A king conquered a nation and took young men back with him.

These young men got it. They made a decision to follow God as soon as they got there. They immediately had to say that they couldn't eat the meat offered to them. They had to stand up for what was right in the midst of an ungodly nation.

Then they stood instead of bowing to the statue. They refused to worship the physical material gods of Babylon. It is not enough to not bow down in the midst of a bunch of people, but now they are in the grace of Nebuchadnezzar himself. He gave them a chance. They didn't even think about it. That made Nebuchadnezzar even angrier! They didn't worry (lack of trust). They said God will deliver us, but if not...we still won't bow down. 3:17-18 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.

They were thrown in and God met them there! In Deuteronomy 31 and then again in Hebrews 13- God said I will never leave you nor forsake you!!

They trusted in God
They set aside the king's command
They yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

I. Trust God.
II. Love God...even when it hurts you.
III. Live for God.