To Whom is Our Allegiance?

N.T.#412 "To Whom is Our Allegiance?"

Oct. 21, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Many people have been put in prison because of their allegiance to God. How strong is our faith?

How do we find out about something if we don't ask questions? However, the 3 questions put to Jesus was not for learning or instruction. The three groups of people questioning Jesus were not for information, but to test or trap Him. Maybe they could get Jesus to say something for which He could be arrested. 

The first group was the Pharisees and Herodians to ask buttered Jesus up first, saying, Teacher, we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar of not? Should we pay them, or shouldn't we? (verses 14-15a, NLT)

they began with flattery and sweet talk, Jesus knew they were trying to trap Him, so He asked for a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it? (verse 16)

How did Jesus answer? Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.  (verse 17)

His reply completely amazed them. Until Christ returns, we need money, but we must not serve it. We obey governing authorities, but we do not serve them when their law conflicts with God's. (Swindoll)

The Pharisees and Herodians failed to trap Jesus with their tax question.

LET IT GROW

As a Christian, when is it right to resist, defy, a government?

1. When a law commands us to violate a command of God. An example is found in Acts 4:19-20:
2. When an authority commits immoral or unethical acts. 
3. When an authority compels us to compromise our Christian convictions, which violates our Spirit-guided conscience. (Swindoll)

God is sovereign and His authority we yield to, therefore, we render to God the things that are God's. He ordained government authority to keep humanity from tearing itself apart. We don't advocate overthrowing the government just because it is not God's kingdom.

Are we giving to our government the taxes required in order for us to be a good citizen? Are we giving our tithes and offerings to God as we should? Is our commitment to God greater? Are we giving to God what is rightfully His?

LET IT GO

Gjive us strength to remain faithful to You, Father God.

May our life honor You as we show we are a good citizen.