Text: Daniel 3:13-26
Topic:
Aim: To
teach us that God can always save his children out of all problems and promote
them.
Introduction
Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego are three Hebrews living in Babylon. They are among
the captives living in a foreign land together with their friend called Daniel.
They so much believed on their God that even as foreigners/ captives they
refused to worship another God. Yet as foreigners, they are occupying vital
positions in the province
of Babylon. The King (Nebuchardnezzer)
found them outstanding (ten times better than their mates) (Dan. 1: 20). Therefore, he was left with
no option than to promote them. Note that the benefits they are enjoying at the
palace did not compel them to deny their God and their people. Rather, they chose
to loose all their entitlements and benefits than to serve a foreign god or
(golden image). They sacrificed their lives because of God not minding whether
He will deliver them or not. At last, He appeared to them and made them fourth
person in the burning fiery furnace. He delivered and promoted them in the Province of Babylon and made the Pagan king to
change his decree. (Dan. 3:28-30)
Questions:
1. Can God
disappoint those that worship him faithfully? Answer with illustrations and
experiences. Use yourself as an example. Testimonies are permitted.
2. Is God
the God of Indigenes or the God of non-indigenes? Answer: He is God of both and
blesses those that can serve him faithfully even as foreigners/ captives. For
example, Shed; Mesh; and Abed; were promoted in the province of Babylon
because, they are faithful Christians and God’s loyal stewards.
3. What
does it mean to serve God faithfully and to be God’s loyal steward?
4a. Can one goes
to church, pray, and still go back to his house or village to worship idols?
Answer: Yes. But the person who gave this answer must explain it with what we
are seeing around us. e. g . Itu-utara,
Ore, e.t.c.
b. Can God
really bless and promote them?
Read proverbs. 10: 22.
Read proverbs. 10: 22.
Conclusion: Do not lift
your horns against heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck. No one from the
East or the West or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges:
He brings one down, He exalts another. (Psalm 75: 5-7)
Food for thought: Cast all
your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5: 7)
Memory Verse: God is our refuge and
strength, an ever- present help in trouble (Psalm 46: 1).