Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon on Sunday, November 9, 2025:
Day 1: Acknowledging We Haven't Arrived
Reading: 1 John 1:8-10; Romans 7:15-25
Devotional: Spiritual maturity begins with honest humility. Like the Apostle Paul, we must acknowledge that perfection eludes us this side of eternity. The struggle between our old nature and new nature in Christ is real and ongoing. When we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and make God out to be a liar. This acknowledgment isn't meant to discourage us but to keep us dependent on God's grace. The beauty of the gospel is that while we're imperfect, we're forgiven and being transformed. Recognizing our need for continued growth prevents pride and cultivates compassion toward others who are also on this journey.
Reflection: What area of your spiritual life needs the most growth right now? How does acknowledging your imperfection draw you closer to God's grace?
Day 2: Pressing Forward with Passion
Reading: Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Devotional: The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Paul's words "I press on" reveal an active, passionate pursuit of knowing Christ more deeply. This requires intentional discipline—laying aside weights that slow us down and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Are you running aimlessly, or with focused purpose? Spiritual discipline isn't legalism; it's training that brings eternal rewards. One strategic change in how you spend your time or resources can create ripple effects throughout your life. Don't let past failures define you or past successes make you complacent. Today is a new opportunity to run hard after Jesus with the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
Reflection: What "one thing" could you change to pursue Christ more passionately? What weights need to be laid aside?
Day 3: Never Losing the Gospel's Splendor
Reading: Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: Salvation should never become old hat. Every day, we should marvel that Christ took hold of us—that we who were dead in sin have been made alive in Christ. We began our Christian walk by faith, and we continue by faith. Grace saved us, grace sustains us, and grace will keep us until eternity. When our relationship with God feels mundane, we've lost sight of the magnitude of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He rescued us from darkness into His marvelous light. This isn't just a past event but a present reality that should fill us with daily gratitude and wonder.
Reflection: When did you last thank God specifically for your salvation? How can you cultivate fresh wonder at the gospel today?
Day 4: Following Heavenly-Minded Examples
Reading: Joshua 14:6-14; Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: Whom we follow matters greatly. Caleb, at 80 years old, said "Give me this mountain!" refusing to coast into retirement. He wholeheartedly followed the Lord until his final breath. We're surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who finished well, and we're called to follow their example of vibrant faith. But beware of pretenders—those whose walk doesn't match their talk, who serve their appetites rather than God. Don't follow those who glory in shame or celebrate what grieves God. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus and those who genuinely pursue Him. Age is no excuse for spiritual complacency; God wants us running until He calls us home.
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies wholehearted devotion to Christ? What specific quality can you imitate from their example?
Day 5: Living as Citizens of Heaven
Reading: Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3
Devotional: This world is not our home. As citizens of heaven, we're strangers and pilgrims just passing through. Our values, priorities, and conduct should reflect our true citizenship. When people observe the church—caring for widows and orphans, showing no partiality, putting others first—they should say, "That looks like heaven." We await our Savior's return and the promise of glorified bodies. Here's the profound truth: for believers, earth is as bad as it will ever be; heaven awaits. For unbelievers, earth is as good as it will ever get. This perspective changes everything. We invest in eternal matters, purify ourselves in hopeful expectation, and live to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Reflection: How does knowing your citizenship is in heaven change how you live today? What earthly attachment needs to be loosened in light of eternity?
Day 1: Acknowledging We Haven't Arrived
Reading: 1 John 1:8-10; Romans 7:15-25
Devotional: Spiritual maturity begins with honest humility. Like the Apostle Paul, we must acknowledge that perfection eludes us this side of eternity. The struggle between our old nature and new nature in Christ is real and ongoing. When we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and make God out to be a liar. This acknowledgment isn't meant to discourage us but to keep us dependent on God's grace. The beauty of the gospel is that while we're imperfect, we're forgiven and being transformed. Recognizing our need for continued growth prevents pride and cultivates compassion toward others who are also on this journey.
Reflection: What area of your spiritual life needs the most growth right now? How does acknowledging your imperfection draw you closer to God's grace?
Day 2: Pressing Forward with Passion
Reading: Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Devotional: The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Paul's words "I press on" reveal an active, passionate pursuit of knowing Christ more deeply. This requires intentional discipline—laying aside weights that slow us down and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Are you running aimlessly, or with focused purpose? Spiritual discipline isn't legalism; it's training that brings eternal rewards. One strategic change in how you spend your time or resources can create ripple effects throughout your life. Don't let past failures define you or past successes make you complacent. Today is a new opportunity to run hard after Jesus with the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
Reflection: What "one thing" could you change to pursue Christ more passionately? What weights need to be laid aside?
Day 3: Never Losing the Gospel's Splendor
Reading: Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: Salvation should never become old hat. Every day, we should marvel that Christ took hold of us—that we who were dead in sin have been made alive in Christ. We began our Christian walk by faith, and we continue by faith. Grace saved us, grace sustains us, and grace will keep us until eternity. When our relationship with God feels mundane, we've lost sight of the magnitude of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He rescued us from darkness into His marvelous light. This isn't just a past event but a present reality that should fill us with daily gratitude and wonder.
Reflection: When did you last thank God specifically for your salvation? How can you cultivate fresh wonder at the gospel today?
Day 4: Following Heavenly-Minded Examples
Reading: Joshua 14:6-14; Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: Whom we follow matters greatly. Caleb, at 80 years old, said "Give me this mountain!" refusing to coast into retirement. He wholeheartedly followed the Lord until his final breath. We're surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who finished well, and we're called to follow their example of vibrant faith. But beware of pretenders—those whose walk doesn't match their talk, who serve their appetites rather than God. Don't follow those who glory in shame or celebrate what grieves God. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus and those who genuinely pursue Him. Age is no excuse for spiritual complacency; God wants us running until He calls us home.
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies wholehearted devotion to Christ? What specific quality can you imitate from their example?
Day 5: Living as Citizens of Heaven
Reading: Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3
Devotional: This world is not our home. As citizens of heaven, we're strangers and pilgrims just passing through. Our values, priorities, and conduct should reflect our true citizenship. When people observe the church—caring for widows and orphans, showing no partiality, putting others first—they should say, "That looks like heaven." We await our Savior's return and the promise of glorified bodies. Here's the profound truth: for believers, earth is as bad as it will ever be; heaven awaits. For unbelievers, earth is as good as it will ever get. This perspective changes everything. We invest in eternal matters, purify ourselves in hopeful expectation, and live to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Reflection: How does knowing your citizenship is in heaven change how you live today? What earthly attachment needs to be loosened in light of eternity?
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