Authority & Obedience

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide from Sunday's sermon.

Day 1: Adopted as God's Children
Reading: Galatians 4:1-7
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us of our incredible adoption as God's children. We were once enslaved to the "elementary principles of the world," but God sent His Son to redeem us and give us the status of sons and daughters. Reflect on what it means to call God "Abba, Father." How does this intimate relationship change your perspective on life's challenges? Consider how you can live today as a beloved child of God, embracing both the privileges and responsibilities that come with this adoption. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you cry out "Abba, Father" in times of need and to guide you in representing your heavenly Father well to others.

Day 2: God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: The sermon mentioned Paul's "physical infirmity" that led him to preach to the Galatians. This reminds us that God often works through our weaknesses. In today's passage, Paul speaks of his own "thorn in the flesh." Instead of removing it, God tells Paul that His grace is sufficient. How have you experienced God's strength in your moments of weakness? Reflect on times when God has used your struggles or limitations to accomplish His purposes. Today, instead of asking God to remove your challenges, ask Him to show you how His power can be perfected in your weakness. Look for opportunities to boast in your infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon you.

Day 3: Led by the Spirit
Reading: Romans 8:12-17
Devotional: As children of God, we are led by His Spirit. This passage echoes the themes from Galatians about our adoption and the Spirit's work in our lives. The Spirit leads us away from fear and into the confidence of our relationship with God. How have you experienced the Spirit's guidance in your life? Are there areas where you're resisting His leading? Take time to quiet your heart and listen for the Spirit's voice. Ask God to help you discern His will and to give you the courage to follow where He leads. Remember, being led by the Spirit is a sign of your identity as God's child. Live today with the assurance that you are an heir with Christ, sharing in both His sufferings and His glory.

Day 4: Reflecting God's Character
Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2
Devotional: The sermon emphasized our responsibility to accurately represent God's character as His children. Today's short passage calls us to be "imitators of God." This is a high calling! How can we, as imperfect humans, imitate our perfect heavenly Father? The key is found in the phrase "walk in love, as Christ loved us." Reflect on specific ways you can demonstrate God's love to others today. Are there people in your life who are difficult to love? Ask God to help you see them through His eyes and to love them sacrificially. Remember, as you imitate God's love, you are fulfilling your calling as His beloved child.

Day 5: Embracing Our Spiritual Inheritance
Reading: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Devotional: As God's children, we have received a rich spiritual inheritance, including gifts to serve others. Today's passage reminds us to use these gifts well. The sermon cautioned against trading our spiritual responsibilities for worldly pursuits. Take time to reflect on the gifts God has given you. Are you using them to serve others and glorify God? Or have you neglected them in pursuit of other things? Ask God to show you how you can use your gifts more effectively in your daily life, whether at home, work, or in your community. Remember, as you serve with the strength God provides, you are stewarding your inheritance and bringing glory to Him through Jesus Christ.