STANDING THE HEAT

DANIEL 3

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THEIR FAITH WAS CHALLENGED

 

1. By the Government [v. 1-3]

 

2. By Peer Pressure [v. 4-5, Ps. 1:1]

 

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 

3. By Threats [v. 6 Acts 4:15-21]

 

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

 

II. THEY WERE TEMPTED TO COMPROMISE

 

1. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Be Considered Peculiar [v. 7-13, Exodus 19:5]

 

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

1 Samuel 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

1 Samuel 8:20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

 

2. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Offend Someone [v. 14]

 

3. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Be Killed [v. 15]

 

“Do not be afraid that you will ever lose by obedience to the Book.” - H.A. Ironside

 

III. THEY WERE CONFIDENT IN GOD

 

1. They Believed in the Power of God [v. 16-17, Rm. 1:16]

 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

2. They Believed in the Purpose of God [v. 17-18, Romans 8:28]

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

3. They Believed in the Presence of God [v. 19-30, Psalm 139:7-10]

 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.