Daniel 3: Bow or Burn - A Question of Allegiance

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego give us one the greatest examples in scripture of what it means to give your complete allegiance to God - and it is dazzlingly impressive!

Here are some questions/suggestions that you can use from Daniel 3 in your MG. Please select whatever questions are most helpful

(1) As a group, retell the story of Daniel so far (in brief)?

(2) Read through chapter 3 together
—What do we learn about Nebuchadnezzar from the story?
—What do we learn about the rest of the people of the empire from the story?
—What do we learn about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the story?
—Where do you fit in the story? Why?
—Where do you see Jesus in the story?
—What qualities do Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego show that you would like to emulate?
—In what contexts do you have to stand up for what you believe and find yourself in the minority? Where do you find it hard to stand up for your faith? How does this passage help us?

(3) What is the tension that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego manage to hold in verse 16-18?
—Why is verse 17 a great statement of faith?
—Why is verse 18 a GREATER statement of faith?
—Why are both verse 17-18 important?
—Where do you find it hard to hold this tension?

(4) How does knowing Jesus entered the greatest fiery furnace for you and enters every other furnace with you help you face your challenges tomorrow?

(5) What areas of life do we often give our final allegiance to?
—What does it mean to put Jesus above all things?
—To help you with this question you may like to reflect on Luke 9.57-62 and Luke 14.25-34?

(6) Why are Fiery Furnaces in life important for our faith?
—How do fiery furnaces reveal where our true allegiance lie?
—How can we use trials to draw near to Jesus?
—What does 1 Peter 1.5-8 tell us about the importance of Fiery Furnaces in life?

(7) As we enter a new academic year
—What are you nervous about?
—Do you feel there are areas in your life you want to fully surrender to Jesus?
—What do you want prayer for?
—Who (and where) is God calling you to witness to, even if you face persecution for it?

(8) Pray for one another (a) to be witnesses to King Jesus and (b) to hold on to Jesus in the trials of life