Daniel 3:1-30 Of course, we do not know how much time has passed since Daniel chapter 2. In chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a great image, but he did not know what it meant. Daniel told the king his dream and its interpretation. You may recall that this great image had a head of fine gold. Daniel told the king “you are this head of gold” (2:38). Now it may be just a coincidence, but isn’t it interesting that the king then proceeded to have constructed an image of gold that was to be worshipped by all his subjects? Nevertheless, it is this gold image that leads to the very compelling story contained in Daniel chapter 3.

So what exactly does a “furnace faith” look like?

Clear CONVICTIONS! Daniel 3:8-12 Exodus 20:1-6 Josh. 24:15; I Kings 18:21 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 12:2 Conviction: “a fixed or firmly held belief, opinion, etc.” What if they lacked clear convictions pertaining to this matter? Then, they would have likely acquiesced and bowed down to the image avoiding a very painful death (being burned alive). But they did have very clear convictions; convictions that were based upon God’s law to Israel (Ex. 20:1-6). The text of I Kings 18:21 illustrates well how sad and tragic it is when God’s people lack conviction. Joshua was challenging the nation of Israel to make up their mind who they were going to serve in the land of Canaan, God or gods. But regardless of what they decided to do, Joshua made his convictions quite clear as to what he and his family would do (Josh. 24:15). Some seem to think you should feel guilty if you hold fast to certain convictions. You should not be so definite about things; not so black and white, since they prefer a lot of gray. Like these three Hebrew men, we too need to have clear convictions that are based upon the revealed Word of God (2 Cor. 4:13)! We need clear, defined convictions when it comes to: our speech, modesty, alcohol, dancing, worship (Mt. 6:33; Heb. 10:25), the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), etc.

Great COURAGE! Daniel 3:4, 7, 12, 19-23, 28 Joshua 1:6-9; 23:6-8 Matt. 10:16-18, 28, 32-33 2 Tim. 1:7-8; I Pet. 4:12-16 When facing adversity and persecution, it is imperative that one’s convictions are coupled with great courage! Notice their great courage. Courage to go against the king’s command (3:4). Courage to risk their position of authority in Babylon (2:49). Courage to be the only ones NOT to bow down and worship the gold image (3:7, 12). Courage to yield their bodies to be burned (3:19-23, 28; cf. I Cor. 13:3)! I need that degree of courage in my life as I serve God. You need that same courage too. Consider what great things will be accomplished for the Lord when we possess great courage!

Refused to COMPROMISE! Daniel 3:14-18 I Tim. 1:3; 6:12; Jude 3 I Peter 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Galatians 1:6-9; 2:4-5 We live in age of compromise. We often hear the phrase in politics of bi-partisanship (i.e., the need for both parties to compromise). We are continually reminded of our obligation to compromise. We are told that we must “go along, to get along.” The expectation is for us to be willing to compromise our principles, our morals, and what we believe/know to be the truth. Have you ever noticed that those who demand us to compromise, refuse to do so themselves? We must line up with their opinions and beliefs – that’s what they call compromise. We desperately live in a time when the people of God need the heart and resolve of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego and refuse to compromise our faith in Almighty God. Refuse to give an inch of ground when it comes to morality and truth, regardless of the consequences! Consider the stand and unwavering determination of these 3 men. “God will deliver us from your hand, but if not, we still will not worship the gold image you set up!” Do the words of I Tim. 1:3; 6:12 and Jude 3 sound to you like a call for Christians to compromise? There are those who would like us to compromise on MDR, fellowship, church discipline, social drinking, dancing, immodesty, instrumental music, the teaching of hell, the work of the church, the plan of salvation, evolution, etc.