Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon on Sunday, November 2, 2025:
Day 1: Trading Treasure for True Riches
Reading: Philippians 3:1-11
Devotional: The Apostle Paul had an impressive spiritual resume—circumcised on the eighth day, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee zealous for the law. Yet he counted all these credentials as "garbage" compared to knowing Christ. What treasures are you clinging to? Perhaps it's your reputation, achievements, religious activities, or family heritage. Paul's radical reassessment challenges us to examine what we're trusting in for acceptance before God. True Christianity isn't about adding Jesus to our list of accomplishments; it's about surrendering everything for the surpassing worth of knowing Him. Today, identify one thing you're tempted to trust in besides Christ alone, and consciously surrender it to Him.
Day 2: Righteousness That Cannot Be Earned
Reading: Romans 3:9-26
Devotional: "There is none righteous, no, not one." This sobering truth levels the playing field—no amount of good works, religious observance, or moral living can earn God's favor. Yet the gospel offers glorious hope: God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This divine exchange is the heart of Christianity. Unlike every other religion that says "do this and live," Christianity proclaims "it is done." Christ lived the life you should have lived and died the death you deserved to die. Rest today in this finished work, not in your own efforts. Let His righteousness be your confidence.
Day 3: The Power of His Resurrection
Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23; Romans 8:11
Devotional: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer. This isn't mere motivational language—it's transformative reality. This resurrection power enables us to live holy lives, endure hardships, and accomplish God's will. When you feel weak, inadequate, or overwhelmed by temptation, remember: omnipotent power dwells within you through the Holy Spirit. You're not relying on willpower or self-improvement strategies. The Spirit who conquered death is working in you "to will and to do His good pleasure." Today, face your challenges not in your own strength but by consciously depending on the resurrection power available to you as God's child. Pray specifically for this power to work in one difficult area.
Day 4: The Fellowship of His Sufferings
Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Devotional: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." This promise contradicts prosperity theology but aligns with Scripture and church history. Paul didn't seek suffering, but he embraced it as part of knowing Christ deeply. Believers worldwide face rejection, persecution, and martyrdom for their faith. Even in comfortable contexts, following Jesus costs something—relationships, reputation, comfort, control. Yet suffering for Christ isn't pointless; it deepens our fellowship with Him and purifies our faith. When friends distance themselves because of your faith, when you're mocked for your convictions, or when obedience costs you something valuable, remember you're participating in Christ's sufferings. This is the pathway to knowing Him more intimately. Count it worth it.
Day 5: Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth
Reading: Philippians 3:17-21; Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: Our citizenship is in heaven. This truth transforms how we live on earth. We're not merely waiting passively for eternity; we're actively pursuing Christlikeness while anticipating our glorified bodies and eternal home. John writes that everyone who has this hope "purifies himself, just as He is pure." Heavenly citizenship doesn't make us irrelevant to earthly concerns but reframes our priorities. Sports, politics, careers, and entertainment aren't inherently wrong, but they're peripheral to our main business: knowing God. When you face decisions today, filter them through this lens: "I am a citizen of heaven." Let that identity shape your choices, conversations, and commitments. Live as an ambassador of your true country, representing the King who redeemed you.
Day 1: Trading Treasure for True Riches
Reading: Philippians 3:1-11
Devotional: The Apostle Paul had an impressive spiritual resume—circumcised on the eighth day, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee zealous for the law. Yet he counted all these credentials as "garbage" compared to knowing Christ. What treasures are you clinging to? Perhaps it's your reputation, achievements, religious activities, or family heritage. Paul's radical reassessment challenges us to examine what we're trusting in for acceptance before God. True Christianity isn't about adding Jesus to our list of accomplishments; it's about surrendering everything for the surpassing worth of knowing Him. Today, identify one thing you're tempted to trust in besides Christ alone, and consciously surrender it to Him.
Day 2: Righteousness That Cannot Be Earned
Reading: Romans 3:9-26
Devotional: "There is none righteous, no, not one." This sobering truth levels the playing field—no amount of good works, religious observance, or moral living can earn God's favor. Yet the gospel offers glorious hope: God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This divine exchange is the heart of Christianity. Unlike every other religion that says "do this and live," Christianity proclaims "it is done." Christ lived the life you should have lived and died the death you deserved to die. Rest today in this finished work, not in your own efforts. Let His righteousness be your confidence.
Day 3: The Power of His Resurrection
Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23; Romans 8:11
Devotional: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer. This isn't mere motivational language—it's transformative reality. This resurrection power enables us to live holy lives, endure hardships, and accomplish God's will. When you feel weak, inadequate, or overwhelmed by temptation, remember: omnipotent power dwells within you through the Holy Spirit. You're not relying on willpower or self-improvement strategies. The Spirit who conquered death is working in you "to will and to do His good pleasure." Today, face your challenges not in your own strength but by consciously depending on the resurrection power available to you as God's child. Pray specifically for this power to work in one difficult area.
Day 4: The Fellowship of His Sufferings
Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Devotional: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." This promise contradicts prosperity theology but aligns with Scripture and church history. Paul didn't seek suffering, but he embraced it as part of knowing Christ deeply. Believers worldwide face rejection, persecution, and martyrdom for their faith. Even in comfortable contexts, following Jesus costs something—relationships, reputation, comfort, control. Yet suffering for Christ isn't pointless; it deepens our fellowship with Him and purifies our faith. When friends distance themselves because of your faith, when you're mocked for your convictions, or when obedience costs you something valuable, remember you're participating in Christ's sufferings. This is the pathway to knowing Him more intimately. Count it worth it.
Day 5: Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth
Reading: Philippians 3:17-21; Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: Our citizenship is in heaven. This truth transforms how we live on earth. We're not merely waiting passively for eternity; we're actively pursuing Christlikeness while anticipating our glorified bodies and eternal home. John writes that everyone who has this hope "purifies himself, just as He is pure." Heavenly citizenship doesn't make us irrelevant to earthly concerns but reframes our priorities. Sports, politics, careers, and entertainment aren't inherently wrong, but they're peripheral to our main business: knowing God. When you face decisions today, filter them through this lens: "I am a citizen of heaven." Let that identity shape your choices, conversations, and commitments. Live as an ambassador of your true country, representing the King who redeemed you.
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