April 14th, 2025
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from this week's sermon and blog post:
Day 1: The Prize of God's Satisfaction
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14
Devotional: Paul's words in Philippians echo the sentiment expressed in the sermon about seeking the right prize. Just as the apostle counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ, we too are called to reorient our priorities. What are you pursuing in life? Earthly accolades and possessions, or the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus? Today, reflect on what truly satisfies your soul. Consider how you can store up treasures in heaven through acts of love, service, and sharing the gospel. Ask God to help you find your ultimate satisfaction in Him, not in the fleeting rewards of this world.
Day 2: Confronting the Sin Problem
Reading: Romans 3:21-26
Devotional: Today's passage highlights our universal sin problem and God's solution through Christ. Unlike other religions that may focus on external behaviors or achieving enlightenment, Christianity addresses the core issue of our separation from God due to sin. Take time to honestly examine your heart. Where do you see the effects of sin in your life? How has it created distance between you and God? Rather than trying to fix yourself through good works, thank God for His grace in providing Jesus as the propitiation for our sins. Let this realization of God's mercy motivate you to live in gratitude and obedience.
Day 3: New Creation in Christ
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Devotional: The transformative power of being in Christ is beautifully expressed in today's reading. When we place our faith in Jesus, we become new creations - the old has gone, the new has come! This isn't about mere behavior modification, but a complete inner renewal. Reflect on how God has changed you since coming to faith. Where do you still need His transforming work? Remember, you are no longer defined by your past or your struggles, but by your identity in Christ. As God's ambassador, how can you share this message of reconciliation with others today?
Day 4: Living by the Spirit's Power
Reading: Galatians 5:16-25
Devotional: Our passage today contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. As the sermon emphasized, true change comes from within through the Holy Spirit's work, not through external religious observances. Consider the areas of your life where you might be relying on your own strength or adhering to religious "checklists" rather than allowing the Spirit to guide and empower you. What would it look like to more fully "keep in step with the Spirit" in your daily life? Ask God to cultivate His fruit in your heart, leading to authentic transformation.
Day 5: Storing Up Heavenly Treasures
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
Devotional: Jesus' words in this passage challenge us to reconsider where we place our ultimate value. The sermon reminded us that our earthly accomplishments and possessions won't last, but investing in God's kingdom has eternal significance. Take stock of how you use your time, talents, and resources. Are they primarily focused on temporal gains or eternal impact? Consider practical ways you can shift your focus to "storing up treasures in heaven" - perhaps through serving others, sharing your faith, or using your gifts to build up the church. Ask God to give you an eternal perspective that shapes your daily choices and priorities.
Day 1: The Prize of God's Satisfaction
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14
Devotional: Paul's words in Philippians echo the sentiment expressed in the sermon about seeking the right prize. Just as the apostle counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ, we too are called to reorient our priorities. What are you pursuing in life? Earthly accolades and possessions, or the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus? Today, reflect on what truly satisfies your soul. Consider how you can store up treasures in heaven through acts of love, service, and sharing the gospel. Ask God to help you find your ultimate satisfaction in Him, not in the fleeting rewards of this world.
Day 2: Confronting the Sin Problem
Reading: Romans 3:21-26
Devotional: Today's passage highlights our universal sin problem and God's solution through Christ. Unlike other religions that may focus on external behaviors or achieving enlightenment, Christianity addresses the core issue of our separation from God due to sin. Take time to honestly examine your heart. Where do you see the effects of sin in your life? How has it created distance between you and God? Rather than trying to fix yourself through good works, thank God for His grace in providing Jesus as the propitiation for our sins. Let this realization of God's mercy motivate you to live in gratitude and obedience.
Day 3: New Creation in Christ
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Devotional: The transformative power of being in Christ is beautifully expressed in today's reading. When we place our faith in Jesus, we become new creations - the old has gone, the new has come! This isn't about mere behavior modification, but a complete inner renewal. Reflect on how God has changed you since coming to faith. Where do you still need His transforming work? Remember, you are no longer defined by your past or your struggles, but by your identity in Christ. As God's ambassador, how can you share this message of reconciliation with others today?
Day 4: Living by the Spirit's Power
Reading: Galatians 5:16-25
Devotional: Our passage today contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. As the sermon emphasized, true change comes from within through the Holy Spirit's work, not through external religious observances. Consider the areas of your life where you might be relying on your own strength or adhering to religious "checklists" rather than allowing the Spirit to guide and empower you. What would it look like to more fully "keep in step with the Spirit" in your daily life? Ask God to cultivate His fruit in your heart, leading to authentic transformation.
Day 5: Storing Up Heavenly Treasures
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
Devotional: Jesus' words in this passage challenge us to reconsider where we place our ultimate value. The sermon reminded us that our earthly accomplishments and possessions won't last, but investing in God's kingdom has eternal significance. Take stock of how you use your time, talents, and resources. Are they primarily focused on temporal gains or eternal impact? Consider practical ways you can shift your focus to "storing up treasures in heaven" - perhaps through serving others, sharing your faith, or using your gifts to build up the church. Ask God to give you an eternal perspective that shapes your daily choices and priorities.
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