Understanding and Reaching Our World
Daniel 3:1-7

1. The King builds and image—an expression of power

2. The King gathers his subjects—a powerful summons

3. The king lays down the law—a declaration of power

4. The subjects bow down—a recognition of power

2 Critical Questions:

1. When it seemed in chapter 2 that Nebuchadnezzar was catching on (2:47) why does he build that statue in chapter 3?

2. How are we to carry the Good News of Christ to a culture that acts in the same way?

Somewhere along the line we as image bearers exchange the glory of the Creator for the glory of the created thing. We steal the glory of God for ourselves. This is how the world tends to operate, and we can fall into this mode, ourselves. We have to understand this reality.

Has not God demonstrated his great power in the world?

Has God not summoned all men to the foot of the cross?

Has not God declared that those who do not bow down to Christ will suffer death?

Has not God blessed those who respond to him in obedience?

This is the message we must continue to carry to the world. This is our mission.

So What?

1. When unbelievers act like unbelievers, don’t be confused and don’t be repelled by them.

2. Do the hard work to communicate the undiluted message of Jesus Christ in a language they can understand.

3. Repent of thinking that God saved you for a life of personal ease. Ask God to enflame your heart with a passion for his mission and your place in it.