Discussion Guide on August 30, 2009 Message

(To be discussed on September 6)

Message Title

“Religious Liberty” – Daniel 3

Message Outline:

Baptist Faith and Message:  God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Big Idea: Christians should expect to experience Persecution, Protection, and Promotion.

1. The promise of persecution.
2. The promise of protection.
3. The promise of promotion.

Leading the Session Helps/Discussion Questions

v     Recall some of the ways Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had already experienced the blessing of God by there obedience in chapters 1 and 2. How do you think those experiences may have prepared them for the one in chapter 3? How do your past experiences of obedience help you be obedient today and tomorrow?

v     According to Daniel 3, what was the law of the day that conflicted with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s beliefs? How did they choose to respond? Is there a law (or potential law) of our day that conflicts with our beliefs? How are you responding to that conflict?

v     What’s so special about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s response to the King in verses 16-18? What does that response say about their faith in God as related to their circumstance? (God was powerful enough to save them, but even if He chose not to they would not compromise their beliefs.) What can we learn from the fact that God let them be thrown into the furnace instead of saving them from it? If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had perished in the flames, how could that have served the purposes of God?

v     Have any of you ever been faced with a death threat because of a conviction or belief relating to your Christian faith? Can it happen here in the United States? On April 20, 1999, Cassie Bernall, a junior at Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado, was a typical teenager having a typical day; then a classmate trained a gun on her and asked if she believed in God. She said "Yes", and was promptly shot to death at Columbine High School. What would we really be willing to give up for the cause of Christ? Your home? Your job? Your life? The life of your spouse? The life of your child? All these and more have already been experienced by Christians across the ages and in the present day. Here are a couple of web sites that might give you some pertinent information: www.persecution.org and www.persecutedchurch.org.

v     What is the significance of the fact that the only thing that was burned off in the flames was the ropes that bound Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? What happens on the other side of the flames?

Application

v     During your personal worship time this week, envision a situation where you could be called upon to give your life for your belief in God. Pray for the courage to be faithful to Him if you are ever put in a situation that demanded your ultimate obedience.