Next Steps--Lesson 21--No Compromise--Daniel 3 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  What does it mean that God is sovereign?  How does believing in the sovereignty of God play into the development of one’s character and integrity?    

2.  What trouble have you had standing when everyone else seems to be bowing to the gods of this world?  Are there any areas of your character or integrity in which you know you should have stood, but you bowed down anyway? 

3.  How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego prepare themselves long before the situation of bowing to the golden statue arose?  How have you seen choices from your past help or hinder your ability to do the right thing in a moment of quick decision?

4.  How have you seen people shift from faith in God to faith in faith?  How has this affected their peace and hope?

5.  How does trust in the sovereign plan of God help with things like suffering and other heinous events that take place in this fallen world?  How have you seen God allow or even use darkness to bring about His good intentions?

6.  Why is it best for our character to be based upon God’s promises and covenants?  How does this bring stability to what seems to be shifting sand in ethics and morality?

7.  Why have comfort and happiness become gods in most people’s lives?  How does emphasis on comfort and happiness work against healthy character and integrity? 

8.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wound up providing a witness to God by the standing they did.  How have you seen witnesses provided in our own time by people who chose to stand when most everyone else bows?