Living Faithfully Under Earthly Authority

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment in the Face of Hidden Motives

Discernment is essential when navigating conversations and situations where others may have hidden agendas or seek to provoke us. Jesus modeled this by seeing through the flattery and deceit of the religious leaders, responding with patience and awareness rather than reacting impulsively. In our own lives, we encounter people who may use compliments, loaded questions, or subtle pressures to influence our decisions or challenge our beliefs. By pausing to reflect, pray, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can respond thoughtfully and protect our integrity, ensuring that our actions and words honor God. [47:00]

Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps."

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to pray before responding to a difficult question or comment? How might taking a “God pause” change your next challenging conversation?

Day 2: Answering with Wisdom and Grace

When faced with difficult or challenging questions, wisdom calls us to respond in a way that is both truthful and gracious. Jesus did not fall into the trap of a yes-or-no answer about paying taxes to Caesar; instead, He reframed the issue, revealing a deeper principle and avoiding unnecessary conflict. Our words, when seasoned with grace and guided by the Holy Spirit, can diffuse hostility and open doors to meaningful conversations about faith. Let us seek wisdom through Scripture and prayer, so that our responses reflect the character of Christ and point others to God. [51:45]

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you felt pressured to take sides or defend your beliefs—how could you have responded with more wisdom and grace?

Day 3: Faithful Discipleship Includes Civic Responsibility

Being a faithful disciple of Jesus means fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens, such as paying taxes, obeying laws, and respecting rightful authority. Jesus affirmed that these practical obligations are not separate from our spiritual lives but are an expression of our integrity and witness. At the same time, our obedience to earthly authorities is always limited by our higher allegiance to God. We are called to live responsibly before God, balancing civic duties with unwavering devotion to Him, so that our participation in society points others to the One who reigns above all. [54:36]

Romans 13:1 (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."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate integrity and faithfulness to God through your everyday responsibilities as a citizen this week?

Day 4: Bearing God’s Image—Our Lives Belong to Him

We are created in the image of God, and this truth means that our lives, devotion, and priorities ultimately belong to Him. While we may owe certain duties to earthly authorities, our deepest loyalty and love are reserved for God alone. The world may claim our time, labor, or resources, but it can never rightfully claim our hearts. As image bearers, we are called to reflect God in every area of life, offering ourselves as living sacrifices and honoring Him above all else. [57:18]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been giving God only what is left over, rather than your first and best? What step can you take today to honor Him first?

Day 5: Our Ultimate Allegiance Belongs to God

Jesus’ teaching reminds us that while we have legitimate earthly obligations, no human authority or institution can claim our ultimate allegiance. God alone deserves our full devotion, and every other loyalty must be measured against His will. In a world filled with competing priorities and pressures, we are challenged to examine where our loyalties may be misplaced and to realign our hearts so that God remains at the center. Let us seek first His kingdom, ensuring that our time, resources, and influence are used to honor Him above all else. [01:01:28]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: Where in your life might you be giving more energy, attention, or devotion to “Caesar” than to God? What practical change can you make this week to put God back at the center?

Sermon Summary

In Luke 20:20-26, Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who attempt to trap Him with a loaded question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their intent is not genuine curiosity but to force Jesus into a no-win situation—either alienate the Jewish people by supporting Roman taxes or risk arrest by opposing them. Jesus, however, responds with remarkable discernment and wisdom. He asks for a coin, points out Caesar’s image on it, and delivers the profound instruction: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This answer not only avoids their trap but also redirects the conversation to a much deeper issue: the question of ultimate allegiance and identity.

The story is not just about taxes or politics; it’s about living faithfully in a world full of tests, pressures, and hidden agendas. Jesus models discernment, seeing through flattery and manipulation, and shows the importance of pausing, reflecting, and seeking God’s wisdom before responding. In a culture where questions are often designed to provoke or divide, followers of Christ are called to answer with grace and truth, aligning their words and actions with God’s character.

Jesus’ response also teaches that faithful discipleship involves fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens—paying taxes, obeying laws, and respecting authorities—while never confusing these duties with our ultimate devotion. Earthly authorities have their place, but they are always subordinate to God’s authority. As image-bearers of God, our lives, priorities, and deepest loyalties belong to Him alone. The world may claim our time, resources, and attention, but only God can claim our hearts.

This passage challenges us to examine where our loyalties truly lie. Are we giving more of ourselves—our time, energy, and devotion—to “Caesar” than to God? It calls us to realign our hearts, ensuring that God remains at the center of our lives, and that every other obligation is measured against our allegiance to Him. Ultimately, living in the kingdom means reflecting God’s image in all we do, giving Him our first and best, and letting our lives point others to His lordship.

Key Takeaways

1. Discernment is essential in a world full of hidden motives and manipulative questions. Jesus models the ability to see beyond appearances, responding with patience and spiritual wisdom rather than impulsiveness. This kind of discernment protects our integrity and witness, helping us navigate situations where others may seek to provoke or trap us. We must learn to pause, pray, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance before we respond. [47:00]
2. Wisdom in our words is not about cleverness but about aligning our responses with God’s truth. Jesus reframes the trap question, avoiding unnecessary conflict and exposing deeper realities. When faced with challenging or divisive questions, we are called to answer with grace, gentleness, and faithfulness, allowing our words to reflect Christ’s character and open doors for meaningful conversations. [50:28]
3. Faithful discipleship includes fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens, such as paying taxes and respecting authorities, but always within the boundaries of our higher allegiance to God. Earthly obligations matter, yet they are never ultimate. When societal expectations conflict with God’s commands, our loyalty to the Lord must take precedence, reflecting a balanced and faithful citizenship. [54:00]
4. Bearing God’s image means our lives, priorities, and devotion ultimately belong to Him. While the world may claim our resources or attention, only God can claim our hearts and worship. This truth challenges us to examine whether we are giving God our first and best, or merely what is left over after other demands are met, calling us to a whole-life surrender. [57:18]
5. Our ultimate allegiance must always belong to God, above every earthly authority or competing loyalty. Jesus’ teaching compels us to evaluate where our priorities lie and to ensure that no human institution, relationship, or pursuit takes precedence over God’s will. Maintaining this allegiance requires courage, discernment, and integrity, as we steward our lives to honor God first in all things. [60:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:30] - Introduction: The Trap at the Table
[40:42] - Loaded Questions and Hidden Agendas
[42:19] - Jesus Faces the Trap
[43:08] - The Tax Question: No Safe Answer
[43:53] - Jesus’ Brilliant Response
[44:23] - Shifting from Politics to Allegiance
[45:05] - Reading the Text: Luke 20:20-26
[46:42] - The Importance of Discernment
[48:43] - Seeking Spiritual Wisdom
[49:22] - Answering with Wisdom and Grace
[53:07] - Faithful Discipleship and Civic Responsibility
[56:31] - Bearing God’s Image: Our True Devotion
[59:23] - Our Ultimate Allegiance to God
[63:58] - Examining Our Loyalties
[67:18] - Responding to God’s Call and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 20:20-26 (ESV) — 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.
21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.”
25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

Observation Questions

What tactics did the religious leaders use when they approached Jesus with their question about taxes? ([42:39])
How did Jesus respond to their question, and what object did he use to make his point? ([43:53])
According to the passage, what was the reaction of the religious leaders and the crowd after Jesus answered? ([46:05])
What two different “claims” or authorities does Jesus acknowledge in his answer? ([44:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with a question about taxes, rather than asking a sincere question? What does this reveal about their motives? ([42:19])
Jesus says, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” What deeper issue is Jesus addressing beyond just paying taxes? ([44:23])
The sermon mentions that discernment is needed to see through flattery and manipulation. Why is discernment so important for followers of Jesus today? ([47:00])
How does Jesus’ response model both wisdom and grace when faced with a divisive or loaded question? ([50:28])

Application Questions

The sermon talks about “pausing to reflect, pray, and evaluate intentions” before responding to difficult questions. Can you think of a recent situation where you responded impulsively? How might a “God pause” have changed your response? ([48:20])
Jesus fulfilled his responsibilities as a citizen (like paying taxes) but never confused them with his ultimate loyalty to God. Are there areas in your life where you feel tension between your earthly responsibilities and your devotion to God? How do you navigate that tension? ([54:00])
The message challenges us to examine where our loyalties truly lie. Is there something in your life right now—work, approval, comfort, politics—that is getting more of your time, energy, or devotion than God? What would it look like to realign your priorities? ([01:03:58])
The world often tries to claim our attention, resources, and affection. What are some practical ways you can ensure that God gets your “first and best” rather than just what’s left over? ([57:18])
When have you been in a conversation where someone tried to provoke or trap you with a question about faith, politics, or another sensitive topic? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([41:27])
The sermon says, “Maintaining allegiance to God requires courage, discernment, and integrity.” Which of these do you find most challenging, and why? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area? ([01:02:00])
The closing prayer asked God to reveal any obstacles that are “blinding us from you.” Is there something specific you sense God is asking you to remove or surrender so that He can be at the center of your life? ([01:09:00])

Sermon Clips

This passage reminds us that wisdom is not about clever words, or it's about aligning our answers with God's truth. The leaders tried to corner Jesus into making a false choice, yet he reframed the issue to reveal a deeper principle. [00:50:24] (19 seconds) #GracefulFaithfulSpeech

This wisdom, it comes through scripture, it comes through prayer, and it comes through reliance on the Holy Spirit, teaching us when to speak and what to say and how to reflect God's truth. Our text calls us to answer wisely when faced with difficult questions. Like Jesus, we are to respond with grace, always remembering that our words are an opportunity to honor God and point others to Him. [00:52:15] (31 seconds) #HigherAllegiance

Our civic responsibility, therefore, is not separate from discipleship. It's an expression of it. And at the same time, Jesus is drawing a boundary. Caesar is not ultimate. God is. Our obedience to earthly authorities is limited by our higher allegiance to the Lord. [00:54:49] (22 seconds) #LoyaltyToGodFirst

And Jesus reminds us that being a faithful disciple includes being a responsible citizen. We give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but we never forget that our highest devotion belongs to God alone. Giving to Caesar has its place, but bearing God's image means our deepest devotion belongs to Him. [00:56:09] (25 seconds) #ExamineYourAllegiance

``Bearing God's image means our lives and devotion ultimately belong to Him. When Jesus asked for a denarius in verse 24, He points out the image in the inscription on Caesar on the coin. His response, give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, takes the discussion to a deeper level. The coin belongs to Caesar because it bears His image. But human beings belong to God because we bear His image. [00:56:37] (36 seconds) #GodAtTheCenter

This truth reminds us that while we may owe certain duties to earthly authorities, our ultimate devotion and loyalty belong to God. Caesar could demand coins, but he could never demand the worship, love, and obedience that belong only to God. In the same way, the world may claim our time, our labor, our resources, but it can never rightfully claim our hearts. [00:57:12] (30 seconds)

Just as the coin that bore Caesar's likeness, our lives should display God's likeness. And Jesus' teaching reminds us that Caesar may hold a temporary claim on us, but God holds the eternal one. Because we bear His image, our ultimate devotion, it belongs to Him. [00:58:51] (20 seconds)

By saying, give to God what is God's, Jesus reminds us that no system, no law, no leader can claim ultimate authority over our hearts. God alone deserves our full devotion, and every other obligation must be measured against that standard. [01:01:05] (22 seconds)

The clarity of Jesus' instruction in Luke 20 reminds us that when God's claim on our lives are clear, no human expectation should take precedence. If our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, then I think it's worth asking ourselves the final question in your bulletin this morning. Where in our lives might we be giving more to Caesar than to God? [01:03:37] (33 seconds)

So this question asks us to examine whether or not our loyalties are misplaced. Earthly responsibilities matter, but when they overshadow our devotion to God, they become idols. And Jesus reminds us that while Caesar may have a temporary claim on coins and taxes, God has an eternal claim on our lives. We bear his image, which means our love, our obedience, and our allegiance are due to him above all else. [01:05:12] (38 seconds)

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