Series: Biblical Cities- Babylon [#8]
BABYLON- FAITH UNDER FIRE
Psalm 137:1
Introduction:
We are continuing in our study of Babylon. The city is the 2nd on the list of most mentions. Babylon is mentioned 286 times in the Bible. It means “the gate of god(s). Over the last few weeks, we have looked at Babylon during the time of Daniel. The Book of Daniel gives a picture of how things were in Babylon.
Psalm 137:1
Have you ever heard this statement- “I’m going to put their feet to the fire?” “Putting someone’s feet to the fire” means that you are giving them an ultimatum. This is how it’s going to be or else. Daniel’s 3 friends experienced a situation in which their faith was under fire.
Daniel 3:1-15
When our faith is under fire what do we do? We need a faith like these 3 young men.
Daniel 3:16 (NIV)
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
When our faith is under fire…
1. We need a faith that does not give in to the pressures of this world.
We must not allow our faith to be threatened or intimidated by the world.
Daniel 3:17a
When our faith is under fire…
2. We need a faith that can stand up in the face of reality.
They knew that the king had the power to throw them into the furnace. Our faith must face the reality that we may have to go through the fire sometimes. It’s not if we are going to be tested, it’s when.
Daniel 3:17b
When our faith is under fire…
3. We need a faith that is subject to the will of God.
Notice that they used the word “able”. That word means “can”. They were saying, “He has the power, He can do it”. God can do it when He wants to and when He is ready to.
Daniel 3:17c
When our faith is under fire…
4. We need a faith that knows God will deliver us from the hand of the enemy.
There is a difference between the furnace and the hand of the enemy. They 1st said, “God is able” and then they said, “God will”. They knew that if God allowed them to be put in the furnace that He would deliver them from the king’s hand. Even if they were killed, they were still delivered from the king.
We are winners either way, whether we live or die. Regardless of what life brings our way we are always victorious over Satan. No matter what they do to our physical body, they cannot take our salvation away from us. Christians, you will spend all of eternity in Heaven, regardless of what this world does to your body.
Daniel 3:18
When our faith is under fire…
5. We need a faith that will be committed to God regardless of the outcome.
There are many people who put conditions on God. “I’ll serve you if... I’ll follow you if... I’ll live for you if... “But if not…”- Faith says “I’ll serve you regardless... I’ll follow you regardless... I’ll live for you regardless... It takes a strong faith to say, “But if not...”. It takes complete trust and security in God.
Conclusion:
Daniel 3:19-30
When your faith is put to the fire, are you faithful? God is.
