The Men Who Kept Their Testimonies
Dan.3:1-30
Introduction.
The spirit of Babylon is a demonic influence that opposes
God’s kingdom and corrupts human culture.
ex:
The tower of Babel. Gen 11:2
The demonic spirit of Babylon was in Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is present in modern days in politics, media, social media, schools, churches, music industry, etc.
No one is immune from the demonic influence of the spirit of Babylon.
1. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is special as
It teaches us that taking a stand for God always pays off. It is their testimony of how they stood for God, instead of bowing down to Nebuchadnezzar pagan worship. It is a testimony to us believers. We also need the same faith and spiritual strength against the furnace fires this spirit releases in various areas, and environments that we face.
The test of a true believer is what they do when faced with the
temptation to compromise their testimony and deny God.
You might be in a fire, but God will allow you to go through the fire, but He will not allow the fire to go through you.
2 . The Babylonians Plans Against the Hebrew Boys
Name Change
Their original names were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishel and Azaria.
The Hebrew names had religious significance since each name
spoke about the God of Israel :
Daniel’s name means “God is my judge”. His name was changed to Belteshazzar which means “Bel is my judge”. Bel is the name of one of the Babylonian gods.
Hananiah’s name means “God is gracious”. His name was
changed to Shadrach which means “Illuminated by the sun god”.
Azariah’s name means “The Lord is my helper”. His name was
changed to Abednego, which means “The worshipper of Nego”. Nego or Nebo was the Babylonian god of wisdom.
b. Changed Their Diet
There was an attempt to force them to adopt to the diet of Babylon.
the Hebrew boys chose a vegetarian diet, but were later found to be even healthier than the Babylonians.
they were found to be wiser when brought before Nebuchadnezzar. Dan 2:48-49
3. Why They Were Persecuted.
a. Because of Their Standard.Everyone who is saved is supposed to have a different standard of living from the world. 2 Cor. 6:17;Col. 3:1-2
Their convictions and faith in their God made them not give in and kneel to Nebuchadnezzar and worship his pagan gods.
Their standards and manner of life was different from the
Babylonians and they had the faith to resist blending into the culture and beliefs in Babylon.
b. Because Of Their Authority And Wisdom
The Hebrew boys refused to bow down to the will of Nebuchadnezzar.
As believers we should walk in total submission to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt 10:37-38;Luke 14:26-27
c.Because Of Their Stand
Even when threatened with death, these men refused to obey the decrees issued Nebuchadnezzar.
They refused to serve the pangs gods or worship the idols of the Babylonians. Dan 3:17-18.
Believers should take a stand for God despite the personal cost. Matt.16:24;1 Cor 15:58;Luke 9:62
** If we are going to liver for Jesus, in this world, we are going to be persecuted. If we are not going to let the world squeeze or pressure us into submission or compromise, there will be persecution , and a price to pay**
There will be furnaces of :
Criticism,Intimidation,Hatred,Temptation,Trials
These furnaces will become more numerous and far hotter as society continues to flee from God and live in disobedience to His Word. It is going to get worse, just as God mentioned to Jeremiah. Jer. 12:5
The world cannot understand Christians.
Believers are a mystery to those who are lost and are in the world.
The world cannot understand the way believers live, the thing they do or their love for God.
4. How They Were Protected
The God that the three Hebrew boys testified about before , met them in the furnace, as God as always promises in His Word. Isa. 43:1-2
They were free in the fire. The fire did nothing more than free the three boys from what bound them.
They were bound by men in the flesh but freed spiritually from what bound them by the power of God.
God has a way of strengthening us for His Glory. Mark 13:11 When fires of persecution and affliction come into our life if we need to remember these truths:
The Lord is merely freeing you from some of the things that might have bound you.
Persecution may seem to be the worst possible thing that can happen in our lives but can prove to be the best thing you have experienced.
The presence of God will preserve you, just as He did for the three Hebrew boys.
5.How Were They Promoted
Nebuchadnezzar thought he was more powerful than the God they served. In the end everyone there learned that God was greater than the king and greater than the furnace of fire.
Nebuchadnezzar, the pagan king ended up praising the
name of the true God. The Lord made him surrender his pride.
Because of their faith, the three Hebrew boys passed through the furnace. On the other side, they were promoted in the king
