When should we obey
God verses obeying man?
Icebreaker: Describe a time you had to break a rule or a law. Why did you have to do it? If you had the chance to do it over, would you make the same decision? Introduction: As most of you are aware on June 26th of 2015 the Supreme Court of the United States came down with a ruling redefining the legal definition of marriage in our country. In the shadow of this landmark decision by the Supreme Court I felt it important that we study and learn what the bible has to say and teach us when we should obey God and when we should obey man.
Read Mark 12:13-17; Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.
What was the motive for the conversation that the Pharisees and Herodians had with Jesus?Because of Jesus’ popularity and the fact they didn’t like the message He was preaching, they were trying to discredit Him among the people in order to justify putting Him to death. I believe jealousy, envy, and pride were the underlying reasons why they felt the way they did about Jesus.
What question did they ask Jesus? Why do you think they asked this question?
They asked Jesus; “Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” They were trying to deceive and trap Jesus. If Jesus answered “yes” He would lose favor with the people who hated Roman domination and paying taxes to them. If Jesus answered “no” His enemies would report Him to the Roman authorities as a traitor and say He had committed treason by refusing to paying taxes to the Romans.
Note: A poll-tax to Caesar was a census tax imposed by Rome on all Jews that went directly into the Emperor’s treasury.
Note: Did you notice what they said to Jesus in verse 14 before they asked this question? We will see how Jesus responded when we discuss the next question.
How does Jesus answer their question and how do they respond to His answer?
Being the Son of God, Jesus could see through their hypocrisy and their attempt to trap Him so He says to them; “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” After Jesus took the coin He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And the people said to Him, “Caesars.” Then Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They were amazed at the ease which He escaped their trap. The religious leaders thought they had Jesus trapped and He blew their minds with His response.
Note: A denarius was a Roman coin imprinted with Tiberius Caesar's image on the front side. On the reverse side pictured Livy, Caesar’s mother, and claimed that Caesar was the High Priest. Caesar’s claim to be divine embittered the Jews.
What was Jesus teaching the people and us in His response?
I believe Jesus is saying and teaching that we need to give to the government what the law requires us to give. A government is supposed to provide for the welfare of its citizens, who are thus obligated to support the government by paying taxes. Then Jesus said we are required to give to God the things that are Gods. Ideally, there should be no conflict between the two kingdoms, but where there is disharmony allegiance to God takes precedence. I believe Jesus is teaching that we need to obey the government and authorities over us except when then the laws of man tell or ask us to do something that opposes/contradicts God’s Word and Law. Obedience to God always comes first.
Note: In Romans 13:1-7 the apostle Paul teaches and supports what Jesus taught. Both teach that we need to obey the authorities over us except when it opposes/contradicts God’s Word.
Let’s look at biblical examples when people had to disobey the laws of the land or the authorities that God had placed over them?
-Daniel provides at least three examples where obeying God took precedence over obeying man.
1) In Daniel 1:8-14 Daniel and his friends asked for permission to not defile themselves by eating food offered to idols. They found favor from the authority over them and didn’t have to eat the king’s food.
2) In Daniel chapter 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego had to disobey the king when he wanted them to bow and worship the golden image. They didn’t, and God rescued them from the fiery furnace.
3) In Daniel chapter 6 Daniel had to make the decision to obey man or God. He decided not to compromise and worship anything but the One True God. His choice resulted in him being thrown into the lions den. But, his God delivered him.
Let’s go to Acts 5 and look at an example the apostles provide for us on when obeying God takes precedence over obeying men.
-Verses 12-16 tell us that God was working signs, wonders, and miracles through the apostles.
-Peter was healing people by his shadow falling on them.
-Verses 17-26 tell us that the religious leaders (Sadducees) became jealous of the apostles and had them arrested and thrown in prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison releasing the apostles telling them to go preach the gospel message in the temple. When they went to get the apostles out in the morning they were gone. Then someone comes and tells them they are in the temple area preaching the gospel message of Jesus Christ. That is where we will pick up the story.
Read Acts 5:27-33; When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” 33 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
What does the high priest say to Peter and the apostles?
How does Peter and the apostles respond to the high priest in verse 29?
In their answer they say that they must obey God before they obey men.
Note: Peter is not sanctioning civil disobedience. He makes it clear in his writings that we are to obey civil government, but when it goes contrary to the explicit commands of God, we must obey God and be ready to suffer the consequences.
Let’s look at verses that show the importance of God’s Word and why we should obey it.
Read Psalm 19:7-11; The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
What beneficial things did you notice happen by obeying God’s Word and commandments?
Read Genesis 2:21-24; So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
What do these verses tell us? These verses show God’s definition of marriage. That he created man and woman to become one flesh which happens in a biblical marriage.
Read Mark 10:5-9; But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
What is Jesus teaching in these verses?
In these verses Jesus confirms God’s definition of marriage that was given in Genesis chapter 2. But Jesus adds something in verse 9 that isn’t in Genesis when He says; “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Jesus makes it clear in this verse that the marriage between the man and woman is forever.
Recap: You may be asking yourself why he is covering this.
The Supreme Court ruling that came down Friday June 26th redefining mans definition of marriage is a landmark decision. I felt it was important that we looked at how this ruling was in opposition to God’s definition of marriage-the biblical definition of marriage. The Supreme Court decision redefining marriage in the United States and allowing gay marriage directly disobeys God’s marriage covenant.
I believe this Supreme Court decision could bring consequences on our nation and on God’s people/church that we can’t imagine. I believe there will be persecution on any “true” Christian that opposes this new law and stands fast and obeys God’s Word.
-I believe this will bring a purging in the church of America of those who will obey God’s Word no matter what, or those who will compromise and fold to the pressure and change their beliefs to avoid persecution and suffering (reference Iraq, Syria,China).
I believe this will be a preview of the separation of the goats and sheep that Jesus talked about in Matthew 25:31-46.
I felt it was important to cover this today in order to prepare each person here so you are ready for what potentially lies ahead for our nation. The bible clearly teaches there are consequences when nations and individual people disobey God. I want to make sure you are in a right relationship with Jesus Christ so you can endure any possible persecution that lies ahead.
Before we finish this study let’s look at verses Jesus where teaches about the importance of obeying God’s Word.
John 8:31-32; So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 14:15; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:23-24; Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.
CLOSING: In this study we saw biblical examples where people had to make the decision whether to obey man or God. There may come a time for each one of us when we may need to be like Daniel and his friends or like Peter and the apostles and make the choice whether we should obey God or man. The bible clearly teaches that we must obey God if man/government asks or tells us to do something that opposes or contradicts God’s word and commandments. My prayer is that each person reading this study will be ready if that day should come.
My prayer is that each of you will be prepared for what lies ahead. That only comes by being in a right relationship with God. That comes when we surrender our will to His and ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior.
-Have you ever asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
-If you died today-where would you spend eternity?
-When God asks why should I allow you into heaven-how will you answer that question?
-Don’t wait! Today is the day of salvation.
Jesus makes in clear in Matthew 7:21-23 that only those who do the Father’s will, will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23; “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
God’s will is that everyone would obey Him and love Him like Jesus taught in Mark 12.
Read Mark 12:30; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
Icebreaker: Describe a time you had to break a rule or a law. Why did you have to do it? If you had the chance to do it over, would you make the same decision? Introduction: As most of you are aware on June 26th of 2015 the Supreme Court of the United States came down with a ruling redefining the legal definition of marriage in our country. In the shadow of this landmark decision by the Supreme Court I felt it important that we study and learn what the bible has to say and teach us when we should obey God and when we should obey man.
Read Mark 12:13-17; Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.
What was the motive for the conversation that the Pharisees and Herodians had with Jesus?Because of Jesus’ popularity and the fact they didn’t like the message He was preaching, they were trying to discredit Him among the people in order to justify putting Him to death. I believe jealousy, envy, and pride were the underlying reasons why they felt the way they did about Jesus.
What question did they ask Jesus? Why do you think they asked this question?
They asked Jesus; “Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” They were trying to deceive and trap Jesus. If Jesus answered “yes” He would lose favor with the people who hated Roman domination and paying taxes to them. If Jesus answered “no” His enemies would report Him to the Roman authorities as a traitor and say He had committed treason by refusing to paying taxes to the Romans.
Note: A poll-tax to Caesar was a census tax imposed by Rome on all Jews that went directly into the Emperor’s treasury.
Note: Did you notice what they said to Jesus in verse 14 before they asked this question? We will see how Jesus responded when we discuss the next question.
How does Jesus answer their question and how do they respond to His answer?
Being the Son of God, Jesus could see through their hypocrisy and their attempt to trap Him so He says to them; “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” After Jesus took the coin He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And the people said to Him, “Caesars.” Then Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They were amazed at the ease which He escaped their trap. The religious leaders thought they had Jesus trapped and He blew their minds with His response.
Note: A denarius was a Roman coin imprinted with Tiberius Caesar's image on the front side. On the reverse side pictured Livy, Caesar’s mother, and claimed that Caesar was the High Priest. Caesar’s claim to be divine embittered the Jews.
What was Jesus teaching the people and us in His response?
I believe Jesus is saying and teaching that we need to give to the government what the law requires us to give. A government is supposed to provide for the welfare of its citizens, who are thus obligated to support the government by paying taxes. Then Jesus said we are required to give to God the things that are Gods. Ideally, there should be no conflict between the two kingdoms, but where there is disharmony allegiance to God takes precedence. I believe Jesus is teaching that we need to obey the government and authorities over us except when then the laws of man tell or ask us to do something that opposes/contradicts God’s Word and Law. Obedience to God always comes first.
Note: In Romans 13:1-7 the apostle Paul teaches and supports what Jesus taught. Both teach that we need to obey the authorities over us except when it opposes/contradicts God’s Word.
Let’s look at biblical examples when people had to disobey the laws of the land or the authorities that God had placed over them?
-Daniel provides at least three examples where obeying God took precedence over obeying man.
1) In Daniel 1:8-14 Daniel and his friends asked for permission to not defile themselves by eating food offered to idols. They found favor from the authority over them and didn’t have to eat the king’s food.
2) In Daniel chapter 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego had to disobey the king when he wanted them to bow and worship the golden image. They didn’t, and God rescued them from the fiery furnace.
3) In Daniel chapter 6 Daniel had to make the decision to obey man or God. He decided not to compromise and worship anything but the One True God. His choice resulted in him being thrown into the lions den. But, his God delivered him.
Let’s go to Acts 5 and look at an example the apostles provide for us on when obeying God takes precedence over obeying men.
-Verses 12-16 tell us that God was working signs, wonders, and miracles through the apostles.
-Peter was healing people by his shadow falling on them.
-Verses 17-26 tell us that the religious leaders (Sadducees) became jealous of the apostles and had them arrested and thrown in prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison releasing the apostles telling them to go preach the gospel message in the temple. When they went to get the apostles out in the morning they were gone. Then someone comes and tells them they are in the temple area preaching the gospel message of Jesus Christ. That is where we will pick up the story.
Read Acts 5:27-33; When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” 33 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
What does the high priest say to Peter and the apostles?
How does Peter and the apostles respond to the high priest in verse 29?
In their answer they say that they must obey God before they obey men.
Note: Peter is not sanctioning civil disobedience. He makes it clear in his writings that we are to obey civil government, but when it goes contrary to the explicit commands of God, we must obey God and be ready to suffer the consequences.
Let’s look at verses that show the importance of God’s Word and why we should obey it.
Read Psalm 19:7-11; The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
What beneficial things did you notice happen by obeying God’s Word and commandments?
Read Genesis 2:21-24; So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
What do these verses tell us? These verses show God’s definition of marriage. That he created man and woman to become one flesh which happens in a biblical marriage.
Read Mark 10:5-9; But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
What is Jesus teaching in these verses?
In these verses Jesus confirms God’s definition of marriage that was given in Genesis chapter 2. But Jesus adds something in verse 9 that isn’t in Genesis when He says; “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Jesus makes it clear in this verse that the marriage between the man and woman is forever.
Recap: You may be asking yourself why he is covering this.
The Supreme Court ruling that came down Friday June 26th redefining mans definition of marriage is a landmark decision. I felt it was important that we looked at how this ruling was in opposition to God’s definition of marriage-the biblical definition of marriage. The Supreme Court decision redefining marriage in the United States and allowing gay marriage directly disobeys God’s marriage covenant.
I believe this Supreme Court decision could bring consequences on our nation and on God’s people/church that we can’t imagine. I believe there will be persecution on any “true” Christian that opposes this new law and stands fast and obeys God’s Word.
-I believe this will bring a purging in the church of America of those who will obey God’s Word no matter what, or those who will compromise and fold to the pressure and change their beliefs to avoid persecution and suffering (reference Iraq, Syria,China).
I believe this will be a preview of the separation of the goats and sheep that Jesus talked about in Matthew 25:31-46.
I felt it was important to cover this today in order to prepare each person here so you are ready for what potentially lies ahead for our nation. The bible clearly teaches there are consequences when nations and individual people disobey God. I want to make sure you are in a right relationship with Jesus Christ so you can endure any possible persecution that lies ahead.
Before we finish this study let’s look at verses Jesus where teaches about the importance of obeying God’s Word.
John 8:31-32; So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 14:15; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:23-24; Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.
CLOSING: In this study we saw biblical examples where people had to make the decision whether to obey man or God. There may come a time for each one of us when we may need to be like Daniel and his friends or like Peter and the apostles and make the choice whether we should obey God or man. The bible clearly teaches that we must obey God if man/government asks or tells us to do something that opposes or contradicts God’s word and commandments. My prayer is that each person reading this study will be ready if that day should come.
My prayer is that each of you will be prepared for what lies ahead. That only comes by being in a right relationship with God. That comes when we surrender our will to His and ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior.
-Have you ever asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
-If you died today-where would you spend eternity?
-When God asks why should I allow you into heaven-how will you answer that question?
-Don’t wait! Today is the day of salvation.
Jesus makes in clear in Matthew 7:21-23 that only those who do the Father’s will, will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23; “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
God’s will is that everyone would obey Him and love Him like Jesus taught in Mark 12.
Read Mark 12:30; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
