1. He saves those who trust in Him

2. What to accept vs what not to accept BabylonianeducationBabylonianeducationKing’srationsKing’srationsNewnamesNewnames Our beliefs are of no value unless they translate into practical application (Ph. 1:9-10; Col. 1:9- 10) Daniel 1

3. These distinctions were based on God’s word BabylonianeducationBabylonianeducationKing’srationsKing’srationsNewnamesNewnames Feasts honored Babylonian gods; idolatry was forbidden (Ex. 20:3; Dt. 17:2-5) Clean/unclean distinctions (Dt. 14:3-20) Other dietary regulations (Dt. 14:21; Lev. 17:10-11) Daniel 1

4. Convictions were not compromised because of the situation The age of God’s law- “that’s ancient man!” They were away from home - “when in Rome…” They would not be willing participants- “you gotta do what you gotta do!” It would seem trivial to the Babylonians- “they’ll make fun of us if we refuse”. Other Israelites were evidently going ahead- “everyone else is doing it”. What repercussions would there be?- “what could possibly happen?” Daniel 1

5. Convictions were expressed in a gentle way They went along with what they could- but refused to defile themselves. They tactfully asked to be excused when they could not They kindly and objectively persisted when the initial response was no Daniel 1

6. Discerning Faith “Under Fire” Their unshakeable response - “We do not need to give you an answer” Not arrogance, but nothing to discuss.. “He is able to save us…But if not…” They had complete faith that He could save them but it may not be his will. Regardless of whether God would deliver them, He had commanded them and they would be obedient. Daniel 3

7. God in our trials God participates in our trialsGod participates in our trials They looked into the furnace and saw a fourth person. God wanted to be there for them, and to not just carry them through the trial, but to encourage and comfort them during it also. They looked into the furnace and saw a fourth person. God wanted to be there for them, and to not just carry them through the trial, but to encourage and comfort them during it also. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. [NKJV]1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. [NKJV]

8. The hymn of the three young men Please refer to the attached word document. This hymn is only found in the Orthodox (septuagint) bible.Please refer to the attached word document. This hymn is only found in the Orthodox (septuagint) bible. 3:51 “Then the three with one voice praised and glorified and blessed God in the furnace.” Do we bless God and sing his praises when we are in the midst of trial?3:51 “Then the three with one voice praised and glorified and blessed God in the furnace.” Do we bless God and sing his praises when we are in the midst of trial? In tasbeha we also as one pray using this canticle in blessing and praising the Most High with the three young men.In tasbeha we also as one pray using this canticle in blessing and praising the Most High with the three young men.