Leader Guide

Objective
Students will understand the importance of staying faithful to God’s commands and standing firm in their beliefs, even in the face of opposition.

Warm Up
Pop Quiz –

Question: Who are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and what event in their lives are they best known for?

(Give everyone a minute to write their answers down on their Student Guide- NO CELL PHONES!)

Answer: They disobeyed a law that went against their belief in God. The king asked them to obey but they wouldn’t so he commanded that their punishment be very severe. But God saved them from the punishment and the king wound up following God.

These three men were given other names by their king for serving him. They also go by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

• Who can tell me the Biblical story about these men defying the law that they knew to be wrong?

If students aren’t getting the story correct, give a few more hints about the fiery furnace (King Nebuchadnezzar, the fire being so hot that the soldiers throwing them in died from the heat, etc.) Make sure to mention what they did to deserve to be cast into the fire.

Transition
Let’s look at their account together.

Read Daniel 3

• Why was the king “furious with rage” in verses 13 and 19?
• How did the young men act in verses 16-19?
• What stands out about this story to you?

(If nobody mentions it, make sure to bring up that they were being punished for their faith.)

In today’s world, sometimes saying or doing what you know to be the right thing will still be considered wrong by others’ standards.

The Video
Disciple lead singer, Kevin Young, talks about the meaning of this song. He says he will love other people no matter what labels they use to define themselves, but if they are offended by him talking about Jesus he will not respect that boundary.
He will speak about Jesus because of his love for both Jesus and for people.
Play the music video for “Bad Words” by Disciple.

Transition
Persecution for obeying God’s commands has occurred throughout history, as seen in the Old Testament, modern times, and various Biblical narratives. In times of persecution, God is revealed through the actions and words of His followers.

Bible Study
Nebuchadnezzar praised God because the three men survived the fiery furnace, and many believe that Jesus was with them in the fire. If the men had chosen to blend in and compromise their faith, God would not have been praised by the King, and the persecution of faithful Hebrews would have continued.

Read John 15:18-25, Acts 5:12-32

• How are these passages similar?
• How are they different?

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5

• According to verse 2, what are we to do?
• What are some current examples of verses 3 and 4?

Wrap Up
Paul’s final letter to Timothy, written as he faced imminent execution for his faith, carries a crucial message. He passionately instructs his beloved spiritual son to continue living out his faith with the same unwavering commitment. Why? Because there is no “Plan B.” Jesus commissioned His disciples to make more disciples who would continue the cycle.

As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to share His story. It’s as simple as sharing what we know. You don’t need a theology degree to communicate that Jesus loves and died for others, just as He did for you. You don’t have to be an expert in church history to share how He saved you and transformed your life. So, let’s embrace this calling even when it goes against popular opinion.

Playlist
This song is featured on “The Linc: Evangelism” Spotify playlist – which is the perfect way to remind your students what you’ve taught them in this session. To share it with them, click the live link on the web version of this study.