Opposed #2 - "Our Worship is Opposed"

     While planning any endeavor is it wise to understand what will oppose its success. I have not always done this well and many points of opposition have caught me of guard. When I take notice of an opposition I attempt to learn as much as I can about it before attempting to overcome it. With my relationship with God, it is no different.

      We all face opposition in our relationship with God if for no other reason there is one who opposes all that God and His people are attempting to do. However, we also face opposition from our own nature. All of us who are following Jesus, find ourselves somewhere in the process of maturity. In Daniel chapter three, we discover an opposition that at first seem to be limited to those who do not believe in God. However, upon further reflection, we come to understand that each one of us are opposed by the temptation to worship that which is not God.

1. Opposed by Self-worship – Daniel 3:1-7

We are tempted to define God in our own way. (King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of himself to be worship.) V.1

We want to be worshiped. (King Nebuchadnezzar assembled people to dedicate his image of himself.) V. 2-3

We threaten people when they don’t worship us. (King Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship and threatened those who would not.) V. 4-6

We tend to worship blindly. (The people worshiped that which was set before them due to the threat.) V. 7  

2. Opposed Maliciously – Daniel 3:8-30

Check your intentions when in disagreement. (The opposition was with malicious intent.) V. 8-12

Share truth with humility and respect. (The opposition was arrogant.) V. 13-15

Opposition reveals the character of our faith. (Seen in the three Jewish men.) V. 16-18

The greatness of God is seen in that He accompanies us in our opposition. (The fourth in the fire) V.19-30  

Application

1. Take an honest look at what you truly worship as God

    (As suggested by Nick Straw at http://inspiregod.com/5-choices-we-make-instead-of-god/)

- Pleasure

- Attention

- Money

- Control

           

2. Keep watch for what tempts to take God’s place in our church.