How should we respond to God's appointed leaders in light of Acts 7:27? Focus Verse Acts 7:27: “But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’ ” What Went Wrong in Acts 7:27 • Pride rejected God’s choice • Self-interest preferred personal autonomy over divine order • Violence replaced humble dialogue • A short-sighted view ignored the wider plan of deliverance God was unfolding through Moses Timeless Principles Drawn from the Verse • Rejecting God’s leader is ultimately rejecting God (cf. 1 Samuel 8:7; Romans 13:2) • Human weakness in leaders never nullifies their divine appointment (Numbers 12:1-8) • God often works rescue through the very authority we are tempted to dismiss (Exodus 3:10; Acts 7:35) How We Should Respond to God’s Appointed Leaders • Recognize the Source – See leadership as delegated by God (Romans 13:1) • Honor with Words and Attitudes – Speak respectfully (Ecclesiastes 10:20; Titus 3:1-2) • Submit in Action – Obey lawful directives (Hebrews 13:17) – Follow gladly when conscience is clear (Acts 23:5) • Pray Consistently – Intercede for wisdom, integrity, and courage (1 Timothy 2:1-2) • Support Practically – Offer help, encouragement, and resources (Exodus 17:12; Philippians 4:14-16) • Appeal Biblically When Necessary – If commanded to sin, respectfully refuse and accept consequences (Acts 4:19-20) – Use proper channels for appeal (Acts 25:10-11) Positive Models to Emulate • David sparing Saul twice—honor for the office despite Saul’s failures (1 Samuel 24; 26) • Daniel serving pagan kings faithfully while keeping God’s law (Daniel 6) • Paul cooperating with Roman authorities yet boldly preaching Christ (Acts 24–26) Practical Steps for Today 1. List the leaders God has placed over you—family, church, workplace, civil. 2. Identify any attitudes mirroring the man in Acts 7:27. Confess and repent. 3. Choose one tangible way this week to express honor (note, text, act of service). 4. Set a daily reminder to pray for each leader by name. 5. When disagreement arises, plan a respectful, Scripture-guided appeal rather than knee-jerk resistance. The Bigger Picture When we honor God’s appointed leaders, we align with His sovereign design, invite His blessing, and become agents of peace and order in a chaotic world (1 Peter 2:13-17; Proverbs 24:21). |
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