Ultimately the God given Purpose of Government are two things: to protect the innocent and to punish the guilty.

The Christian basis for morality is not surveying what sinful, rebellious people consider to be “good” at a particular moment in time and vote on it. Our basis is the unchanging revealed will of God.

The Hebrew midwives – Exodus 1:15-22
The parents of Moses – Exodus 2:1-2

Elijah – 1 Kings 18
Mordecai – Esther 3:1-6
Esther – Esther 4
Jeremiah – Jeremiah 38:1-6
Daniel’s friends – Daniel 3
Daniel – Daniel 6
The Wise men – Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus and the disciples – Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 12:1-8 and Luke 6:1-5
Peter and John – Acts 4:1-22
The Apostles – Acts 5:17-42
Paul and Silas – Acts 16:16–40

TALK IT OVER

Understanding God’s Authority vs. Human Authority
1. In Romans 13:3-4, Paul explains that God establishes authority to protect the innocent and punish wrongdoing. How does this purpose help us understand the role of government in society?

2. What happens when a government enforces policies that contradict God’s Word? Can you think of any modern examples that might reflect this conflict?

Following God’s Moral Standard
3. The message emphasized that good and evil are defined by God, not by human law. Reflecting on Acts 5:29, where Peter and John declare, “We must obey God rather than human beings,” how do you think this attitude affected their faith and courage in times of opposition?

Biblical Examples of Civil Disobedience
4. Read Exodus 1:15-22. How did the Hebrew midwives show courage by refusing Pharaoh’s command, and what impact did their faith-driven choice have on God’s people?

5. In Daniel 6, Daniel defied a law prohibiting prayer and continued to worship God openly. How did his obedience to God influence others, and what can we learn from his faithfulness?

Applying Civil Disobedience Today
6. When, if ever, do you believe it is appropriate for Christians to disobey human laws to stay faithful to God? How can we approach these situations with wisdom and humility?

7. If you were in a situation where obeying God meant going against a rule at work, school, or even a government law, how would you respond? What practical steps would help you prepare for such a choice?

The Call to Courage and Faith
8. How can we show others the love of Christ and the truth of the Gospel even when societal values differ from God’s ways?

9. The apostles continued sharing the Gospel despite threats from authorities, finding joy even in persecution. In what ways can we strengthen our commitment to Christ’s mission, regardless of the opposition we might face?

Living Out Our Faith Boldly
10. If sharing your faith became restricted where you live, how would you handle it? How can you rely on God’s Spirit to speak through you even in challenging times?

11. The message highlighted that obedience to God sometimes requires saying no to human authority. How does this principle challenge you personally, and how might it shape your decisions going forward?