How Are Christians Supposed to Live as Citizens in Our Country?

Devotional

Day 1: Our Ultimate Citizenship is in Heaven

We are called to live as exiles in this world, for our true home is not of this earth. Our primary identity and allegiance belong to the kingdom of God, a reality that shapes every other aspect of our lives. This perspective allows us to engage with our earthly communities without placing our ultimate hope in them. We are temporary residents whose values and purpose are defined by a different King and a different kingdom. This truth frees us to live with purpose and hope, regardless of our earthly circumstances. [31:19]

But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

Reflection: In what specific areas of your life—such as your career, relationships, or finances—do you find it most challenging to live as though your primary citizenship is in heaven? How might shifting your perspective to that of an exile change your daily choices in those areas?

Day 2: Giving God and Government Their Proper Due

Scripture calls us to a balanced approach to authority, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. This means acknowledging the legitimate, God-instituted role of governing authorities while ensuring God always remains preeminent. The order is critical; we give to God first, which then informs how we engage with earthly systems. When we reverse this order, we risk creating idols out of political power or platforms. Our call is to honor both, while keeping our worship solely for God. [20:01]

“Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:24-25 NIV)

Reflection: Where do you see the potential for the things of Caesar (politics, national identity, civic duty) to encroach upon the things that belong solely to God in your own heart? What is one practical step you can take this week to ensure God retains His rightful place?

Day 3: The Call to Obey and the Courage to Disobey

The general rule for believers is to obey governing authorities, as they are established by God for our good and for order. However, there are clear biblical exceptions when human law directly contradicts God's law. In such rare instances, we are called to a courageous disobedience that is rooted in obedience to a higher authority. This path is not chosen lightly and often comes with a willingness to accept the consequences of our stand, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty. [26:21]

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29 NIV)

Reflection: Can you identify a modern situation, either in the broader culture or in your personal life, where a human authority might be asking you to do something that conflicts with God's clear commands? How can you prepare your heart now to respond with grace and courage if such a moment arises?

Day 4: Seeking the Peace and Prosperity of Our City

Even as exiles, we are not called to withdraw from society but to actively invest in it. We are commanded to seek the welfare, the shalom, of the cities and neighborhoods where God has placed us. This is a proactive call to love our neighbors through tangible action and prayer, contributing to the common good. Our presence should be a blessing, making our communities genuinely better places to live because the people of God are there. [38:39]

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. (Jeremiah 29:7 NIV)

Reflection: What is one specific need for peace or prosperity you see in your immediate neighborhood or city? What is one way you, personally or with your community, could actively "seek" to meet that need this month?

Day 5: Praying for All Those in Authority

A distinctly Christian response to governing authorities, especially those we disagree with, is to pray for them. This spiritual discipline moves us from passive criticism or cynical frustration to active, gospel-centered engagement. Interceding for our leaders aligns our hearts with God's desire for all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. It is a practical step of trust, acknowledging that God is ultimately sovereign over every throne and power. [59:11]

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV)

Reflection: Which specific leader or authority figure do you find most difficult to pray for? What would it look like to begin praying for that person this week, not that they would simply align with your views, but for their well-being and God's purpose in their life?

Sermon Summary

The question "How do Christians live under bad government?" frames a careful reading of Scripture that balances obedience, conscience, and witness. Scripture first requires rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God, so believers ordinarily obey governing authorities, pay taxes, and respect law and order. Romans 13 grounds a general duty to submit to rulers while the wider biblical witness clarifies serious limits: when human commands require disobedience to God, followers must obey God even if that choice brings punishment. Historical examples in the Bible—Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace, Rahab hiding the spies, and the apostles refusing orders to stop preaching—show refusal when earthly commands demand the violation of divine commands or the protection of innocent life.

Believers live as temporary residents whose primary citizenship rests in heaven. That exile identity shapes attitudes toward politics: engagement matters, but ultimate hope cannot hinge on any administration that changes every few years. Loving neighbors and seeking the peace and prosperity of the city flows from that heavenly citizenship. Scripture repeatedly calls for defending the weak, seeking justice, and exposing evil; civic engagement that protects the oppressed and addresses injustice becomes a faithful expression of love for the image-bearers God created.

The way of witness matters as much as the content. Nonviolent, principled resistance that mirrors Jesus’ peacemaking character wins credibility and preserves moral integrity. Civil disobedience may be necessary against clear injustice, but those who act should expect consequences and prepare to accept them. Prayer for leaders—whether liked or not—remains a consistent moral practice, and praying for enemies aligns actions with Jesus’ command to love and intercede. Practically, most days call for faithful obedience to law; in exceptional moments, obedience to God overrides human authority, and the Christian response must combine courage, truth, love, and humility.

Key Takeaways

1. Generally obey governing authorities Christians should treat submission to government as the default posture: tax-paying, law-following, and respectful behavior preserve social order and witness to a Creator who ordains structures for common good. Obedience becomes a primary way to testify to God’s rule when civil life allows faithful practice. Only when legal demands force violation of God's commands does this posture change. [21:25]
2. Disobey when authorities defy God Scripture draws a clear line: obedience to God supersedes obedience to human rulers whenever commands conflict. Such resistance may require civil disobedience, concealment, or costly refusal, and biblical examples model readiness to accept penalties rather than compromise core commitments. Moral clarity must pair with willingness to face consequences and pursue nonviolent, faithful means. [25:15]
3. Live as exiles with heavenly citizenship Belief in a heavenly citizenship reshapes political hope and identity; political power cannot be the ultimate anchor for life. Exile language calls for distinct values and priorities, orienting action toward long-term kingdom aims rather than short-term partisan wins. This perspective tempers zeal for any earthly regime while motivating constructive civic care. [31:19]
4. Love neighbors; seek city’s peace Faithful citizenship proves itself in concrete love: defending the poor, pursuing justice, and working for the city’s welfare even while recognizing exile status. Practical love looks different from person to person, yet all must aim at the flourishing of neighbors and the common good. Speaking against injustice, exposing evil, and serving the vulnerable become core civic duties grounded in love. [36:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:47] - Offering and prayer
[08:07] - Giving as worship
[14:38] - Question: Living under bad government
[17:29] - Prayer for scriptural guidance
[19:30] - Luke 20: Caesar and God
[21:25] - Romans 13: obeying authorities
[25:15] - Acts 5: obey God over humans
[26:42] - Daniel: refusal and consequences
[28:29] - Rahab and moral tension
[31:19] - Heavenly citizenship and exile
[36:21] - Love neighbors; seek the city
[41:46] - Civil rights example: sit-ins
[58:47] - Pray for leaders and enemies

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading: Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Observation questions

According to Romans 13:1, what is the origin of all governing authority?
What are the two primary reasons given in verses 5 for why one must be subject to governing authorities?
What four specific things are listed in verse 7 that we are to "pay" or "render" to others?
The sermon mentioned that people love Romans 13 when they like the people in charge, but not when they don't. What was the historical context of the Roman government when Paul wrote these words? [23:03]

Interpretation questions

How does the command to "be subject to governing authorities" in Romans 13 fit with the examples in Acts 5 where the apostles said they must obey God rather than men?
The passage states that rulers are "God's servant for your good." How should a believer reconcile this truth with the experience of living under a government that permits or even promotes evil?
What does it mean practically to live as an exile with heavenly citizenship [31:19] while still seeking the peace and prosperity of the city where God has placed you?
The sermon discussed the tension in the story of Rahab, where lying seemed to be the right choice to protect life. How do we navigate such moral tensions when a government's commands conflict with God's deeper principles of love and protection?

Application questions

In general, we are called to obey authority as a default posture, which includes paying taxes and following laws. [21:25] What is one practical area in your life where you can more faithfully embody this call to respectful submission?
Scripture draws a clear line that obedience to God supersedes obedience to human rulers whenever commands conflict. [25:15] Have you ever faced a situation at work, school, or in your community where you felt compelled to disobey an authority to obey God? What was the outcome, and how did you navigate the potential consequences?
Belief in a heavenly citizenship is meant to reshape our political hope and identity. [31:19] How does remembering that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven change your emotional response to the current political climate or a specific election result?
Faithful citizenship proves itself in concrete love: defending the poor, pursuing justice, and working for the city’s welfare. [36:21] What is one specific, tangible way you can "seek the peace and prosperity" of your neighborhood or city this week?
We are called to pray for all people, for kings and all those in authority. [58:47] How often do you pray for government leaders you disagree with or even consider an enemy? What would it look like to begin interceding for them regularly?
The way of witness matters as much as the content. When have you been tempted to fight for a biblical truth in a way that was not Christ-like? What would it look like to stand for that same truth with courage, love, and humility?

Sermon Clips

So give to Caesar what belongs to him. Render to Caesar what is Caesar's. Render to God what is God's. And so we need to give God his proper place, and to give the government its proper place. According to scripture, they both have their proper places. But we need to give to God what belongs to him, and then give to the government what belongs to the government. When we flip the order, we start getting idolatry. But we're so we're giving God what he what belongs to him, and he belongs in the first place, in the center of everything we do. And we give the government its proper due too. [00:19:47] (31 seconds) #GodFirstGovernmentSecond

So they are being told by authorities in their life, you need to stop talking about Jesus, and and they say, who do we obey? We know that in general we're called to obey authority, but yet at the same time, authority is telling us to do stuff that's against God's command for us. So he says, well, who do we obey? God or man? Like, we we obey God rather than authorities in our life when they contradict each other. So when when authorities tell you to go against God's will, that is a time when we disobey. [00:25:39] (30 seconds) #ObeyGodNotMan

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How Are Christians Supposed to Live as Citizens in Our Country?

Devotional

Day 1: Our Ultimate Citizenship is in Heaven

Day 2: Giving God and Government Their Proper Due

Day 3: The Call to Obey and the Courage to Disobey

Day 4: Seeking the Peace and Prosperity of Our City

Day 5: Praying for All Those in Authority

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

How Are Christians Supposed to Live as Citizens in Our Country?

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