Tag: bsf answers lesson 4 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 3:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and summoned everyone to dedicate it. Everyone was to worship the image or face a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do so. The King asked them to do so. They said they would not because God would deliver them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

3a) King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that everyone must worship an image he made. This shows he did not know the One and Only God in heaven. This revealed his heart to be filled with megalomaniacal pride and a desire for absolute control. His taunt—”what god will be able to rescue you?”—showed he believed his own power was supreme over any divine authority.
b) Gods of gold are not to be worshipped. The king’s command was wrong because it was state-enforced idolatry, a direct violation of God’s law. It demanded that people give worship—due only to God—to an object representing human power. This elevated a human king to the status of a god, demanding an ultimate allegiance he did not deserve.
4) The astrologers were jealous of the power of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and would have loved to see them killed and gotten out of the way so that they could have more power.
5a) They would remain loyal to God, even if it meant death. They completely understood the power of God and would not budge.
b) My faith gives me the strength to press on despite the heaviness the world brings.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-8

Great passage and example of standing firm in your faith, no matter what.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

The idol was of considerable size. All of the public officials were to be at the dedication ceremony.

By disobeying the King’s command, the people would face death. This is an example of using religion to strengthen your power.

Despite enormous pressure to bow, they all refused. They had faith that God would rescue them if it was in His will, but if not, they were willing to die for their faith.

They stood firm. They would not “do as the Romans would do.” They would do as God would do.

Fun Fact: Daniel 3 is the only chapter in Daniel that does not mention Daniel by name.

The king’s forced worship foreshadows the End Times, where the church will be persecuted and show reverance to the beast.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 3:1-18 describes a definitive test of faith, where the absolute authority of a human king clashes with the absolute loyalty required by God.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Golden Statue and the Command: King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden statue and commands universal worship of it upon penalty of death in a fiery furnace. This act represents the ultimate demand for state-mandated idolatry, where loyalty to the king and his empire is equated with religious devotion. It is the height of human pride demanding divine honor.
  • The Accusation and Confrontation: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused of treason for refusing to comply. When confronted by the furious king, they are given a second chance, which forces their faith into a public crisis. The king’s taunt, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” frames the conflict as a direct challenge to God’s power.
  • The Declaration of Absolute Faith: The three men’s response is the theological heart of the passage. They declare that their God is able to save them, but their decision is not based on that outcome. Their statement, “But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image,” demonstrates a faith that is absolute. Their loyalty to God is not a transaction for deliverance; it is an unwavering commitment, even unto death.

In essence, this passage showcases a courageous and uncompromising faith that refuses to bow to idolatrous political pressure. It powerfully separates faith in God’s power from submission to God’s sovereign will, defining true faithfulness as obedience regardless of the personal cost.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.

Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!

5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

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map of Ephesus www.atozmomm.com

map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:1-8

Jesus talks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who acknowledges he is performing signs that require God to be with him. Jesus responds, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus is confused and wonders how someone can be born a second time in their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

3a) Nicodemus approaches at night because he is a Pharisee and does not want word to get out that he is questioning Jesus because the Pharisees are against Jesus. I think Nicodemus is curious about Christ.

b) To know him better and to be more like him.

4a) Because Jesus knows that Nicodemus needs to be born again to be saved. Jesus’ primary concern is to bring everyone to him.

b) Nicodemus is not grasping the spiritual/imagery of Jesus. He’s only thinking of the physical and what can be seen.

5) Humanity. The physical body.

6a) They are born of the flesh, not of the spirit. Those born of the Spirit who have accepted Christ as their Savior have eternal life. You mush have a new birth to have eternal life.

b) Yes. If you are born of the spirit, you are born again. Yes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Great lesson on how even the religious leaders are drawn to Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Jesus wanted to make it known that just because you were of Jewish heritage, descended from Abraham, does not guarantee a place in heaven.

To be born from above (the Hebrew meaning of the word “again”) is to be born again.

Rebirth is a central theme in the Bible. Most Jews thought they had been cleansed for God. No one understood the acceptance of Christ as the rebirth.

Born of the Spirit is the emphasis here.

Born of water has many interpretations: baptism, physical birth, born by the Word of God, born by the Holy Spirit, or the water of cleansing Ezekiel 36:25-28

Nicodemus did not have to understand to have the Spirit; he just needed to accept.

In short, no human effort can save us; only belief in the redeeming blood of Christ.

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