Discussion from the Fiery Furnace Incident

We talked about the story of the fiery furnace and the King of Babylon.  The text stresses over and over that it was the king who set up this statue in the desert to bring unity to his empire.  Of course the king’s efforts failed, because his comfort was in himself.  The three friends took comfort in belonging not to themselves but to God, and the King responded by trying to use God to accomplish his own purposes.

If you are gathering together as a K-Group to discuss this, it may be nice to gather the kids and talk about this question and answer together –

What is your only comfort in life and death?  

That I am not my own but belong body and soul to my faithful savior Jesus Christ.

Ask what makes people feel comfortable?  Talk about real lasting comfort. (blankets wear out, we outgrow stuffed animals, adults can maybe share something that they used to think was comfortable but isn’t anymore)  Ultimately wherever we seek comfort will not last – unless it is in Jesus.

Some Discussion Questions from the sermon

Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar wants so badly to accomplish unity around something he has done?

What are some of the things that you take comfort in that may not last?

Why is it better to take comfort in belonging to Christ?

How can we as a group begin to urge one another toward letting go of other things that we treasure and holding on to Christ?