Through studying Daniel 3, Ben Stuart shows how the believer lives in culture yet stands firm when faced with persecution. We see that when we live differently, we can influence those around us for the good of His Kingdom.
Key Takeaway
We're a part of the culture but different from the culture for the good of the culture.
Nebuchadnezzar begins Daniel 3 by claiming that religion will have no hold on him, creating a gold image to declare that he is the captain of his fate. He presides over the expanding Babylonian empire and realizes he needs to solidify control. To do that, he calls them to a higher ideal—an absolute.
Human beings instinctively need an absolute that gives their lives cohesion and meaning. We're built to look for something greater than ourselves. We're meant to look for the ultimate to give our lives meaning.
But Nebuchadnezzar didn't want the Babylonians to worship a God greater than him, so he created a god/religion that agreed with him. He couldn't reason with them based on virtues, so instead, he appealed to their senses with a display of power. Nebuchadnezzar used intimidation, social pressure to conform, and an appeal to pagan emotion rather than truth to force people into compliance.
What happens in a political environment like this with enormous pressure? Do you see people rise or see the nations fold in conformity? No, they bow and conform.
Whenever you see pressure to conform to a godless society, there will always be a remnant that stands up and says no.
Rise in the system. Stay faithful in the system. Be good, Babylonians. But if you're asked to compromise your faith—stand.
What did these believers (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) do when they were pressured to deny their allegiance to God? They didn't rage. They answered respectfully, and they did not bow. They believed in their God. They were okay with losing their lives but not okay with not being faithful to Him.
We will thrive in the culture and seek the benefit of the culture, but if someone calls a believer to deny allegiance to the King, we will refuse. The God of heaven is our God, and He has the power to save us. No matter the outcome, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed in God.
When you seek unbridled power, it's the youngest among us who suffer.
Sometimes, God will not immediately rescue you from the trial, but He wants to save you through it. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. He will let you go far, but in your hour of need, He will show up. He is Emmanuel—God with us.
He will stand with you, whether by your miraculous deliverance or honorable death, you don't know. But what you do know is we stand because the one that stands with us will ultimately establish a kingdom that will never fade.
When we are persecuted, God is with us, and when we live with an unwavering commitment to God, it forces others to take God seriously.
God is not here to destroy His political opponent; He's here to save them.
When the world watches us live out our convictions, it will force them to take our Christ seriously.
By risking and experiencing rejection from the culture, we can have more influence on the culture.
Discussion Questions
How has social pressure tempted you to conform to the culture?
Ben Stuart encourages us to stand when asked to compromise our faith, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. If you were facing persecution today, would you stand?
Have you ever responded to accusations about your faith in rage or responded disrespectfully? If yes, how did that conversation go? If not, have you seen others respond in this manner? What was the result?
Are you praying that God would rescue you immediately from a trial? How does it make you feel knowing that He may take a while to save you from your circumstances?
What does the name "Emmanuel" or "Immanuel" mean?
How do you feel knowing that no matter what you're going through, that God is with you?
How have you shown unwavering commitment to God in your life?