Devotional 6: Stewardship and Generosity

Kingdom Principle:

We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them to further His Kingdom and help others.

Misconception:

Some believe that hoarding wealth and resources is a sign of God's blessing. However, Jesus teaches that true stewardship involves generosity and investment in the Kingdom, opposing unjust economics and consumerism.

Scripture:

Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) - "'For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away... His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we practice faithful stewardship of the resources God has given us?

2. What are some ways we can demonstrate generosity in our daily lives?

Devotional 5: Childlike Faith

Kingdom Principle:

Entering the Kingdom of God requires a faith that is simple, trusting, and humble, like that of a child.

Misconception:

Some believe that maturity and sophistication are needed to understand and accept the Kingdom. However, Jesus teaches that childlike faith is essential, even when facing complex issues like abortion.

Scripture:

Luke 18:15-17 (ESV) - "Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.'"

Discussion Questions:

1. What qualities of childlike faith are important for our spiritual lives?

2. How can we maintain a childlike faith in the face of complex and challenging issues?

Devotional 4: Humility and Service

Kingdom Principle:

True greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by humility and a heart for serving others, not by power or status.

Misconception:

Many believe that power and authority are the markers of success. However, Jesus teaches that those who want to be great must become servants, opposing abuse of power, corruption, and murder.

Scripture:

Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV) - "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we cultivate a heart of service in a world that values power and status?

2. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate humility and service in our communities?

Devotional 3: Sanctification Process

Kingdom Principle:
Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit, transforming our entire being.

Misconception:
Some believe that certain lifestyles or identities are beyond God's transformative power. However, in Christ, anyone can be sanctified and made new.

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV) - "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the sanctification process challenge our preconceived notions about who can be transformed by God?

2. In what ways can we support and encourage each other in our journeys of sanctification?

Devotional 2: Faithfulness and Obedience

Kingdom Principle:
True faithfulness to God requires obedience to His commands, not just outward religious acts.

Misconception:
Some believe that mixing religious practices (syncretism) can enhance their faith. However, Jesus warns that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the Kingdom.

Scripture:
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV) - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Reflection Questions:
1. How can we discern and remain faithful to God's will amidst a world of mixed religious messages?
2. What are some modern-day idols that can compete with your loyalty to Jesus?
3. How do you balance being in the world but not of the world?
4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your worship and devotion remain pure and undivided?

Devotional 1: Kingdom Citizenship

Kingdom Principle:

Our primary identity and allegiance are as citizens of Heaven, shaping how we live and interact with the world.

Misconception:

Many equate their national identity with their Kingdom citizenship. Nationalism can distort our understanding of the Kingdom of God, which transcends all earthly borders.

Scripture:

Philippians 3:18-20 (ESV) - "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Discussion Questions:

1. How can focusing on our heavenly citizenship impact our view of national identity and politics?

2. What practical steps can we take to prioritize our allegiance to God's Kingdom in our daily lives?

Preparing Yourself to Receive Hard Truths from the Word

In a culture that pushes hard the ways and wisdom of this world, it can be hard to follow the ways and wisdom of God’s Word. The world uses convincing arguments–philosophy–that attract believers. We may find ourselves attracted to cultural positions because we have loved ones these positions apply to. These loved ones may be kind, do community service and are upstanding United States citizens but have committed themselves to “living their truth” in the name of being grown. And because they are upstanding citizens, grown and we love them, we not only embrace them but embrace their ways of the world, even justify them. And sometimes it’s not us doing that just for our loved ones; we do that for ourselves, and if anyone tries to check us, we get offended. The world’s philosophies have penetrated our hearts so much so that we sometimes present vigorous arguments that match the tenor of the world. 

We have to ask ourselves why it is so hard for us to receive the truth of God’s Word. To help us unveil why it may be hard to receive those truths and to prepare ourselves to receive them, we can examine three areas of our lives: our position; our paradigm; and our practice.

Examine Your Position—Before you can examine the second and third areas, you have to first make sure you are securely positioned in Christ. Are you a Christian because you have placed your faith in Christ as your Savior and Lord? So ask yourself, am I saved?—(2 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 10:9-10)

Examine Your Paradigm—Once you know that you belong to Christ, you have to examine your paradigm. Do your beliefs contradict the teachings of the Bible or do you believe the Word of God is the final authority for your life? Ask yourself, am I satisfied?—(2 Tim. 3:16-17; Romans 15:4)

Examine Your Practice—Do your habits reflect someone who is satisfied with the Word of God being the final authority in your life? Examining your habits will indicate if you are living out what it means to be set apart unto the Lord, walking in sanctification. Ask yourself, am I sanctified?—(Psalm 26; Mark 3:35, 8:35)

Here are two final questions to ask yourself as you examine your position, paradigm and practice: Do I allow my circumstances to shape my view of the Lord or His Word? Do I allow the culture to dictate the veracity of Scripture? Remember, the Word warns us that there will be false Christs and prophets who arise that will be so convincing that even some believers would get deceived, if that were possible (Matthew 24:24). So, we have to be increasingly vigilant so that we don’t begin to accept the wrong that is presented as right and the right that is presented as wrong. Living lives that reflect that we stand on God’s Word is countercultural and will make clear to whom we have pledged our allegiance.