DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"Fourth Man in the Fire"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Start by playing a worship song for everyone to listen to. (You can look on YouTube or Spotify for options, like “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong UNITED or anything by Chase Oaks Worship.) Then open in prayer.
- Looking back, did anyone do any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide? If so, is there a day that stood out to you?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- For starters, when life gets difficult, what is your natural response: fight, flee, freeze, or look for someone to help? Why?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Daniel 3:16-18. What stands out to you about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to the king?
- What is the difference between saying, "I know God will fix this" and "I know God"? · Read Daniel 3:24-25. What do you think it means that the three men were not alone in the fire?
- Have you ever experienced God's presence during a difficult time, even when he didn't immediately change your circumstances? · Read Daniel 3:26-30. How did the fire change Nebuchadnezzar's understanding of God?
- Why do you think difficult seasons can sometimes help us see God more clearly?
Go Deeper
- What is the "fire" you are currently facing? Is there an area of your life where you need to trust God regardless of the outcome?
- The fire burned their ropes but did not burn them. What might God be freeing you from through a difficult season?
- What would it look like for you to say, "God can, but even if he doesn't, I will still trust him"?
- How can this Group pray for you to experience God's presence in your fire?
Wrap Up
· What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
· Go around and share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests. Then take turns praying for one another. Close by having the last person read this week’s verse to meditate on (Daniel 3:17-18).
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18, MSG)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Trust the Person
Read Daniel 3:16-18.
Reflect on the difference between trusting God for a particular outcome and trusting God himself. Pray, "God, I trust you, not just for what you can do, but for who you are."
Day 2 — Remember That God Is Able
Read Daniel 3:17.
Identify one situation that feels impossible or beyond your control. Give that situation to God and remind yourself: "God is able."
Day 3 — Look for the Fourth Man
Read Daniel 3:24-25.
Think about a difficult season you are currently experiencing. Instead of only asking, "How do I get out of this?" ask, "Where can I see God with me in this?"
Day 4 — Identify the Ropes
Read Daniel 3:26-27.
Consider what the "fire" may be burning away in your life: fear, pride, self-reliance, control, or false security. Name one thing you need to surrender and then ask God to use your circumstances to make you more free.
Day 5 — Trust Through the Fire
Read Daniel 3:28-30.
Remember that God's promise is not a life without fire, but a life where you are never alone. Share your story with someone. Tell them one way you have seen God's faithfulness or one way you are choosing to trust him in the middle of your fire.