Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up. I. THE PRINCIPLE FOR WHICH WE CONTEND SHOULD BE TRUE. This should be our first consideration. The standard of right or wrong is the Bible. These young men had not now to investigate whether idolatry was allowable or not. Though the revelation of the Divine will, which they had, was not so full and clear as that with which we are favoured, it was quite decisive on this subject — and they knew it. We, too, ought to be familiar with the Scriptures, so that when any line of conduct is proposed to us we may be able instantly to say whether or not we ought to pursue it. II. TRUE PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AGAINST ALL OPPOSITION. III. TRUTH SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE. This. is of great consequence, and is often neglected. But if we fail in spirit and manner: 1. We injure our cause before men; who soon perceive our inconsistency, and put a small price upon our bad-tempered exhortations. 2. We deprive ourselves of Almighty help; without which our most earnest efforts will be vain. IV. THERE ARE ABUNDANT ENCOURAGEMENTS FOR US THUS TO MAINTAIN RIGHT PRINCIPLES. These young men were encouraged by an assurance that God's power and goodness were exercised on their behalf. They knew that God was "able," and would deliver them out of the king's hand. V. GLORIOUS RESULTS WILL FOLLOW THE CONSISTENT MAINTENANCE OF RIGHT PRINCIPLE. In the case before us, the confessors were themselves preserved and honoured, and the God whom they served was glorified. (Edward Thompson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. |
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