TBCSW Blog - Group Discussion - But if Not

Because God is faithful, your faith can impact your Babylon.

Scripture: Daniel 3

Discussion:

• Many of us treat faith like an insurance policy we don't ever intend to use.  When have you viewed faith this way? What's the danger in that?
• How are you currently struggling with conforming? How are you drawing strength from God's presence?
• King Nebuchadnezzar is a warning to us - in Daniel 3 we see Nebuchadnezzar as idolatrous, self-centered, and narcissistic. How is this a picture of our flesh in opposition to God?
• All the royal officials robotically bow down and worship like Babylon tells them to do.  They 'drink the kool aid.'  What 'kool aid' are you most tempted to drink?
• Real faith is countercultural - it stands out.  How can this look in your setting?
• Lukewarm faith can justify anything. How are you struggling with self-justification?
• Counter-cultural faith at times draws criticism.  How has faith cost you?
• Real faith is fleshed out in real community. We may lose some friends but we gain a family.  How is community forged between the 3 friends?
• What does this statement mean to you: 'If you are going to be clear on what kind of kool aid you're drinking, you need others who are in your kool aid.'
• The 3 friends say, 'God can... but even if he doesn't' (Dan 3:17-18).  How is this encouraging to you in your current situation?
• What is the significance of the '4th man' in the fire? What does this tell you about God? How does this point to Christ?