INTRODUCTION

In every country around the world, believers should be the most faithful and conscientious citizens. Yet, what constitutes a faithful, conscientious citizen may surprise most people. Faithfulness should manifest itself most notably in two areas: (1) prayer and (2) obedience. In Paul’s first epistle to Timothy, he exhorted believers to pray, intercede, and give thanks for “kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
See All...). He concluded that this prayer, interceding, and giving of thanks “is good and acceptable in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 2:3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
See All...). As believers pray for their leaders, God blesses the believers with the opportunity to “lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1 Timothy 2:2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
See All...). In addition to prayer, believers should willingly submit themselves to “them that have the rule over” them (Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
See All...). Interestingly, believers are to do this, not for personal gain, but “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13-17 [13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; [14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. [15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: [16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children):  Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
  See All... and Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
  See All... tell us to obey those in authority. Although Daniel lived before these passages were written, he submitted to king Darius. His enemies could find no error or fault in him (Daniel 6:4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
  See All...). When David died, the people submitted themselves to Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:23-24 [23] Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. [24] And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Why is it so important for believers to have a proper testimony as law abiding citizens? How does your behaviour reflect upon the gospel of Christ?
• How should a believer react if his government forbids him from obeying the plain, direct teachings of scripture? What Bible verse would you use as your authority for this way of thinking?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you to be a better citizen.
• Thank God for the opportunity to bring Him glory.

HYMN

APPROACH, MY SOUL, THE MERCY SEAT

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