7. Job 38–42: The Lord answered Job out of the tempest and spoke lengthily to Job’s questions.
BIBLE VERSES THAT SHOW JESUS IS DIVINE
1. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
3. John 8:58 Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.
4. John 10:30-31 I and the Father are one. 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
5. Colossians 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.
6. Revelation 1:17-18 Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
SO WHO IS JESUS ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD?
Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
1. Jesus Is Supreme Because Of His Relationship With God The Father - Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God” (v. 15). He is the perfect resemblance and representation of God. God is invisible. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
2. Jesus Is Supreme Over All Things Because He Is “The Firstborn Over All Creation” (Col. 1:15). Jesus Christ was not created, but is the Creator who is Sovereign over all His creation.
3. Jesus Is Supreme Because “In Him All Things Were Created” (Col. 1:16-17). “All things were created by Him,” and “for Him,” and “in Him they all hold together.” Not only is He the final Cause of creation, but also the conserving Cause that keeps it together.
4. Jesus Christ Is Supreme Because He Is Head Of His Church (Col. 1:18). Paul has in mind the invisible body of Christ into which every believer was baptized by the Holy Spirit when he believed in Christ as his Savior. In a monarchy, all citizens are of the king.
5. Jesus Is Supreme Because He Is “The Firstborn From Among The Dead” (Col. 1:18). Christ rose from the dead never to die again (1 Cor. 15:20). His resurrection marked His triumph and supremacy over death forever. Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4).
WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT JESUS
He Is First And Last, Beginning And End. / He’s Keeper Of Creation And Creator Of All. / He’s The Architect Of Universe, Manager Of Time. / He Always Was, Always Is, Always Will Be. / He Is Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated. / Jesus Was Bruised And Bought Healing. / He Was Persecuted And Brought Freedom. / He Was Dead And Brought Life. / He Is Risen And Brings Power. / He Reigns And Brings Peace. / The World Can’t Understand Him. / Armies Can’t Defeat Him. / Schools Can’t Explain Him. / Herod Couldn’t Kill Him. / The Pharisees Couldn’t Confuse Him. / The People Couldn’t Hold Him. / Nero Couldn’t Crush Him. / Hitler Couldn’t Contradict Him. / Oprah Can’t Explain Him Away. / He Is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Love. / He Is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful. / His Rules Unchanging, His Mind Is On Me. / He Is My Redeemer, Savior, God, Priest. / He Is My Joy, Comfort, Law, My Love, My Protector, My Rock, My Cover, Etc.
JESUS CHRIST IS IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE
In Genesis, He Is Seed Of The Woman. In Exodus, He Is Our Passover Lamb. In Leviticus, Our High Priest. In Numbers, The Pillar Of Cloud By Day And The Pillar Of Fire By Night. In Deuteronomy, A Prophet Like Moses. In Joshua, The Captain Of Our Salvation. In Judges, He Is Our Judge & Lawgiver. In Ruth, He Is Our Kinsman Redeemer. In 1 & 2 Samuel, He’s Our Trusted Prophet. In 1 & 2 Kings, He’s Our Eternal Monarch. In 1 & 2 Chronicles, Our Faithful King. In Ezra, He Is The Faithful Scribe. In Nehemiah, Rebuilder Of The Broken Walls. In Esther, He’s Our Advocate. In Job, Our Ever-Living Redeemer. In Psalms, Our Shepherd. In Proverbs & Ecclesiastes, He’s Our Wisdom. In Songs Of Solomon, Our Lover & Bridegroom. In Isaiah, The Prince Of Peace & Wonderful Counselor. In Jeremiah, The Righteous Branch. In Lamentations, The Weeping Prophet. In Ezekiel, The Watchman On The Wall. In Daniel, The Fourth Man In The Fire. In Hosea, The Forgiving Husband. In Joel, The Giver Of The Holy Spirit. In Amos, The Builder Of The City Of God. In Obadiah, Our Savior. In Jonah, The Patient & Forgiving God. In Micah, The Ruler Of All Ages. In Nahum, The Avenger. In Habakkuk, The Great Evangelist Crying For Revival. In Zephaniah, Restorer Of The Remnant. In Haggai, The Restorer Of The Kingdom. In Zechariah, The Piercing Son. In Malachi, The Son Of Righteousness With Healing In His Wings. In Matthew, He Is King Of The Jews. In Mark, The Suffering Servant. In Luke, The Son Of Man. In John, The Son Of God. In Acts, The Giver Of The Holy Spirit. In Romans, The Righteousness Of God. In 1 Corinthians, The Giver Of Gifts. In 2 Corinthians, Our Victory Over Death. In Galatians, The Liberator From The Law. In Ephesians, The Head Of The Church. In Philippians, He Is Our Joy. In Colossians, The Head Of The Visible And Invisible. In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Our Soon Coming King. In 1 & 2 Timothy, The Mediator Between God And Man. In Titus, Jesus Is Our Truth. In Philemon, Our Covenant Friend. In Hebrews, Messenger Of The New Covenant. In James, The Great Physician. In 1 Peter, The Cornerstone. In 2 Peter, Our Purity. In 1, 2, 3 John, He Is The Greatest Lover. In Jude, The One Who Declares Us Faultless. And In Revelation, He Is King Of Kings & Lord Of Lords.
MORE THAN 700 NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF CHRIST FROM THE BIBLE
Advocate, Alpha & Omega, Ancient of Days, Balm of Gilead, Beginning and Ending, Blessed Hope, Bread of Life, Bright and Morning Star, Chief Cornerstone, Chief Shepherd, Comforter, Counselor, Defense, Deliverer, Door of the Sheep, Everlasting Light, Exceeding Great Reward, Lord of the Harvest, Man of Sorrows, Meek, Merciful, Name Above Every Name, The Great Physician, Resurrection & The Life, Face of the Lord, Finisher of the Faith, Firstborn From the Dead, Fountain of Living Waters, The Forgiver Of Sins, Head of all Principality and Power, Helper of the Fatherless, Hiding Place, Intercessor, Jehovah-Bara (Lord Creator), Jehovah-Elyon (Lord Most High) Jehovah-Jireh (Provider), Jehovah-Kabodhi (Lord my Glory), Jehovah-Kanna (Lord Jealous), Jehovah-Nissi (Banner), Jehovah-Rophe (Healer), Jehovah-Shalom (Peace), Jehovah-Shammah (Present), Judge of All the Earth, Lifter of Mine Head, Lily of the Valleys, Wise Master Builder, etc.
YOU CAN NOT SEE JESUS AND REMAIN THE SAME…
1. Isaiah Saw Him And Said "Woe Is Me"
2. Peter Saw Him And Said "Depart From Me..."
3. Nicodemus Saw Him And Said: "How Can A Man Be Born Again When He Is Old?"
4. Pilate Saw Him And Asked: "What Is Truth:
5. Joshua Saw Him And Asked: "Are You For Us Or Against Us"
6. John The Baptist Saw Him And Said: "Behold The Lamb Of God
7. The Jews Listened And Said: "Never Man Spoke Like This Man
8. Job Saw Him And Said: “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth…”
9. Anna The Prophetess Saw Him And Said: “Here Is The Deliverance Of Israel”
10. Thomas Saw Him And Said: “My Lord And My God”
11. John the Revelator Beheld Him And Declared His Feet As Brass.
12. Fire Cannot Burn Him Because John Said His Eyes Are Like Fire.
13. Water Cannot Drown Him Because John Said His Voice Is Like Many Waters
CONCLUSION: JESUS CHRIST IS THE SUPREME SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE
1. He Is Able To Reconcile Broken Marriages.
2. The God We Serve Is Able To Liberate People From Addiction.
3. The God We Serve Is Able To Heal Damaged Bodies.
4. Able To Forgive The Darkest Sin.
5. The God We Serve Is Able To Provide For The Greatest Need.
6. Able To Guide With Supernatural Wisdom.
7. Able To Inspire Spiritual Gifting Beyond Human Ability.
8. Able To Soften The Hardest Heart.
9. Able To Bring The Farthest Runaway Prodigal Rebel Back Home.
PRAYER POINTS
Songs: 1) He Is Lord. 2) Who Is Like Unto Thee? 3) To God Be The Glory 4) Withholding Nothing
