August 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: The Supremacy of Christ
Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Devotional: As we begin our journey through Colossians, we're immediately confronted with the magnificent truth of Christ's supremacy. Paul paints a breathtaking picture of Jesus as the "image of the invisible God" and the one through whom and for whom all things were created. In a world that constantly tries to diminish Christ's importance or reduce Him to just another religious figure, this passage stands as a powerful reminder of His true nature and position.
Reflect on how you view Christ in your daily life. Do you see Him as supreme over all things, including your challenges, fears, and ambitions? Consider areas where you might be tempted to place other things above Christ, whether it's your career, relationships, or personal goals. How might your life change if you truly lived with the understanding that Christ is "before all things, and in him all things hold together"?
Today, make a conscious effort to acknowledge Christ's supremacy in every aspect of your life. When faced with decisions or difficulties, pause and remind yourself that the One who holds all things together is with you and for you.
Day 2: The Mystery of Christ in You
Reading: Colossians 1:24-29
Devotional: Paul speaks of a profound mystery that has been revealed: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This incredible truth is at the heart of our faith and identity as believers. It's not just that we follow Christ's teachings or try to emulate His example, but that He actually dwells within us through His Spirit.
Think about what it means to have Christ living in you. How does this reality change the way you view yourself and your potential for spiritual growth and impact? Often, we can feel inadequate or ill-equipped for the challenges we face or the calling God has placed on our lives. But the truth is, we have the very power of Christ within us!
Today, whenever you feel weak, inadequate, or discouraged, remind yourself of this mystery: Christ is in you. Let this truth empower you to face your day with confidence, knowing that you have access to divine strength and wisdom. Look for opportunities to let Christ's presence shine through you in your interactions with others.
Day 3: Rooted and Built Up in Christ
Reading: Colossians 2:6-15
Devotional: Paul urges the Colossians to continue living in Christ, "rooted and built up in him." This agricultural and architectural imagery paints a vivid picture of our spiritual growth. Just as a tree needs deep roots to withstand storms and produce fruit, and a building needs a solid foundation to stand tall, we need to be firmly established in Christ.
Consider the state of your spiritual roots. Are they deep and nourished, drawing constantly from the living water of Christ? Or are they shallow, easily swayed by the winds of cultural pressures and false teachings? Reflect on what practices help you stay rooted in Christ - perhaps it's regular Bible study, prayer, worship, or fellowship with other believers.
Today, focus on deepening your roots in Christ. Spend extra time in prayer, meditate on a Scripture passage, or reach out to a fellow believer for encouragement. Remember that your identity and completeness are found in Christ alone, not in human philosophies or worldly achievements.
Day 4: Setting Your Mind on Things Above
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: In this passage, Paul challenges us to set our hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This call to heavenly-mindedness is not an invitation to detach from earthly responsibilities, but rather to view our earthly lives through the lens of our heavenly citizenship.
Reflect on where your mind tends to dwell most often. Are you consumed with earthly worries, ambitions, or pleasures? Or do you regularly consider your life in light of eternity and God's kingdom purposes? Setting our minds on things above doesn't mean we ignore our earthly lives, but that we approach them with eternal perspective and values.
Today, practice "setting your mind on things above" by starting your day with a time of worship or thanksgiving. Throughout the day, when you encounter challenges or make decisions, pause to consider how your heavenly citizenship should inform your response. Look for ways to bring a touch of heaven to your earthly interactions and tasks.
Day 5: Putting on the New Self
Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Devotional: Paul describes the beautiful transformation that takes place when we "put on" our new self in Christ. This isn't about external behavior modification, but an inner renewal that manifests in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It's a call to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to let His word dwell in us richly.
Consider the qualities Paul lists. Which ones come naturally to you, and which ones do you struggle with? Remember that these are not traits we must manufacture on our own, but rather the fruit of allowing Christ to live through us. As you "put on" these qualities, you're essentially putting on Christ Himself.
Today, focus on one of the qualities mentioned in this passage that you find challenging. Ask God to develop this trait in you through His Spirit. Look for specific opportunities to practice this quality in your interactions with others. End your day by thanking God for the ways He is transforming you into the image of Christ, and ask for His continued work in your life.
Day 1: The Supremacy of Christ
Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Devotional: As we begin our journey through Colossians, we're immediately confronted with the magnificent truth of Christ's supremacy. Paul paints a breathtaking picture of Jesus as the "image of the invisible God" and the one through whom and for whom all things were created. In a world that constantly tries to diminish Christ's importance or reduce Him to just another religious figure, this passage stands as a powerful reminder of His true nature and position.
Reflect on how you view Christ in your daily life. Do you see Him as supreme over all things, including your challenges, fears, and ambitions? Consider areas where you might be tempted to place other things above Christ, whether it's your career, relationships, or personal goals. How might your life change if you truly lived with the understanding that Christ is "before all things, and in him all things hold together"?
Today, make a conscious effort to acknowledge Christ's supremacy in every aspect of your life. When faced with decisions or difficulties, pause and remind yourself that the One who holds all things together is with you and for you.
Day 2: The Mystery of Christ in You
Reading: Colossians 1:24-29
Devotional: Paul speaks of a profound mystery that has been revealed: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This incredible truth is at the heart of our faith and identity as believers. It's not just that we follow Christ's teachings or try to emulate His example, but that He actually dwells within us through His Spirit.
Think about what it means to have Christ living in you. How does this reality change the way you view yourself and your potential for spiritual growth and impact? Often, we can feel inadequate or ill-equipped for the challenges we face or the calling God has placed on our lives. But the truth is, we have the very power of Christ within us!
Today, whenever you feel weak, inadequate, or discouraged, remind yourself of this mystery: Christ is in you. Let this truth empower you to face your day with confidence, knowing that you have access to divine strength and wisdom. Look for opportunities to let Christ's presence shine through you in your interactions with others.
Day 3: Rooted and Built Up in Christ
Reading: Colossians 2:6-15
Devotional: Paul urges the Colossians to continue living in Christ, "rooted and built up in him." This agricultural and architectural imagery paints a vivid picture of our spiritual growth. Just as a tree needs deep roots to withstand storms and produce fruit, and a building needs a solid foundation to stand tall, we need to be firmly established in Christ.
Consider the state of your spiritual roots. Are they deep and nourished, drawing constantly from the living water of Christ? Or are they shallow, easily swayed by the winds of cultural pressures and false teachings? Reflect on what practices help you stay rooted in Christ - perhaps it's regular Bible study, prayer, worship, or fellowship with other believers.
Today, focus on deepening your roots in Christ. Spend extra time in prayer, meditate on a Scripture passage, or reach out to a fellow believer for encouragement. Remember that your identity and completeness are found in Christ alone, not in human philosophies or worldly achievements.
Day 4: Setting Your Mind on Things Above
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: In this passage, Paul challenges us to set our hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This call to heavenly-mindedness is not an invitation to detach from earthly responsibilities, but rather to view our earthly lives through the lens of our heavenly citizenship.
Reflect on where your mind tends to dwell most often. Are you consumed with earthly worries, ambitions, or pleasures? Or do you regularly consider your life in light of eternity and God's kingdom purposes? Setting our minds on things above doesn't mean we ignore our earthly lives, but that we approach them with eternal perspective and values.
Today, practice "setting your mind on things above" by starting your day with a time of worship or thanksgiving. Throughout the day, when you encounter challenges or make decisions, pause to consider how your heavenly citizenship should inform your response. Look for ways to bring a touch of heaven to your earthly interactions and tasks.
Day 5: Putting on the New Self
Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Devotional: Paul describes the beautiful transformation that takes place when we "put on" our new self in Christ. This isn't about external behavior modification, but an inner renewal that manifests in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It's a call to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to let His word dwell in us richly.
Consider the qualities Paul lists. Which ones come naturally to you, and which ones do you struggle with? Remember that these are not traits we must manufacture on our own, but rather the fruit of allowing Christ to live through us. As you "put on" these qualities, you're essentially putting on Christ Himself.
Today, focus on one of the qualities mentioned in this passage that you find challenging. Ask God to develop this trait in you through His Spirit. Look for specific opportunities to practice this quality in your interactions with others. End your day by thanking God for the ways He is transforming you into the image of Christ, and ask for His continued work in your life.
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