The Lord Demonstrates His Power | Daniel 3:19-30
Intro and Outline
The King’s Rage (3:19-23)
We already see the Lord protecting S, M, & A
Neb is enraged and trying to reassert dominance
The King’s Revelation (3:24-27)
The Angel of the Lord is present in the fire to miraculously protect and deliver S, M, & A
This revelation defeats Neb’s pride and draws in his officials to witness God’s power
The King’s Response (3:28-30)
The king’s description points to the fact that S, M, & A loved God
Neb’s decree shows that his heart has softened toward God, but he doesn’t yet fully “get it”
Reviewing the Main Point(s)
The Lord demonstrates his power…
i. To deliver his people
ii. To defeat human pride
5. What It Means For Us (4 invitations)
An invitation to humble ourselves in view of the power of God
An invitation to take a step of bold, loving obedience like S, M, & A did
An invitation to be comforted by God’s presence with us in our trouble
i. In this life, we’re not always delivered FROM the fire, but we’re delivered IN the fire because of God’s presence with us
ii. Jesus is the ultimate example; he didn’t stay distant from our suffering, he entered into it
An invitation to be assured of our ultimate deliverance from death
i. The resurrection of Jesus means that those who trust in him will be resurrected too, which gives us hope, endurance, and frees us from fear
Prayer Guide
Adoration - Dwell on the beauty and power of God’s presence.
Lord, You have made the heavens and earth by Your great power. There is nothing too hard for You. (Offer adoration to our Creator.)
‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
Jeremiah 32:17
Confession - The Lord demonstrates His power to deliver His people and to defeat human pride. Admit your struggle with pride and ask God for forgiveness.
Lord, I confess that I struggle with the sin of pride in my heart and in my life. This pride leads me to act on selfish desires and can be hurtful to others. Please forgive me for my pride. (Confess to God any specific ways pride has manifested in your life, such as a need for control, power, reputation, etc.)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
Thanksgiving - Thank God for His promise of forgiveness.
I thank You that You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess them. (Thank God for rescuing you.)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14
Supplication- Call on God to help you embrace humility and obedience.
Lord, change my heart so that I become selfless and learn to serve others. Give me strength to fight the temptation of pride. And when opposition comes, comfort me in times of trouble. (Ask God about specific areas you need to obey Him.)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Reflection
Has my pride or my hot temper shaped my thoughts, decisions or relationships this week?
Weekly Prayer Spotlight:
Pastors: Pray for protection from spiritual attacks, discouragement and opposition.
Elders: Ask that their labor bears fruit, that they inspire others, and that they are able to effectively minister to those in need within the congregation
Deacons: Pray that their eyes would be open to see the needs of God’s people and that they would be equipped to provide support and care.