Young People's Group

Standing Up for Our Faith in God

by Mitchell Tan
May 20, 2016

THE EXAMPLE OF THE FAITH OF DANIEL’S FRIENDS

We have been studying at the YPG about the heroes of faith from the text of Hebrews 11. It has been most inspiring to see how great deeds were done by God through individuals who placed faith in the forefront of their life. One of the deeds was described as such.

“Through faith … quenched the violence of fire”
Hebrews 11:33-34

It is through exercising faith in God that the friends of Daniel were able to escape the great fiery furnace in Babylon. God quenched the violence of fire because of their faith. This was indeed a great deliverance from God. Our challenge is to emulate the example of faith of Daniel’s friends.

THE TESTING OF FAITH

“And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
Daniel 3:6

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego was going to be greatly tested. The king of Babylon had made a decree that when people heard music being played, they were to bow down and worship his image of gold. If anyone would not do this, they would be executed by being thrown into a great furnace. It was indeed a most horrible way to die. When the decree was established, certain Chaldeans came forward and accused Daniel’s friends of disobeying it. They were brought before King Nebuchadnezzar and were confronted by him. Young people, what would you do if you were in the shoes of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego? Would you give in to your fear? Would you deny God to save your own skin? Daniel’s friends did not. They stood together as one for their faith in God.

HAVING THE FAITH TO STAND SOLELY FOR GOD

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18

Firstly, they had absolute faith in the Lord’s sovereign hand. They placed their life in His mercy and grace. They had great confidence in God that He would deliver them from the fiery furnace and yet they did not take it for granted that He would. They trusted in the Lord’s sovereign hand. Secondly, there was total obedience to God and His word. They choose to honour the Lord above men’s commands. They would serve God and God alone. Thirdly, they found great courage to stand up together for their faith in God. They were unafraid of the king and of death. Their faith in the Lord remained true. Young people, let’s also learn to stand up for our faith in the Lord together.

THE LORD’S GREAT DELIVERANCE

“Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Daniel 3:25

Amazingly, when Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were placed into the furnace, they were especially protected and delivered. There was the presence of the preincarnate Jesus, watching over the three friends. They and their clothes were not burnt at all. King Nebuchadnezzar stated that the fourth person in the furnace was like the Son of God. God’s power and protection is there for us when we exercise faith in Him. Of course, our lives are ultimately in His sovereign hand. Young people, let’s learn to stand for our faith in God together. In whatever we go through, the Lord’s power will be there to help and protect us.

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