Daniel 3:16-25

Let the Real Men Stand Up

Introduction: This is a cry out to all men in the place and in this world!  We live in a world where the definition of a real man is a man who can produce the most children-whether he takes care of them or not.  A real man, in society, is the one who has the lowest and loudest ride.  A real man, in this world, is one who has the most women, but will not commit to either one.  In this society, a real man is one who is in control of his family at any cost, if that means abusing his wife physically, verbally or even emotionally.  In some sections of town, a real man is that one who has the meanest dog with the heaviest chain.  A real man, to some, is that one who has the biggest bank, no matter how he gets it, whether it’s through drugs, from a woman who works all day and he stays at, or via illegal reasons.  But the purpose of this sermon is to let somebody that a real man IS NOT the one who can produce the most children…but who take responsibility for the children he has produced.  The real man will be the one who says to the female that I to willing to wed you before going to bed with you.  The real man is not that one who abuses his wife, but loves and cherishes her.  A REAL MAN LOVES GOD! 

            Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon.  He built a golden image which is said to have been 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide.  All the people were required to bow down at this image when they heard the music playing.  This occurred in Babylon and there were 3 young men who did not bow down when the music played.  The young men were brought to the king and reminded them of the decree, the directives and the degree of punishment that would be administered if they refused to bow down.  And, in verses 16-18 is the response of the young men to the king.  And it is their response and reaction that defines the actions of a real man.

I.                   Real Men Trust God (16-17)

·        In the Living Translation of the Bible, v. 16 says, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.” (They were BOLD!)

·        v.17- The “if” in the text is not an “if” as if God has the power to do deliver, but it is God’s prerogative/choice to do so. 

·        Able - The participle represents an action or condition in its unbroken continuity, and corresponds to the English verb, "to be" with the present participle. It may be used of present, past or future time. The young men are saying that God is able yesterday, today and tomorrow.  God’s ability is not handcuffed to any time zone.  A real man trusts God.  In fact, a real man will “trust in the Lord with all his heart and lean not unto his own understanding, and in all his ways acknowledge the Lord and know that God will direct his paths.”

II.                Real Men Stand for God (18)

·        “But if not” – the same “if” that was used in v. 17 is being used now.  They are not saying that God can’t, they just mean if God decides not to. 

·        They say they will not serve the image.  They are declaring they will not position, nor prostrate themselves to worship anything or anyone but God. 

·        (18-23) They will stand in spite of the outcome.  They will stand even if they are in the minority and not the majority.  (that’s the way it is sometimes)

·        If need be, they will stand alone because “obedience is better than sacrifice.”

III.               Real Men Walk with God (24-25) (Conclusion)

·        Real men walk with God, and God walks with real men.

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