MONDAY 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
The Christians in the city of Corinth divided into factions (1 Corinthians 1:11-12), sued each other (1 Corinthians 6:7-8), abused the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22)—some even denied the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12). Yet Paul wrote this lyrical description of the “new creation” God was bringing into being through Christ’s saving work to them! God’s grace was day-by-day growing them into a new kind of community. Seeing themselves in that light reshaped their inner identity, and the attitudes with which they lived.
- Every person, even an avowed atheist, has some type of relationship with God. Sadly, many of those relationships aren’t positive. Paul said God calls each one of us to be an ambassador, sharing the message, “Be reconciled to God!” In your sphere, what are some engaging, creative ways you can share that appeal with others?
TUESDAY Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16
The first part of this passage identified the things all Christians hold in common. These are the foundation for God’s new community—a community united, despite its members’ many differences, by their allegiance to the same God. The second part of the passage showed how those differences become a source of strength to the community when we place them under Christ’s lordship, and use them in accordance with his creative purposes.
Scholar N. T. Wright said of the last part of today’s reading, “Sometimes when the church debates the nature of different offices and ministries, you get the impression that…the main point of there being a church was that certain people would be ‘special’ within it. The opposite is the case. The point of some people having special roles is so that every single Christian, and the church as a whole, may be equipped for their work of service.” In what ways are you using your gifts and talents to fully live into all that you can be in Christ and advance Christ’s work of service in the world? (If you’d like help learning how to do that, chat with Pastor Chris (chris@faithpointum.org)
WEDNESDAY Romans 6:1-11
The apostle Paul taught a truth we often overlook. He said that, although God’s rule over all creation would not be fully realized until Christ’s return, in Christ we are already fully counted as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Even with our ongoing struggles, in Christ we can consider ourselves “dead to sin” and live in a status Paul called “newness of life.” We do not grow toward something we hope to be someday, but toward living out the life of who we already are in Christ.
- Some Christians read Paul’s teaching as meaning that if you were a REAL Christian, you wouldn’t have any more moral struggles or flaws—so if you have any you must not be a REAL Christian. But, as Romans 7:21-25 makes plain, the apostle was describing the direction our status in Christ gives our lives, not every act we do as human beings who need grace. If God gives me “newness of life,” why do I still need grace and forgiveness? How can I still have flaws and struggles without being in “slavery” to sin?
THURSDAY Romans 8:1-11
- In verse 3, Paul wrote that God sent “his own Son to deal with sin.” Moralistic religion often reinforces condemnation by telling us it’s entirely up to us to “deal with sin” in our lives. How can trusting that Jesus has already dealt with our sin, and rid us of condemnation, free up our energy to live out positive principles of service and community God calls us to? How can you keep your faith focused on Christ and the good he offers you, rather than focusing on the bad you don’t want to do?
FRIDAY Romans 8:12-17
Earlier in Romans, Paul used images drawn from criminal law, from the realm of accounting, and even from the laws governing death and inheritance. In these verses, he turned to the realm of the family to capture the essence of the community of grace God is creating. We are sons and daughters of God, adopted into God’s family. We are heirs, right along with Christ. As such, we are brothers and sisters to one another—“family” in the best sense of the word.
- Members of a military unit who’ve been through a lot together may refer to themselves as a “band of brothers.” What do those words signal about their bond with each other? As you claim your identity as a new person in Christ, and view others through a Spirit-enhanced “lens,” how are your relationships being transformed at home, at work, in your community and at church?
SATURDAY Ephesians 1:12-14, Revelation 21:1-5
- Slowly savor each promise and image in Revelation 21:1-5. How can you believe that amazing, beautiful world made new will really happen? Ephesians said the best times of worship, praise, service or caring that the Holy Spirit brings us are God’s “down payment,” assuring us that full renewal is on the way. What are some ways you are experiencing the down payment of life in the Spirit? How is “the word of truth in Christ …the good news of your salvation” opening up new vistas for you to live into? Are you freer and less a slave today than when you first accepted Jesus? How can deepening your positive connections with other Christians make our community an appealing preview of the eternal world of love, joy and grace that awaits us?