Devotional 8: Righteousness and Justice

Kingdom Principle:

The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness and justice, requiring us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Misconception:

Some believe that outward religious acts are sufficient for righteousness. However, Jesus condemns hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of genuine justice and mercy, particularly in areas like social justice and racial equity.

Scripture:

Matthew 23:23-24 (ESV) - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!"

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we ensure that our pursuit of righteousness includes a commitment to justice and mercy?

2. What are some ways we can address injustice in our communities while living out our faith?

Devotional 7: Peace and Reconciliation

Kingdom Principle:

As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are called to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation, reflecting God’s peace in our relationships and communities.

Misconception:

Many believe that peace can be achieved through avoidance or superficial agreements. However, Jesus teaches that true peace requires active reconciliation and addressing underlying issues, including gun control and war.

Scripture:

Matthew 5:9-12 (ESV) - "'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'"

Discussion Questions:

1. What steps can we take to be peacemakers in our families, workplaces, and communities?

2. How can we address conflicts and seek reconciliation in a way that honors God?

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?