May 27th, 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: Justified by Faith
Reading: Romans 3:21-28, Romans 5:1-2
Devotional: Today we focus on the foundational truth of justification by faith. As we read in Romans, we are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own works or efforts. This incredible gift of grace transforms our relationship with God, giving us peace and access to His presence.
Reflect on what it means to be justified by faith. How does this truth impact your daily life? Consider areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own righteousness rather than Christ's. Take time to thank God for His freely given grace and the assurance of salvation it brings.
Day 2: New Life in Christ
Reading: Romans 6:1-11, Colossians 2:11-14
Devotional: Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. As we're immersed in water, we picture our old self being buried with Christ. As we rise, we celebrate the new life we have in Him. This isn't just a ritual, but a powerful reminder of the spiritual reality of our salvation.
Consider your own baptism or, if you haven't been baptized, what it would mean to take this step of obedience. How does the idea of being "dead to sin but alive to God" challenge you? Identify one area of your life where you need to live out this new identity in Christ more fully.
Day 3: Freedom from Sin's Slavery
Reading: Romans 6:15-23, John 8:31-36
Devotional: One of the great promises of the gospel is freedom from sin's power. While we still struggle with sin, we are no longer enslaved to it. Christ has broken sin's dominion over us, allowing us to choose righteousness and experience true freedom.
Reflect on areas where you still feel bound by sin. How can you practically apply the truth that you are no longer a slave to sin but a servant of righteousness? Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you – free and empowered to live for Him.
Day 4: Obedience as an Act of Love
Reading: John 14:15-24, 1 John 5:1-5
Devotional: Jesus taught that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience. This includes following His commands, such as baptism for believers. Obedience isn't about earning God's love, but rather a response to the love we've already received.
Consider your motivations for obeying God. Are you driven by duty, fear, or love? How might your obedience change if it flowed more from a place of love and gratitude? Choose one area where you can express your love for God through joyful obedience today.
Day 5: Living Out Our New Identity
Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:1-17
Devotional: As believers, we are called to "put off" our old self and "put on" the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This is a daily process of aligning our lives with our new identity in Christ.
Reflect on the characteristics of the "new self" described in these passages. Which qualities do you see growing in your life? Where do you still struggle with "old self" tendencies? Ask God to help you increasingly live out your new identity, empowered by His Spirit.
Day 1: Justified by Faith
Reading: Romans 3:21-28, Romans 5:1-2
Devotional: Today we focus on the foundational truth of justification by faith. As we read in Romans, we are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own works or efforts. This incredible gift of grace transforms our relationship with God, giving us peace and access to His presence.
Reflect on what it means to be justified by faith. How does this truth impact your daily life? Consider areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own righteousness rather than Christ's. Take time to thank God for His freely given grace and the assurance of salvation it brings.
Day 2: New Life in Christ
Reading: Romans 6:1-11, Colossians 2:11-14
Devotional: Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. As we're immersed in water, we picture our old self being buried with Christ. As we rise, we celebrate the new life we have in Him. This isn't just a ritual, but a powerful reminder of the spiritual reality of our salvation.
Consider your own baptism or, if you haven't been baptized, what it would mean to take this step of obedience. How does the idea of being "dead to sin but alive to God" challenge you? Identify one area of your life where you need to live out this new identity in Christ more fully.
Day 3: Freedom from Sin's Slavery
Reading: Romans 6:15-23, John 8:31-36
Devotional: One of the great promises of the gospel is freedom from sin's power. While we still struggle with sin, we are no longer enslaved to it. Christ has broken sin's dominion over us, allowing us to choose righteousness and experience true freedom.
Reflect on areas where you still feel bound by sin. How can you practically apply the truth that you are no longer a slave to sin but a servant of righteousness? Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you – free and empowered to live for Him.
Day 4: Obedience as an Act of Love
Reading: John 14:15-24, 1 John 5:1-5
Devotional: Jesus taught that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience. This includes following His commands, such as baptism for believers. Obedience isn't about earning God's love, but rather a response to the love we've already received.
Consider your motivations for obeying God. Are you driven by duty, fear, or love? How might your obedience change if it flowed more from a place of love and gratitude? Choose one area where you can express your love for God through joyful obedience today.
Day 5: Living Out Our New Identity
Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:1-17
Devotional: As believers, we are called to "put off" our old self and "put on" the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This is a daily process of aligning our lives with our new identity in Christ.
Reflect on the characteristics of the "new self" described in these passages. Which qualities do you see growing in your life? Where do you still struggle with "old self" tendencies? Ask God to help you increasingly live out your new identity, empowered by His Spirit.
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