Introductory Thoughts
It should never be the desire of any believer to stand against his own government. At the same time, each believer will, at some point, be confronted with the conflicting choice to obey God rather than to obey men’s anti-scriptural precepts. When confronted with this very issue, Simon Peter gave believers a simple principle by which to live, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” So long as government does not overstep its God-given bounds, the believer should joyfully submit. Yet, when the government opposes the clear teachings of scripture, the believer should choose to obey God. The disciples did not choose to simply rebel against the authorities, but they stood their ground because the scripture demanded that they submit to a higher authority.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The rulers had already threatened Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Their answer at that time should have let them know they could not obey their request (Acts 4:15-20). Acts 5:29 also applies to Daniel 3:15-18 and Daniel 6:6-10.
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(For everyone): Do you look for ways to be in opposition to your government? How is this a sure indicator of a rebellious heart? What is Gods desire for your relationship to government?
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What are some areas in which you foresee that you are going to have to disobey the government in order to obey God? How can you resolve to do right before those situations arise?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to follow the Lord.
- Ask God to give you grace to do right with humility.
Song
DARE TO BE A DANIEL
