What does it mean to be holy?
We shy away from the subject of holiness because most of us just don’t feel like we to God’s standard of holiness.
Supporting Scripture: Leviticus 11:44
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 5:48
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Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 12:14
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Holiness is not perfection that comes me. Holiness is Christ me.
“Gospel holiness is no less than the image of God stamped upon the heart; it is no other than the whole mind which was in Christ Jesus.” – John Wesley from the sermon, New Birth
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Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:1-4
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Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:10-13
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Holiness is living from the , not the
Supporting Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28
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“Most people think of holiness as walking around wearing a pair of white skinny jeans.” – Miriam Swafford
“Holiness is more like wearing that pair of white skinny jeans knowing that you have the bleaching agent which will wash away all stains.” – Miriam Swafford
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are the perfect example of what it means to live from the inside-out.
Supporting Scripture: Daniel 1:1-4
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Supporting Scripture: Daniel 1:7
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What does this story mean for us today?
I believe what is desperately needed today are holy people who follow Jesus Christ from the inside-out.
Reflecting on Daniel 3:14-25 and the theme of holiness involves considering the actions, faith, and commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as well as God’s intervention. Here are some personal reflection questions:
Questions on Faith and Trust in God
- How do Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s responses to King Nebuchadnezzar demonstrate their faith in God?
- Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what can you learn from their example?
- What does their refusal to worship the golden image, despite the threat of death, teach about trust in God over earthly powers?
- Consider areas in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your beliefs. How can you stand firm in your faith?
- In what ways does their confidence in God’s ability to save them, whether He does or not, reflect a deep trust?
- How can you develop a similar trust in God’s plans for your life, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Questions on Obedience and Commitment
- What does the unwavering commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to their faith say about the importance of obedience to God?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle with obedience to God’s commands? How can you work towards full commitment?
- How can their example inspire you to stay committed to your beliefs in the face of pressure or persecution?
- Reflect on a situation where you had to choose between conforming to societal expectations and staying true to your faith. What did you learn from that experience?
Questions on Holiness
- How does the holiness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego set them apart in the story?
- Think about ways you can pursue holiness in your own life. What practical steps can you take to live a life set apart for God?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between holiness and trust in God’s protection and provision?
- Reflect on times when living a holy life has required you to trust in God’s provision. How did you experience His faithfulness?
Questions on God’s Presence and Deliverance
- How does God’s intervention in the fiery furnace illustrate His presence and deliverance in times of trial?
- Recall a time when you felt God’s presence during a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?
- What does the appearance of the fourth figure in the furnace (interpreted by many as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) signify about God’s involvement in our suffering?
- How can the knowledge of God’s presence in your trials bring you comfort and assurance today?
- In what ways does the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego deepen your understanding of God’s power and sovereignty?
- How does this understanding influence your daily walk with God and your confidence in His ability to handle any situation?
Questions on Witness and Influence
- How did the faith and deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego impact King Nebuchadnezzar and those who witnessed the event?
- How can your faith and actions serve as a witness to those around you? Are there specific ways you can be more intentional about this?
- What lessons can you learn from this story about the importance of public faithfulness in influencing others towards God?
- Reflect on your public expressions of faith. Are they consistent with your private beliefs, and how can they be a testimony to others?
Using these questions as a guide, spend time in personal reflection and prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you can grow in faith, obedience, holiness, and your witness to others.