"Who through faith …"

Read Hebrews 11:32-34. The phrase "shut the mouths of lions" refers to Daniel. The phrase "quenched the fury of the flames" refers to Daniel's friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These four men were from Judah, which was conquered by the Babylonians. They were taken to Babylon in 605 BC, and drafted into the king's service (Daniel 1:3-7).

"The king (Nebuchadnezzar) talked with them, and he found none equal to [them]; so they entered into the king's service" (1:19, NIV).

"Shut the mouths of lions …"
When Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (5:31), Daniel was still highly respected.

"Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps (governors) by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so … because [Daniel] was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." (6:3-4, NIV).

Read Daniel 6:5-23.

1. Why does Daniel end up in a lions' den? What factors are involved?

2. Why might Daniel (or anyone else) want to obey the king's decree?

3. Why does Daniel disobey the king's decree? What do you think about Daniel's actions? How do his disobedient actions relate to his generally good character (6:3-5)?

4. In this story, Daniel was pressured to stop a regular activity in his service/worship of God. As Christians, what pressures do we face? What behaviors and activities in our lives are affected by these pressures? How does Daniel's example apply to us?

Though Darius could not reverse his first decree (6:8, 12, 15), he issued another decree that negated the first one: "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever …" (6:26, NIV).

"Quenched the fury of the flames …"
Many years before Daniel's experience in the lions' den, Daniel's friends had their own challenging situation.

"King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon … Then the herald loudly proclaimed, 'This is what you are commanded to do, O people, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of [instruments] and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold … Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace" (3:1, 4-6, NIV).

Most obeyed, but some did not. Read Daniel 3:8-30.

5. Like Daniel; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego disobeyed the government. In what way was their disobedience different?

6. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that God was able to save them from the flames, and they were confident that He would (3:17). But they said, "even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (3:18, NIV). Why would they say this? Why were they willing to suffer and die?

7. What was the result of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's faith? Of course, the one true God demonstrated His saving power, thus convincing the king (3:28a, 29). But what part did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's faith play? What was the effect of their faith?

"Even if he does not …"

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were rescued by God. In these situations, God chose to demonstrate His saving power. However, God does not always rescue people of faith in this way. Read Hebrews 11:35-40. Nevertheless, by faith, they persevered because they knew that God was faithful to His promises of ultimate salvation and blessing.

God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The "Hall of Faith" points to Christ. Christ is the One who rescues us and keeps us safe, if only we receive Him "by faith." The full realization of our salvation is future, but we have good reason for "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 1:1).

Reflection/Application

† What do you think about the last paragraph? What do you think about Christ? If you still struggle with "faith," continue to humbly seek truth. Pursue the question: Who is Jesus?

† As a Christian, what opposing pressures are you now facing (or anticipate facing) that might affect your behavior and service of the Lord? Are you allowing these pressures to lessen the impact of your faith? Reflect on today's lesson, and commit to stand strong in the Lord.