Lean In // 5 minutes
What are some bold ways you’ve shown support for a team or generated awareness for a cause?
Sample answers may include…
- Taken a challenge to raise awareness
- Painted your face for a game
- Ran a marathon
- Gave money
Look Down // 15 minutes
What sticks out to you about the story?
What do you learn about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?
The Story
- There is a clash between King Nebuchadnezzar and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
- King Nebuchadnezzar builds an image of gold to be worshipped
- Music is used to initiate the worship
- No one seems to have a problem bowing down except for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
- The penalty for not worshipping the image is death by furnace
- King Nebuchadnezzar becomes furious at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s refusal to bow and throws them into the fiery furnace
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
- They are officials in the Babylonian Kingdom
- They refuse to bow down and worship the image of gold
- They take a stand
- They are willing to be thrown into the furnace instead of worshipping the image
- God allows them to be thrown into the furnace but shows up in the fire alongside them
- The faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego inspires the faith and worship of Nebuchadnezzar
- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are a unit or community throughout the story
Commentary: The King of Babylon—King Nebuchadnezzar—conquered Jerusalem and carried away articles from the Temple as well as some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility (Daniel 1:1-3). These conquered people were to be assimilated into the Babylonian culture by learning the language and literature, eating the food and wine, training, and even receiving Babylonian names. However, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego emerge as unique and exemplary characters for their ability to assimilate while also remaining committed to The Lord.
Look Out // 20 minutes
What are the things people are standing for today?
Leader Note: The question can either solicit positive or negative responses. As a leader, the key is to look for the story behind the response as it can provide some insights into the group member’s life. As always, be ready to provide your own responses and stories to the question, which will invite others to share.
Look In // 15 minutes
Where in your life do you feel nudged to take a stand?
Who are people in your life that could take a stand with you?
Leader Note: The Look In question is designed to let the truth that’s in their heads, sink deep into their hearts. Help your group to identify specific areas where they feel prompted to take a stand. It could be areas such as: an unhealthy relationship, growing debt, problems at work, or taking a stand for faith in Jesus.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
What would happen if this was the week you took your stand?
Leader Note: Listed below is a Key Verse and Key Thought that is designed to help your group have one simple takeaway from the discussion. Encourage the group to possibly memorize the verse and discuss how it impacted them at the next life group gathering. Also, discuss with your group a possible action item to do or experience, in the week ahead, that might help reinforce what you have learned.
Key Verse(s): “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18
Key Thought: Knowing who you are is the secret to where you will place your trust.
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Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.