Romans 13:13-14 (NLT)

Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Explanation:

Ahh, mornings. If you’re like me, you function better in the early part of your day than late at night. I don’t magically jump out of bed and break into song like some Disney-esque princess, but I do try to get up and tackle the day’s tasks once I’m awake. Some of the top productivity experts will tell you that one of the biggest keys to being productive is getting dressed; change out of your PJ’s and into “real” clothes if you are serious about getting things done. When you’re dressed, it means you’re “all in” and moving forward with the day.

Today’s scripture encourages us to figuratively “get dressed.” We are called to “put on” Christ and live our lives like He did when He was here on earth. Be morning people, putting on the light of Jesus, and avoiding the darkness which leads to destruction. Paul tells us to wrap ourselves in the presence of Jesus, and see the world through the lens that He does. It’s time to be all in; get up, get dressed, and see the hope of salvation. Don’t let the darkness envelop you; instead, bear witness to all that is godly. Turn away from the darkness and repent from your sin. Put your eyes on Jesus, take off your PJ’s, and clothe yourself in all that Jesus has to offer.

Application:

1. When you think of ways that you can clothe yourself in Jesus, what does that look like in your life?

2. Are there things in your life that teeter on the path of destruction and keep you from fully being wrapped in Jesus?

3. What part of this passage speaks to you the most?

Devo Plus:

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 to learn more about clothing yourself in Jesus. This scripture discusses the armor of God, and the tools that will help us battle the darkness.

Prayer:

God, I come to You today with an open heart and mind. Take those things from me that may lead to destruction, and clothe me in You. Wrap your arms around me and give me the vision to see things through Your eyes. Allow me to walk in the light and rebuke the darkness. Help me as I go through each day to be wrapped in You, allowing Your glory to shine through me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Romans 13:11-12 (ESV)

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Explanation:

Time is an important aspect of our existence here on earth. Everything is measured by it, and we understand all too well that it is a limited commodity. We also know that as we look back over the history of humanity, there are moments in time that change the trajectory of our world. I can think about the invention of electricity. Our world was forever changed with the adoption of this invention, so much so that we cannot even fathom life without it.

In writing to the Roman churches, Paul tells them that they are living in such a time. The Messiah and savior, Jesus, has come and initiated a change that has set the world on a new trajectory. Sin and the flesh have had their time (Paul uses the metaphors of “night” and “darkness” to describe this era), and now Jesus has set them free for a new era. An era where Christ will reign as king, love will be the mode of our existence, and sin, death and evil will be put away forever.

But Paul recognizes the overlap. The era of “night” is still here even though the era of “light” has started to come. It’s in this overlap that he encourages his church to stay awake (be alert and ready) and to choose to put on the “light” (choose to have faith in Christ and do good). The clock is ticking on the age of darkness, and he wants his churches to be those who are found in the light.

Application:

1. With Romans 13:10-11 in mind, what are some ways you can “put on the armor of light”?

2. It can sometimes be easy to lose focus on our walk with Christ. Why do you think it’s important we stay diligent in this overlap period?

3. In what ways do you plan to keep your heart and mind on Christ?

Devo Plus:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5.

Prayer:

Father, You sent Your Son to give us a new path. We were lost in our sin and our brokenness. We operated in the darkness. But because of Jesus, we can now walk in the light. Help us, Lord, to stay focused on You and be diligent about trusting You. Help us trust and believe that You will come to dwell with us one day and finish what You began. Amen.

1 John 4:7-12, 19-21 (NIV)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Explanation:

“We love (clap, clap) because He first loved us” was one of my favorite Vacation Bible School songs when I was a kid. The words were easy to remember, and anytime we got to clap in church was exciting. But even at a young age, I was taught this truth on a simple level: God loved us, so we should therefore love other people. Should be easy, right?! WRONG.

In these verses, John begins by putting into practice what he is preaching: he refers to his readers as “dear friends” or “beloved,” which relays that he loves the people to whom he is writing. He goes on to explain the relationship between God’s Love and our ability to love others. He shows us that we are only capable of love BECAUSE God loved us first. This is cause and effect; God’s love is our source! Without His love in our lives FIRST, we are unable to go forth and love others completely, the way He intended. Unbelievers can love to a certain degree, but not in the way God’s presence in a believer’s life enables Christ followers (those “born of God”) to love. God’s love is different from what we can do on our own, in that He continually gives of Himself to all of us, everywhere. And because He knows all things, He is always seeking our benefit. This doesn’t, however, mean God’s love is only for believers: God proved His love by sending His Son so that ALL of humanity can live! Jesus took our sin forever, and this is the evidence of God’s love!

John also tells us that because none of us has actually seen God, when we love each other, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. Two biblical words…abide and perfected…to explain that when we love God with our whole heart, love for others has no choice but to spill out, which was God’s perfect design for our lives. Love in this way completes the picture of a true relationship with God.

If we choose not to love others in this way, we have experienced no change from the Gospel in our lives. This love calls for a response. What will yours be today?

Application:

1. As The Message version of the Bible puts it: “The command we have from God is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” Who are your brothers and sisters that you are having a hard time loving?

2. Even if we are unsure how to love in certain situations, the Holy Spirit, guided by love, will always be available to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). Ask Him for healing and help in knowing how to love when you don’t know where to begin.

3. Loving others must be our purposed focus. What steps can you take this week to make loving others a priority?

Devo Plus:

1. John 17:24 shows that eternal love existed between the Persons of the Trinity “before the foundation of the world.” What more proof do we need that love is His perfect plan for us!

2. Listen to “God is Love” by Chris Renzema to be reminded of all of the beautiful ways God loves us. Then listen to “Love is the Evidence” by Citizen Way for ways we can show that healing love to the rest of the world!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for loving us more than our finite minds can fathom. The gift of Your Son demonstrated on the cross will always be enough to cover our failed attempts at loving others. Help us to be reminded that only in Your power do we have the ability to heal others with our own love. Fill us anew with desire and opportunities to show Your Love to this broken world; may our eyes always be open to those around us who need Your love first, then our own. Give strength and perseverance to our church as they lead people to Your truths, beginning with the command to love others as You have loved us. To You be all the glory. Amen.

Matthew 22:34-40 (NLT)

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Explanation:

In this scripture, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and Sadducees, a group of Jewish religious leaders. One of them asks Jesus what the most important commandment (rule) is. Jesus responds to love God first, a command they would have known well. Second, love your neighbor. Jesus isn’t just talking about your neighbors who live next to you. He is talking about all of God’s people, no matter their race, gender, or nationality. Love them the way Jesus would have. He takes it further and says you have to love your enemies, too.

Loving people shows Jesus to a world that desperately needs more of Him. Show love to the waitress or waiter who messes up your order or is just rude. How about tip them well, so it stands out in their mind that someone treated them differently than anyone else? This is how Jesus would love them if He were there. Love your family well, and serve your spouse in a way that will make their day. Spend some quality time with your children. Love your enemy, meaning people who disagree with you or always oppose you. If you are in an argument with someone who is against you, how about just dropping it and allowing God to fight your argument for you? You can’t do these things, or love people well, without putting God first.

Application:

1. Take some time today to thank God for all He has done for you.

2. Are you struggling being kind to the world right now? Ask God to show you how to change.

3. Who are you not loving well in your life that God has put on your heart? Take some time today to show them how much you love them.

Devo Plus:

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. (Romans 13:10, NLT)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and I thank You for everything You have done for me. Help me when I am struggling to love people well. Let me see them through Your eyes, and remind that I am showing the world who You are. I love you! In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Romans 13:8-10 (NLT)

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Explanation:

Why is it important to owe nothing to anyone? Paying what we owe speaks to our character every bit as much as the moral commandments listed above. Settling our debts promptly reflects our faith and glorifies God. In every facet of life, from apologies to taxes, if we owe it, we should make good on it.

However, love is a debt that we will spend the rest of our days repaying. If we find this commandment difficult to obey at times, it is because God uses various people to smooth out the rough spots in our “love walk.” In the same way that “iron sharpens iron” among believers (Proverbs 27:17), the commandment to love our enemies puts us between God’s hammer and anvil to perfect our character (Matthew 5:44-48). God knows we aren’t capable of loving the way Jesus loves until we have a proper love for ourselves. When we are out of balance, we stop reflecting God’s love and start revealing our insecurities. The steady stream of difficult people God puts in our path are there to keep our self-love in check.

Think of the five smooth stones that David picked up before he battled Goliath. Those rocks were not created as such; rather, centuries of crashing waves and abrasive sand put a polish on them suitable for God’s use. Likewise, over time, we should discover that our love for people mirrors the love of Christ more and more.

Application:

1. In today’s passage, we are told that love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says He came to fulfill the law. How can this truth help us to love the unlovable people God sends our way?

2. Why is it not possible to love your neighbor until you first know how to love yourself?

Devo Plus:

Matthew 5:44-48

Prayer:

Think of someone God is using to shape your “love walk.” Pray for God to do the work in you that He wants to do, so you can love this person as He loves them.

Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 (ESV)

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Explanation:

Paul is writing Ephesians as a call for unity among God’s people. Paul spent three chapters explaining all that God did for us, by His grace and mercy. Now he calls us to live rightly in the ways of the Lord. Paul is simply but powerfully stating that God’s grace was given to each of us because of the gift of life Christ gave us. Paul is focused on the way we should live because of the grace of God, and how we should live in the body of Christ. God gave many resources to equip us for the work of ministry, which is our call to spread the Gospel and to build up the body of Christ until we all attain unity in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. When we are unified in Him, the fullness of the love of Christ is displayed. When the whole body is held together and each part works properly, the way the Lord meant for it to be and equipped us to be, it grows itself in love.

Only in God’s grace and mercy have we been given the opportunity of full life and redemption. Only in God’s grace are we able to do the work of ministry alongside other members of the body united in Him. It is important that we remember what God did for us, and the importance of walking in faith and united with the body of Christ, to serve His kingdom.

Application:

1. Why is it important to remember what Christ did for us?

2. Think about your life. Are you using what the Lord has equipped you with to do the work of ministry, to make the body of Christ work properly?

3. What are some ways you can build up the body of Christ, or work to make it healthier?

4. What are some practical ways to remain thankful for what Christ has done, and to respond in action?

Devo Plus:

Read 1 Peter 4:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 to get more insight into this passage.

Prayer:

Lord, we are so thankful for the way You love us, for the grace and mercy You have given us. I pray we would never lose sight of the gift You have given us. Help us to live a life in pursuit of the kingdom of God, living out the Gospel and growing the body of Christ. Open our eyes and our ears to know the things You call us to, and the ways You call us to serve others. God, we love You and we praise Your great Name. Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (ESV)

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Explanation:

I once heard a pastor teach about this message as “The 3 M’s: Membership, Ministry, and Mission.” I’ll go ahead now and apologize for stealing parts of his sermon, but it was impactful, and I want to share it with you today.

Have you ever pondered your purpose? Wondered what you were supposed to be doing in this place, with these people, at this job, etc.? I have for sure. Here’s the thing: God wants us all to know that we have a function and a purpose in this life. As a part of the church, you have a very special and particular function that God has planned just for you.

In the beginning of this passage, Paul specifically says that you are a member of the body of Christ. Picture that you are a cheerleader, and your squad is making a human pyramid. However, you decide that you aren’t “feeling it” on the day of competition and tell your team that you won’t be there to fill your spot in the second row of the pyramid. What happens to that poor person who’s supposed to be on top resting their right foot on your back when they stand up? They are going to fall because YOU aren’t there — you are an important part of the squad! The church, or the “God squad” as this analogy would fit, depends on every member to fulfill God’s plan.

Do you ever think about the fact that you have a ministry? You are called to reach out and minister to others as part of the body of Christ. Ministry to others doesn’t mean that you are qualified to be anything other than yourself. It means witnessing to others about Jesus, telling others of how He can change their lives just like He did yours. It also means lifting up other members of the church body by praying for their needs and sharing their burdens.

Finally, you have a mission. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what my mission is, and I’ve landed on a very simple definition that is mentioned at the end of this passage: “earnestly desire higher gifts.” I’ve made my mission to pursue the ways of God and to do what I can to build up the body of Christ. Yes, I fail often at my mission. James Bond would definitely not enlist me to help if he saw how often I fail. However, when I pursue Jesus, he wants to show me how to do better next time. Loving well and looking for ways to uplift others is our mission. Allow Christ to show you what the most useful thing you can do for the body of Christ is today, and He will guide you on that mission.

Application:

1. What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ?

2. How can you become a better member of the body?

3. How can you fulfill your membership, ministry, and mission in your day-to-day life?

Devo Plus:

To go deeper in the concepts from today’s passage, read 1 Peter 4:10, 1 John 4:19, Proverbs 11:25, and Hebrews 6:10.

Prayer:

God, I look to You today and always for Your continued grace as we seek to be a member with a ministry fulfilling Your mission. Help us to see Jesus in our lives and to do things that help the body be strong. Give us wisdom as we seek to minister to others, sharing the weights that our fellow members bear. Help us to always look to You for our guidance, peace, and supplication. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Explanation:

In this passage, Paul is addressing the believers in Corinth. He is discussing spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus, and God the Father. These gifts are as diverse as the Trinity, yet they all benefit the body of Christ in some way. These gifts from God should be used to better the church community, and not for selfish reasons.

In the world today, it is hard to appreciate the diversity of God’s people and their gifts. So many long to be mainstream, fitting in the mold of the person sitting beside them. But this is not how God intended us to be! He has purposely given each of us a gift or talent that would serve His church. For example, take some of the individuals at our church. God has given amazing talent to our worship team. Would they be serving God if they just sang in the shower for themselves? Think about the person who holds the door for you as you enter church. Their welcoming presence is a gift. You can literally look all around you and see the gifts God has bestowed upon this community. It is God’s desire for us to accept these gifts, and use them to share the love of Christ.

Application:

1. What are some of the gifts you have been given? Are you using those gifts to further God’s kingdom?

2. Miracles come in various kinds. Have you been a witness to one of God’s miracles?

3. Paul mentions faith as one of God’s gifts. Has your faith allowed an extraordinary achievement in your life?

4. How have you been restored spiritually or physically by God’s healing power?

Devo Plus:

Ephesians 4

Prayer:

Holy Father, we thank You for the gifts You have given us. May we use them to glorify You and Your kingdom. God, we ask Your forgiveness when we are selfish with our blessings, or jealous of the talents of others. We want to better our lives by serving You. We want to live a purposeful life, in the way You intended. We give all the glory to You. Amen.

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Explanation:

God has placed a calling on the life of every believer. Although our mission is the same, to make disciples and tell others about Jesus, the role we play in the body looks different for each person. We know that God has given each of us different personalities and talents to be used for Him. God takes it a step further and gives us spiritual gifts through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. These are supernatural gifts we are given by God to live out the specific calling He has for us.

Unfortunately, I often find myself in the trap of comparison, thinking that I need to be like others or that I will only be successful if I’m doing things like others do. When I do this, I lose sight of what God has called for me specifically. Reading this passage really challenged me this week. It was a reminder that God has blessed me with specific spiritual gifts that He knows I will use to bring Him glory. I may not be the lead pastor doing all of the teaching, but I know God has given me the gift of service. I love helping others, and I love meeting other people in their need. I am learning to lean into both the spiritual gifts and personality God has given to me so that I can play my role in His body.

It is time to stop comparing our lives to others and to start truly living out the calling God has given to each of us. We have all been given a gift; it is our job to utilize our gifts well to serve others and lead them to Jesus. May you lean into the spiritual gifts God has given you and allow Him to do an amazing work in you and through you because of it.

Application:

1. What response do you have in knowing that God has given us these spiritual/supernatural gifts to use in our faith journey?

2. Have you recognized these spiritual gifts in your life? If so, which one(s)?

3. How can you use the spiritual gifts you have been given to serve others and play out your role in the body of Christ?

Devo Plus:

Below are descriptions for each of the spiritual gifts mentioned in this passage. Take time to seek God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you discover the gifts He has given you, and how He wants you to use them. Be purposed this week to lean into those gifts and use them for His glory!

• Prophecy: receiving and delivering messages from God to share with either a group or with individuals

• Service: a helper, someone who sees another in need and meets their needs

• Teaching: the ability to clearly communicate what God’s Word means to others (and you do not have to be the lead pastor of a church to have this gift!)

• Exhortation: the ability to build someone up by calling him or her to do better, to keep on the straight and narrow path.

• Generosity: the ability to share what you have with others, either financially or otherwise

• Leadership: the ability to call others to follow the best directions for a group of people.

• Mercy: the ability to help others receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Helping the less

fortunate.

Prayer:

God, I love that You have given us all these amazing spiritual gifts to use. Will You help us discover how to utilize these supernatural gifts to help us to be like You, and lead others into Your love? We long to use these gifts in the way You intended, to bring You glory. Thank You for being present in our lives and giving us the tools we need to live like You. Amen.

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)

For as in one body we have many members and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Explanation:

Paul is communicating a very practical and spiritual truth in this passage. God has created every single person with different abilities and personalities. I absolutely love this! God knew that every single person would be needed for ministry, and it would be a team effort. We can’t do ministry alone; we need all the working parts to successfully function. As humans, we want to have a purpose and feel needed, which is why God has made every single one of so unique that we are all needed.

I know in my own internal struggles, I have battled not feeling good enough or feeling like someone surely could do my role better. Let me tell you, these thoughts are not from God! These are from satan. He doesn’t want ministry to happen, and he surely doesn’t want you to believe that you have a purpose in God’s plan. You do have a purpose in God’s plan, and you are needed in the body of Christ!

I am so passionate about serving in the local church body, mainly because it drastically changed my life. When I first started attending The Tree Church nine years ago, I felt God calling me to serve in Children’s Ministry. I was petrified that I didn’t know enough about the Bible to teach kids, that I was hot mess express in my own life. How on earth would I be qualified to speak life into children? I listened to what God was calling me to do, and He met me right there in my fear and doubt, and walked with me through the process. God taught me so much each week through the teachings. He softened my heart and brought some amazing people into my life, people who are like family now and have encouraged me throughout my walk with Christ. If God is calling you to serve, just do it! Don’t wait, don’t let the enemy make you think you aren’t good enough. The body needs you!

Application:

1. How does it make you feel to have a purpose in the body of Christ?

2. Have you ever felt that you weren’t qualified? Have you ever felt that God chose the wrong person?

3. Spend some quiet time with God asking what He is calling you to do. Ask Him what your purpose is in the body.

4. If God is calling you to step out in faith to something that is scary, be obedient and do it. He is faithful and will give you exactly what you need to succeed. I promise your life will be better for it.

Devo Plus:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 for more on this topic.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for anyone who is feeling like they don’t have a purpose, or they are not good enough. I pray that You remind them of their worth and their purpose in Your kingdom. Thank You for making us all so unique and gifted in different ways. I pray that You would speak to anyone who is on the fence about serving in the church body. I pray that You would encourage them. Thank You so much for the way You love us unconditionally and the way You speak to us. We give You all the praise. Amen.