new standing in the furnace - life bible study · 2018. 7. 7. · as you prepare to teach this...

Lesson: Standing in the Furnace

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Overview

Biblical Passage Daniel 3:1–30

Supporting Passages Exodus 20:1–5

Memory Verse Daniel 3:17–18

Biblical Truth God uses circumstances that are out of our control to test our faith.

Context

A number of factors suggest that this incident took place near the beginning ofNebuchadnezzar's reign: the position of the chapter in the book, the probabilitythat the king received the idea for his statue from the dream in Daniel 2, and thelikelihood that the image was intended to test the loyalty of the king's officials tohis new government. Daniel's absence is unexplained but may be due to hisresponsibilities in Babylon (Dan. 2:49), sickness, or some other unknown reason.This story portrays three of the bravest individuals in the Bible. They refused toobey an order to worship the king’s idolatrous statue (Ex. 20:1–5). Rather thandeny their God, they were willing to burn to death in a flaming furnace.

Learning Goals• Students will understand that being faithful to God is more important thananything else, even preserving our own lives.• Students will apply their understanding of faithfulness by comparing the long-term benefits of faithfulness with the long-term consequences of sin.

Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.• Pray that your students will realize the benefits of being faithful to God.• Pray that your students will find themselves acting in response to theirconvictions and not their whims.• Pray that your students will grow in faith as they learn to respond to God infaith when He tests them.


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Biblical Commentary

Investigation

The life or death decision that these three Hebrews faced is not unique. In the first century, Christians includingthe Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter were martyred for their faith. Today Christians in places throughout theworld face persecution and even death on a daily basis for refusing to deny the Lord Jesus Christ. In recenttimes, missionaries have been gunned down for their witness in Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere. Still, courageousbelievers willingly pay the ultimate price. They know that whatever it costs to follow Jesus, it costs far more toreject Him. Believers have the indwelling presence and blessing of God during this life and an eternal reward inthe future.

Importance

This passage teaches that The Future is in God's Hands. This passage of Scripture is important for studentsbecause it demonstrates how God uses circumstances that are out of our control to test our faith and place ourtrust in Him.

Interpretation

Daniel 3:1 King Nebuchadnezzar (605–562 B.C.) constructed a huge “image” on a plain outside of Babylon. Thegigantic golden statue stood 90 feet tall and nine feet wide. Presumably the image was in human form. If so, thedimensions seem quite disproportionate, even grotesque. The statue’s structure may have resembled a totempole; or more likely, the height included a large base on which the statue stood. Dura was a name associatedwith several sites in Babylonia. This Dura must have stood somewhere near the city of Babylon (50 miles south ofmodern Baghdad). Dazzling in the bright sunlight, the golden colossus must have looked awe-inspiring as ittowered over the plain.

Daniel 3:2–3 Nebuchadnezzar assembled rulers from all over his empire to dedicate the colossal statue. Verse 3lists seven different classes of officials, presumably in order of importance: the satraps, prefects, governors,advisers, treasurers, judges, and magistrates. Lesser dignitaries are collectively referred to as "all the otherprovincial officials."

Daniel 3:4–6 Officials from many nations attended, reflecting Nebuchadnezzar's policy of appointing nativerulers to govern the provinces (e.g., Gedaliah of Judah, 2 Kings 25:22–25). A “herald” instructed the throng tobow down and worship the golden image when the king's orchestra began to play. Musical instruments in theensemble included the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and pipes.


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Death by burning in a "blazing furnace" was the penalty for disobeying the king's command. Apparently, theking chose this method of execution because it proved horrifying and convenient. A kiln to smelt metal for thestatue’s gold plating and to make bricks for the base already lay at the site. Jeremiah recorded thatNebuchadnezzar had two men burned to death named Zedekiah and Ahab (Jer. 29:22).

Daniel 3:7–8 According to verse 28, bowing before the statue counted as an act of worship. The image probablybore the likeness of Marduk, Babylon's most famous god. "Some astrologers" informed the king (literally,“denounced the Jews”) that three in the vast crowd had disobeyed his order. These wise men were no doubtjealous of the Jews' success (Dan. 6).

Daniel 3:9–12 The astrologers accused Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of refusing to worship the statueand the king's gods. They pointed out that these disobedient and treasonous individuals were "Jews." Theunnecessary identification of their ethnicity suggests hostility toward the Jewish people and their religion. Eventoday God's people sometimes face persecution for unpopular moral stands.

Daniel 3:13–15 Nebuchadnezzar was outraged and demanded to know from Shadrach, Meshach, andAbednego if the report was really "true." Possibly someone had made a mistake. He then offered the Hebrews anopportunity to change their minds, warning that no god could rescue them from his power. This warning likelyreflects Nebuchadnezzar's earlier miraculous encounter with Israel's God (Dan. 2). Even such a mighty Godcould not save them from the fire.

Daniel 3:16–18 The Hebrews refused to back down. They expressed confidence in God's power to deliver thembut acknowledged that God does not always miraculously intervene in human affairs. The Hebrews knew thatGod could—not necessarily that He would—save their lives. Even if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had tosuffer a horrifying death, they courageously declared that they would not forsake their God and worship idols.Their words imply belief in an afterlife (Dan. 12:2–3; Matt. 10:28).

Daniel 3:19–23 At this Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered the furnace heated "seven times hotter"than normal. The king forced several of his strongest soldiers to carry out the command so hastily that they didnot have time to protect themselves and died from the heat. "Fell into” suggests that the Hebrews were throwninto the furnace through an opening at the top.

Daniel 3:24–27 As Nebuchadnezzar peered into the furnace expecting to see the Hebrews reduced to ashes, hesuddenly sprang to his feet in "amazement." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not dead but walkingaround in the fire. Moreover, a fourth man who looked like “a son of the gods” had joined them. "Son of thegods" designates a divine being since an offspring of the gods is also a god. The KJV renders this phrase, "theSon of God." Either the NIV or the KJV translation is possible grammatically. Most scholars prefer the NIVreading since Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan with no concept of the Christian Trinity.

This astonished Nebuchadnezzar. Israel’s God had once more proven to the king that He was "the God of gods"(Dan. 2:47). When the curious officials examined the three Hebrews, they found no evidence of the fire on them.Neither they nor their clothes had been burned; there was not even any "smell of fire on them.”

Daniel 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar praised the Hebrews’ God for delivering them in such an extraordinary way."Angel" (literally, “messenger”) may denote an ordinary angel or God Himself (Gen. 16:7–13). Verse 25 makesclear that angel refers to the latter here. Then the king expressed his profound admiration for these men. Acourageous faith even impresses unbelievers.

Daniel 3:29 Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree making it a crime to insult Israel's God. The penalty fordisobedience resulted in death and destruction of property (“cut into pieces and their houses be turned into


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piles of rubble.”). Such a command on the lips of a pagan king seems astonishing without considering thecircumstances. Nebuchadnezzar had just witnessed a miracle; the king may have hoped this public display wouldappease the God he had insulted and thus avert divine retaliation.

Daniel 3:30 In this case, faithfulness in trial not only honored God but resulted in material rewards for the threeHebrews. The king “promoted” (literally, “caused to prosper”) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to greaterpositions. Daniel 3 illustrates Jesus' words in Matthew 19:26, "With God all things are possible.”

Implications

Even in the face of death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God. They had full confidence in God’sability to rescue them (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37), but knew they had no guarantee that He would spare their lives.If God has the power to deliver all saints from trials, why doesn’t He do so? How do you react when youencounter difficulties? The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews inspired saints in his day by reminding them ofthe three Hebrews’ faithfulness in trial—“quenched the fury of the flames” (Heb. 11:34). How can you encourageyour students by sharing a personal experience of God’s sustaining grace, special presence, and lessons learnedduring a difficult situation?

The three Hebrews refused to deny God by worshiping Nebuchadnezzar’s idol even though it could have costthem their lives. They knew if they died they had a future home in heaven with God and a great reward (Dan.12:2–3, 13; Eccl. 12:7). Eternal life comes from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. This prize is worth farmore than the temporary pleasures of sin and the security afforded by denying Christ. Jesus summed up well themessage of Daniel 3: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give inexchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:25–26) How can you help your students to understand what Christ means bythese two questions?


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Teaching Plan

Connect Activity

Review Questions: Firm Convictions(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)Students will answer five review questions from the previous lesson.

(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)Download the “Review Questions” activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.

Use the review questions to test what students can recall from the previous lesson as well as to providecontext for today’s lesson.

Drama: There’s Always a Plan(5–10 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will view a drama in reader’s theater style about two people who look at God’s plan fromdifferent perspectives.

(5–10 minutes, moderate set-up)Download the script. Prior to the session, enlist two students and/or adults to enact the drama. Thedrama can be as elaborate or simple as you choose. Print copies of the script. Give each cast member acopy ahead of time and ask the cast to be ready to perform it.

Lead the actors to perform the drama. Ask: Which person do you identify with the most? Whichperson has a Christian perspective? How do most people define faithfulness? How is beingfaithful to God different than having faith in other relationships or circumstances?

Especially for Younger Students: What Would You Do?(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will play a game to discover the consequences behind the decisions they make.

(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Buy a copy of The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook (available in the board game section of moststores) and select several questions to ask students. Or create hypothetical situations that offer optionalsolutions.

Ask students to sit in a semi-circle on the floor. Sit at the head of the semi-circle. Share each situation


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with its options. After presenting each scenario, ask: What would you do? Give students time to discussthe reasons for their responses. Say: Life is filled with decisions and tests. It is in making thosedifficult decisions and responding to the tests that our faith is most evidently displayed. Ask:What do your decisions and responses to tests say about what you believe? What do they say toothers about God? What do you place your faith in? Can your faith be trusted to pull youthrough the worst-case scenarios of life? Allow students to wrestle with these issues as a foundationto flesh out and own their faith.

Especially for Older Students: True Faith(10 minutes, easy set-up)Students will discuss the true motives behind their faith and prayer lives.

(10 minutes, easy set-up)On a dry erase board create two columns. Label one Manipulate God and the other Position Us. Write thefollowing quote on the board: “True faith does not so much attempt to manipulate God to do our will as itdoes to position us to do his will”—from Disappointment with God by Phillip Yancey (Grand Rapids:Zondervan, 1988, 241).

Ask a student to read the quote written on the board. Ask: In what ways do we try to use our faith tomanipulate God into acting on our behalf for a desired outcome? (through prayer aimed at aspecific end rather than allowing God to mold us for His purposes; “doing” certain things in hope thatthey will change God’s mind) Ask a student to list responses on the board under the Manipulate Godcolumn. Discuss responses, then ask: How can we position our lives to be used for God’s purposesrather than our own—though the two sometimes coincide? Ask another student to list responses onthe board under the Position Us column. Be sure to include practical ways to position students’ heartsand faith for God’s purposes.

Explore Activity

Key Study: Great Expectations(15 minutes, easy set-up)Students will study Exodus 20:1–5 and Daniel 3:1–30, and examine the reactions and responses ofNebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

(15 minutes, easy set-up)Download the Student Worksheet. Provide a copy for each student.

Say: Under the captivity of King Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rose to aposition of power as provincial leaders. Faced with the choice to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s god


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or obey God’s command to worship Him alone, these three friends chose obedience to God—tothe point of death. Together they stood in refusal to bow to an idol and together they werethrown into the fiery furnace.

Divide students into two groups. Assign Group 1 to read Exodus 20:1–5 and Daniel 3:1–30 and tocomplete “Nebuchadnezzar” on the Student Worksheet. Assign Group 2 to read Exodus 20:1–5 andDaniel 3:1–30 and to complete “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” on the Student Worksheet. After 10minutes bring the groups back together and ask each group to share. Encourage students to make noteson their worksheets as other groups share. (Answers: Group 1: Nebuchadnezzar: 1—They were to haveno other gods besides Him. This first command was given because pagan people filled the land with theirpagan gods and beliefs. 2—popularity, wealth, and friends 3—He commanded all nations to bow down tothe image he had created. The consequence for those who disobeyed was death. 4—He responded inanger, because he thought he was the supreme power and expected everyone to obey him withoutquestion. 5—Nebuchadnezzar recognized the three as “servants of the Most High God.” His decree wasthat all should worship the Most High God or risk death. 6—They were promoted to key leadershippositions in the kingdom. Faith in God, regardless of the circumstances, is the only viable choice for aChristian. Group 2: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: 1—The Israelites should have no other godsbesides Him. This was important because God is the only true God and the pagans had worshipedmultiple idols. 2—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego abided by God’s command not to worship any othergods. The consequences were that Nebuchadnezzar became furious at them. 3—Their reply was not toback down but risk death in the fire. They placed their faith in the one true God. 4—They did not knowfor sure that God would rescue them but still trusted Him with the outcome. This did not affect theirdemonstration of faith. They remained faithful in the knowledge that their God was the one and only God.5—God delivered them through their circumstances. The difference is that God allowed them to gothrough the fire as a test of their faith and an opportunity to bring glory to Himself. 6—God provided forShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in their time of need by literally walking with them in the form of theSon of God.)

Say: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courageous stand demonstrated a faith dependentsolely on God rather than on circumstances. Though their lives hung in the balance, they choseto trust God—even if He didn’t deliver them from death. By placing their trust in the only Onewho can be trusted, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed trust in the sometimesunseen but ever-present God—a God bigger than any circumstance. God demonstrated Hisfaithfulness through the presence of a heavenly being sent to walk alongside Shadrach,Meshach, and Abednego through the fire.

Locate the eighth essential truth on a We Believe bookmark or on a page you have printed from theInternet. Share that The Future is in God's Hands. Regardless of the situation, God will deliver usfrom or through any circumstance in which we place our total trust in Him.

The Master Teacher Key Study: Standing in the Furnace(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Students will study Daniel 3:1–30 and examine what it really means to remain faithful to God.


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(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Use this outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage withstudents. Download the Master Teacher Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Encourage students totake notes on their worksheets as you teach. The underlined words in the Master Teacher Key Studycorrespond to the blanks on the worksheet.

Introduction: God made it very clear in the Ten Commandments when He said, “You shall have no othergods before me,” and “You shall not make for yourself an idol,” an ancient Hebrew way of saying, “Noidol worship, folks.” That very thing became a huge problem for three Jewish guys named Hananiah,Mishael, and Azariah. Most know them better by the names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

1. Being faithful means we must take God’s Word seriously (Dan. 3:1–12).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego took the Ten Commandments seriously. They took God’s Wordseriously and knew that they had to live their lives by it.If someone can fake worshiping a big tall statue, who is to say that person is not faking it when heor she worships God? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego wanted complete integrity in their livesbecause they knew their witness depended on it.A person’s witness is only as strong as his or her walk. If a person is truly devoted to God and HisWord, when opportunity arises that devotion will show. Integrity demands that a person acts the same in every circumstance. The three Jewish boysunderstood this well. Believers either set all their affection on the one sovereign God, or they livehalf-heartedly like the rest of the world, throwing their allegiance at worthless junk—such as 90-foot statues.

Illustration: Kelly. Ruben. Fantasia. Carrie. All of these are American Idols—literally. All won the Foxnetwork’s hit television talent show American Idol. All of them were selected by process of eliminationfrom millions of contestants. The Idols certainly sit on top of the music industry and American culture. In2006, the new season of American Idol opened with over 35 million viewers watching,* the show’shighest rating ever. A million new contestants lined up to vie for the title of American Idol. Somethingdraws human beings’ attention to a larger-than-life person. Choosing idols is not a new thing. Peoplehave always been prone to picking idols, selecting those among them who demonstrate some kind ofsuperior ability or appearance. It was the same in the ancient world. Kings often got super-absorbed intheir own power and personality and demanded that the people worship them. They’d craft toweringstatues of themselves and call their subjects to bow down in reverence and respect.

2. Being faithful means we must trust God’s sovereignty (Dan. 3:13–23).

The stakes get higher. The boys won’t bow. The king gets ticked. The furnace is fired up. If hecan’t make them bow, he will make them burn.When people refuse to give into a spiritual assault from Satan, he will often come back with aphysical one. If he can’t get people to compromise their faith in a matter of worship, he willchallenge them in other ways.The keyword for this dilemma is not just integrity but sovereignty. Sovereignty is that fancytheological word that simply means, “God’s got it under control.” God’s Word can be taken


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seriously. God’s sovereignty can be trusted.

Illustration: Eighty-nine percent of boys ages 6–11 have a fascination with fire. Only 11 percent of girlsin the same age range say fire attracts them. Most arson fires in America are started by men. One man’sanswer is the most telling. He says fire is the ultimate power. In playing with fire, men are trying tocontrol the uncontrollable. Fire is naturally uncontrollable. Men love to control things. Nebuchadnezzarwas no different. He wanted to control every person in his kingdom. But he couldn’t do it becauseShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had placed their faith in the sovereign, uncontrollable God. God isfire (Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29). But He doesn’t rage out of control. The great uncontrollable God is in totalcontrol of Himself. His sovereignty is a safe place for us.

3. Being faithful means we experience the thrill of God’s salvation (Dan. 3:24–30).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego weren’t thrill seekers. They just took God’s Word seriously andtrusted in His sovereignty.Three Jewish boys get tossed in the toaster and they treat the furnace like it’s a campfire. Goddelivered them.Most scholars believe the fourth man in the furnace was Jesus. God showed up personally to say,“I’m with you.” God never forsakes His people.Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked into the fire, but only Nebuchadnezzar got burned.Nebuchadnezzar was not burned physically, but spiritually. He witnessed the power of thesovereign God displayed in the walk of three Hebrew boys, and it changed him.

Conclusion: You have the potential to be a powerful witness for God. But your witness will never bestronger than your walk. Commit to take God’s Word seriously. Commit to trust God’s sovereignty. Thenfeel the thrill of seeing others changed by God’s character and God’s power displayed through you. Thisonly comes when we desire integrity more than popularity. And it only comes when we choose to livewith conviction rather than settle for compromise. Don’t bow. Don’t ever bow. It’s not worth it, because90-foot statues aren’t worth it. Only God is worthy of all our affection and worship.

“35 Million Tuned In to 'American Idol' Season Premiere,” StarPulse.com, January 19, 2006,http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/01/19/35_million_tuned_in_to_american_idol_sea/(accessed March 21, 2007).

Especially for Younger Students: Lesser Gods(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will create images of lesser gods out of modeling clay and explain how their creations competewith their obedience to God.

(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Provide modeling clay and markers for each student. Cover the floor with enough butcher paper forstudents to sit on and work.

Say: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defied the king’s order to bow down to his artificial


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idol. They chose to risk their lives out of obedience to God’s command to worship and serveHim only. Using the modeling clay, sculpt the image of a “god” or idol we bow down to in oureveryday lives.

After students have had time to construct their “gods,” allow them to write about their creations,explaining how these lesser gods compete for their obedience to the one true God. Challenge students tocall on God to help them develop an “even if He does not” faith.

Especially for Older Students: What If?(10 minutes, easy set-up)Students will explore the steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in light of their own faithexperiences.

(10 minutes, easy set-up)In the center of a dry erase board write, What if? On the left side write, If God does. On the right sidewrite, If God does not. Provide markers.

Ask a student to read the memory verse, Daniel 3:17–18, aloud. Say: Shadrach, Meshach, andAbednego are models of faith. They dared to ask themselves the tough questions: Were they inGod’s presence, even if He seemed hidden? What if God didn’t deliver them from the furnace?What if He did? In asking the difficult questions, these men built their faith on the foundationof the character of God rather than on their circumstances.

Their vision of a faithful and sovereign God—even when things didn’t make sense—clouded anydoubts and calmed their fears. This proper view of God gave them the courage to worship Godeven in the fire.

Consider the biggest prayer needs and trials you are facing right now. Then ask yourself thequestion, “What if?” Tell students to write under the proper heading on the board their responses toGod if God does answer their requests according to their desires and their responses if God does not.

Point out the differences and similarities between the responses. Ask: Why are your responses to Goddependent on what He does? Discuss what it means to walk in faithful obedience, even when the oddsare stacked against you. Share with students why God can be trusted. Read Daniel 3:17–18 again. Helpstudents explore practical ways to develop a steadfast faith in God that is not dependent on the pressuresand challenges of the world.

Transform Activity


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Deeper Discussion(10 minutes, easy set-up)Students will discuss their faithfulness to God regardless of their circumstances.

(10 minutes, easy set-up)

Ask a student to read Daniel 3:1–30. Discuss:

Where have you let compromise creep into your life?What activities or habits keep you from having true integrity in your heart?How strong is your “walk”—the way you live your life in front of others?How strong is your witness?

Especially for Younger Students: I Will(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will record their expectations of and responses to God.

(10 minutes, moderate set-up)Hang on the wall a sheet of butcher paper labeled But Even if He Doesn’t. On the opposite wall hanganother sheet of butcher paper labeled I Will. Provide markers.

Ask students to consider the things they want most in life, the things they hold dear, and the things theypray fervently for. Allow them time to write these things on the banner labeled Even if He Doesn’t. Thenask them to write their responses on the wall labeled I Will.

Ask students to compare their responses to God’s desires for their lives—even if He does not act in theway they have prayed. Say: God is faithful to His purposes even if it doesn’t always make sense orfit into our plans. Sometimes God’s plans will require obedience that carries difficultconsequences. Ask: If that is the case will we trust God?

Read Hebrews 13:5b–6. Say: While God doesn’t promise life will always be easy, He does alwayspromise His presence.

Especially for Older Students: Walk Through the Fire(15 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will meditate on obeying and trusting God as they listen to the lyrics of a contemporaryChristian song.

(15 minutes, moderate set-up)Set up a CD player. Purchase a copy of Ginny Owens’ Without Condition CD and cue it to “If You WantMe To.” Provide a piece of paper and a pencil for each student.


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Ask students to sit on the floor. Place a piece of paper and a pencil in front of each student. Tell them toleave the papers and pencils on the floor. Ask students to sit and pray quietly, focusing solely on thefaithfulness of God. After two minutes play “If You Want Me To.” Say: Use the paper to record thethoughts that come to your mind after listening to the words of the song. If God is calling youto a different place of obedience that has uncertain consequences, write about it. Confess thefears or idols that stand in the way of you trusting and obeying God. List questions you want toask God. Lead students to pray, using the responses they have written. Ask a volunteer to close the timeof prayer.

Creative Prayer(15 minutes, moderate set-up)Students will meditate on God’s faithfulness as they move through several prayer stations.

(15 minutes, moderate set-up)Download the “Never” activity sheet. Cut apart the sections. Darken the room. Place several candlesaround the room and light them. Place one of the sections from the “Never” sheet near each candle orgroup of candles.

Tell students to sit in front of one of the candles. Read Daniel 3:17–25 and Hebrews 13:5b–6 aloud. Say:Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saw the big picture. Their faith journey matured in amoment of decision that had not only temporal but also eternal significance. Through theirobedience their faith increased, and they received provision and glorified God. Scripture statesGod will never leave nor forsake us.

Direct students through a time of guided prayer at each candle, meditating on the word never. With eachcandle serving as a prayer station, allow students to rotate through each station. Allow two minutes perstation. Close the prayer time by reading Hebrews 13:5–6 aloud.

CharacterLesson 45, Review Questions

1. When King Darius appointed 120 satraps to rule in his kingdom, who was one of the threeadministrators over them?

a. Shadrachb. Danielc. Meshachd. Abednego

2. Why did King Darius particularly favor Daniel?a. He had good administrative skills.b. He looked presidential.c. He had exceptional qualities.d. He worked well with King Darius.

3. What did the satraps and administrators urge King Darius to do?a. Pass an edict forbidding anyone to pray to any god or man, except the kingb. Make Daniel the chief administrator over the whole kingdomc. Help them find a charge to bring against Danield. Begin to pray to the God of Daniel

4. How did Daniel respond to King Darius’ edict against prayer to any god or man except him?a. He began praying with his windows and doors shut so no one could see.b. He rebuked the satraps and administrators for urging the king to pass such an edict.c. He went straight to the king to tell him what he did in private.d. He went home and prayed with his upstairs window open as always.

5. What was King Darius forced to do when he learned that Daniel was praying to his God?a. Pray to Daniel’s God, alsob. Throw all of the other satraps and administrators into the lion’s denc. Throw Daniel into the lion’s dend. Ignore Daniel’s prayers to his God

CharacterLesson 45, Review Questions Answer Key

1. When King Darius appointed 120 satraps to rule in his kingdom, who was one of the threeadministrators over them? (Lesson 44)

a. Shadrachb. Danielc. Meshachd. Abednego

2. Why did King Darius particularly favor Daniel? (Lesson 44)a. He had good administrative skills.b. He looked presidential.c. He had exceptional qualities.d. He worked well with King Darius.

3. What did the satraps and administrators urge King Darius to do? (Lesson 44)a. Pass an edict forbidding anyone to pray to any god or man, except the kingb. Make Daniel the chief administrator over the whole kingdomc. Help them find a charge to bring against Danield. Begin to pray to the God of Daniel

4. How did Daniel respond to King Darius’ edict against prayer to any god or man except him? (Lesson44)

a. He began praying with his windows and doors shut so no one could see.b. He rebuked the satraps and administrators for urging the king to pass such an edict.c. He went straight to the king to tell him what he did in private.d. He went home and prayed with his upstairs window open as always.

5. What was King Darius forced to do when he learned that Daniel was praying to his God? (Lesson 44)a. Pray to Daniel’s God, alsob. Throw all of the other satraps and administrators into the lion’s denc. Throw Daniel into the lion’s dend. Ignore Daniel’s prayers to his God

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2006. All rights reserved. Character: Lesson 45, Drama, Page 1Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

CharacterLesson 45, Drama

There’s Always a Plan

Creative Note: This drama in reader’s theaterstyle is about two people who look at God’s planfrom different perspectives.

Characters:ONETWO

Props: Two chairs

(ONE and TWO sit in two chairs facing theaudience. They do not acknowledge each other.)

ONE: So, my friend . . .

TWO: I don't believe in the Bible.

ONE: He doesn't believe in the Bible, God, oranything.

TWO: But we're friends.

ONE: We've been friends forever.

TWO: He's a Christian. He believes in the Bibleand in Jesus, you know.

ONE: We were talking one day.

TWO: Just about life and what was going on.

ONE: You know.

TWO: How things are going.

ONE: I asked him about the basketball team.

TWO: I asked about this girl he likes.

ONE: I asked about his grandma. She's been inthe hospital.

TWO: I asked about church.

ONE: He asked about Sunday school.

TWO: It's important to him. So I asked.

ONE: We had just finished discussingShadrach.

TWO: Meshach . . .

ONE: And Abednego.

TWO: Who?

ONE: I told him the story about the three guys,and how they didn't want to disobey Godand worship some other king.

TWO: Turns out that made this king really mad,so he straight up threw them in afireplace.

ONE: The Bible says the king heated thefurnace seven times what it was normally.

TWO: So hot it killed the guys who were incharge of making it hotter.

ONE: Anyway, I told him about how Shadrach,Meshach, and Abednego told the kingthat they were OK with going into thefurnace because God was going to savethem.

TWO: And then they told the king, "Even if Goddoesn't save us, we are still not afraidbecause we know that we have donewhat is right in His eyes." And they wentinto the fireplace.

ONE: And they didn't die. They started walkingaround the fireplace.

TWO: And then the Bible says that the guardslooked into the fireplace and saw fourpeople walking around. And they only putthree in.

ONE: Anyway, they all walked out of thefurnace, saved.

TWO: Supposedly, the hairs on their headsweren't even singed.

ONE: I know he thinks it's stupid.

TWO: I don't think it's stupid. It's just a story.

ONE: He thinks it's just a story.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2006. All rights reserved. Character: Lesson 45, Drama, Page 2Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

TWO: Let's just say that it is true. Why wouldGod do that? Why does God do thingslike throw people in fireplaces for doingwhat He asked them to do?

ONE: Why does God do anything?

TWO: It's just pointless. I don't get it.

ONE: I have to admit that I don't either.

TWO: I think life is like that a lot.

ONE: It seems so random.

TWO: He says it's not. He says that there’s aplan and that even when things seem outof control, they are in God's hands.

ONE: I know that is true.

TWO: He really believes it.

ONE: I know that God uses circumstances thatare beyond our control to test our faith.

TWO: Testing faith. I don't get it. But I see it. Isee faith in him.

(The End)

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

CHARACTERlesson45Standing in the Furnace (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego)

biblical passage: Daniel 3:1–30

memory verse: Daniel 3:17–18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

student worksheet

GREAT EXPECTATIONSGroup 1: Nebuchadnezzar Read Exodus 20:1–5 and Daniel 3:1–30.

1. What was God’s first command to the nation of Israel? Why was this first command given to the Israelites?

2. What things do we “bow down to” today?

3. What did Nebuchadnezzar command all nations to do? What was the consequence for those who disobeyed his command?

4. What was Nebuchadnezzar’s response to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow to his idol? Why did he respond that way?

5. What was Nebuchadnezzar’s response when he saw the fourth “being” in the furnace? What type of decree did he then issue in response to what he saw?

6. As outlined in Scripture, how did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s faith in God despite dire circumstances impact them? What from their example can we apply to our own lives?

Group 2: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Read Exodus 20:1–5 and Daniel 3:1–30.

1. What did God command of Israel in Exodus 20? Why was this so important?

2. Given this command, what was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s response to Nebuchadnezzar’s command to bow to his idol? What were the consequences for their actions?

3. What was their reply to Nebuchadnezzar’s continued threats? Whom did they place their faith in?

4. Were they certain that God would rescue them or change their circumstances? Did this affect their demonstration of faith?

5. Did God deliver them from—or deliver them through—their circumstances? He was present in the fire and protected them from the potential results. What is the difference?

6. How did God provide for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in their time of need?

STANDING IN THE FURNACEChoose from the following list the words that complete each sentence.

experience trust seriously

salvation sovereignty Word

1. Being faithful means we must take God’s _________ _________ (Dan. 3:1–12).

2. Being faithful means we must _________ God’s _________ (Dan. 3:13–23).

3. Being faithful means we _________ the thrill of God’s _________ (Dan. 3:24–30).

SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Where have you let compromise creep into your life?

• What activities or habits keep you from having true integrity in your heart?

• How strong is your “walk”—the way you live your life in front of others?

• How strong is your witness?

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

master teacherstudent worksheetCHARACTERlesson45

Standing in the Furnace (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego)

biblical passage: Daniel 3:1–30

memory verse: Daniel 3:17–18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

NEVERCut apart the following instructions and place each near a candle or groups of candles.

Station #1: Offer thanks to God for His provision as evidenced in Daniel 3 and also for His promise to never leave you as seen in your own life.

Station #2: Confess the areas in your life where you have trouble believing God will never leave you.

Station #3: Ask God to increase your faith, claiming His truth that never means never. God will never leave you.

Station #4: Ask God to reveal the idols in your life, helping you recognize that they will forsake you but He never will.

Station #5: Pray over the furnaces (areas of potential compromise) inyour life—continuing to meditate on God’s provision to deliver youthrough the furnace—even if He chooses to never deliver you from it.

Station #6: Intercede for another person, specifically praying over thefurnaces he or she may be falling into right now. Pray for an increasedawareness of God’s unfailing presence and provision—even if God’sidea of provision never comes close to his or her idea of provision.

Station #7: Meditate on God’s character. Praise Him for His constant presence.

new standing in the furnace - life bible study · 2018. 7. 7. · as you prepare to teach this...

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