So the people who wanted to kill Jesus are still around, so when Peter and John heal a crippled beggar and then start teaching about Jesus, everything kicks off.

They’re brought before the council who tell Peter and John; ‘never again speak or teach in the name of Jesus’.

They reply with this cracking answer, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?”

Would they have laughed whilst saying this? Said it seriously or sarcastically?

Either way it was BOLD.

Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?

Think about that sentence again. Think about its meaning, its impact, its importance.
Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 

What could we be facing right now, that we need to boldy look in the eye and say, ‘Do you really think God wants me to obey you rather than him?’

Maybe it’s that friend who keeps encouraging you to have another shot on a night out.

Maybe it’s the social media app on your phone that is soaking up all your time to spend reading your bible.

Maybe it’s your attitude towards your new church where things may be different.

Whatever it is...we are on this earth to serve Jesus and we know we want to give our complete lives to him, living in obedience to him. So what may be getting in the way at the moment?

Look it in the eye and say boldly ‘alcohol/ attitude/ time/ friend/ sport/ facebook…. Do you really think God wants me to obey you rather than him?’

It's not about dismissing these things completely... but an attitude of our priorities. Let's be excited to put God first in our lives no matter what!

Find this story in Acts 4. Have a read, a pray and spend some time with Jesus over this. Be accountable with your student leader too about what you've just prayed about.