Sunday September 14, 2025

Sermon Title: Courage in the Fire!

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: God's people can be confident the Lord is with them no matter what happens in this world

Introduction:

Even when we cannot see visible signs of God’s presence, we can trust that He is still at work and near to His people. Daniel 3 reminds us that faith often feels the unseen tug of God’s faithfulness, especially in life’s darkest and most challenging moments.

Daniel 3:24-30

Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound, into the fire?” “Yes, of course, Your Majesty,” they replied to the king. 25 He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”, 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and called, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God—come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. 27 When the satraps, prefects, governors, and the king’s advisers gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men: not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel, and rescued his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.” 30 Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. 

The Evidence of God’s Presence (24–27)

Nebuchadnezzar witnessed undeniable proof of God’s nearness when the faithful emerged from the fire untouched and accompanied by a divine presence. Israel and all who observed learned that God is not limited by location or circumstance, but meets His people wherever faith is put on the line.

The Outcome of Faith’s Trial (28–30)

The result of faithfulness in the fire was a public testimony that proclaimed God’s uniqueness to the entire empire. Through suffering and steadfast trust, God turned a moment of trial into an occasion for His glory to be declared and His faithful servants to be honored.

Conclusion Summary

God’s ultimate rescue isn’t simply about escape, but about His ongoing presence with us through every trial. Our greatest assurance is found in Christ, who went through the greatest fire on our behalf, and now gives us confidence to remain faithful, no matter what we face.

Daniel 3:24-30 Bibliography

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Thompson, David L., and Eugene Carpenter. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ezekiel & Daniel. Edited by Philip W. Comfort, vol. 9, Tyndale House Publishers, 2010.

Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor Prophets. Baker Academic, 2002.

Pierce, Ronald W. Daniel. Edited by Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Baker Books, 2015.

Gangel, Kenneth. Daniel. Edited by Max Anders, vol. 18, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001.

Longman, Tremper, III. Daniel. Zondervan Publishing House, 1999.

Sprinkle, Joe M. Daniel. Edited by T. Desmond Alexander et al., Lexham Press, 2020.

Akin, Daniel L. Exalting Jesus in Daniel. Holman Reference, 2017.

Thompson, David L., and Eugene Carpenter. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ezekiel & Daniel. Edited by Philip W. Comfort, vol. 9, Tyndale House Publishers, 2010.

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