Worship and allegiance

Exodus 20:1–6; Daniel 3; Revelation 13

Use your preferred translation.

When does cooperation with an authority become submission that belongs only to God?

• What does the passage say? Restate it in your own words before interpreting it.
• Who is speaking, and to whom?
• What is the surrounding context — what comes just before and after?
• Which words or phrases repeat or stand out?

1. The first commandments begin with what God has done (Exodus 20:2). How does that shape the command that follows?
2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served in Babylon’s government. Where did they cooperate, and where did they refuse?
3. In Revelation 13, what is demanded of people, and what is promised or threatened to secure it?

Is there any loyalty — to a job, group, nation, or comfort — that quietly asks for more than it should?

Notice this week where your time, money, and attention go first, and offer that first portion to God deliberately.

Confess any divided loyalty and ask God for courage to give worship to Him alone.