Today's passage echoes this week's theme of obedience. As we touched on this week, obedience and joy go hand in hand. Obedience can seem obligatory, but Christian obedience is a responsive obedience. God enables us to obey because He first demonstrated that for us through Jesus. Moreover, His Spirit strengthens and guides us in obedience, then fills us with joy when we follow through.

With all that God has done and continues to do, how can we do anything but obey? This is the heart set of Peter and the apostles in today's passage. Even when the world consistently provides alternatives to that obedience and glorifies the disillusioned view that man-made systems, social mores, and even worship of self being the key to happiness, we know better because God has taught us better and has proven it Himself.

May the word of God shape us into leading lives of obedience to Him.

Acts 5.29

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What are the two entities competing for obedience?

+ What was the unified response of the apostles?

+ How do you anticipate this statement was received by the religious leaders (high priest and council) to whom it was directed?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ In what areas of your life do you need to apply today's lesson of obedience to God and not man?

+ With whom can you unify with in the same way as the apostles?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?