Daily Reading Week 11
Sunday
1 Corinthians 9 (Focus on verses 24-27)
Discover
In the first part of chapter 9 Paul addresses his rights as an Apostle, and argues that he is willing to give up those rights to help win others to Christ. In today’s passage he comes back to apply all this to the problems the Corinthians are facing. He starts this return by using an athletic metaphor to encourage the Corinthians to change their ways.
The Corinthians thought they were in control of their Christian freedom, but this was hurting weaker Christians by bringing them back into idolatry. They needed to be better at controlling themselves, and there are few better images of the need and benefits of self-control than athletic images. The athletic metaphor is especially fitting for Paul’s audience.
In ancient times, the Isthmian games were held every two years near Corinth, and these athletic events were second only to the Olympics in importance. Even the emperor would participate in them. So, athletic imagery would easily connect with the Corinthians.
Paul first talks about a foot race where runners run to win a prize. With this prize, a garland of greenery, came great praise, so runners set out to win the race. Paul compares the Christian life to a race with a prize and calls his readers to live so that they’ll win the prize, except the prize in the Christian life won’t disappear. As the Isthmian races required self-control in training to get in shape and win the victory, the Christian life requires self-control and discipline. The goal in all this, of course, is to encourage the Corinthians to practice self-control and discipline so that they no longer lead their “weaker” brothers astray. As Charles Hodge says, “If the heathen were willing to put up with such severe discipline to win a wreath of olive or garland of pine leaves, shouldn’t Christians do as much for a crown of righteousness that doesn’t fade away?”
The Corinthians had a tough decision to make. Would they use their Christian freedom in a loving way, even if it meant self-control? Would they put others first, not just themselves, so they wouldn’t hurt their brothers and sisters in Christ? We should all ask ourselves the same question today.
Respond
1. What are some areas in your life where you feel you need more discipline?
2. How can you apply the concept of "running to win" in your spiritual journey?
3. What is your "why" for following Christ, and how does it motivate you?
Monday
1 Corinthians 6 (Focus on verses 19-20)
Discover
In our modern world, sexual activity has become quite casual. Instead of being a sacred act that strengthens a lifelong marriage between a man and a woman, it’s often viewed as something to be done with multiple partners. This can make it easy for Christians to forget that sexual union is a serious matter. In fact, the Bible says that when a man and a woman are married, they become one flesh. The physical and emotional aspects of sexual intercourse show how two people who are perfectly suited for each other can become one. We often say that a marriage is consummated only when a husband and wife come together sexually. God considers marriage and the bond it creates, including the sexual bond, so important that in Ephesians 5 Paul compares the relationship between a Christian church and its members to the relationship between a husband and a wife.
God’s Word doesn’t take sexual activity lightly. It sees breaking sexual boundaries as a serious sin, worse than most others, because it affects our bodies and souls. For example, in Leviticus 18 and 20, and in Romans 1, we see how God views sexual immorality. Understanding these things is crucial for understanding Paul’s message in this passage. Paul says that sexual immorality is a sin against our own bodies, unlike other sins that happen outside our bodies. Other sins are bad, but they don’t involve our bodies in the same way that sexual immorality does. Sex is a whole-person activity that connects our bodies and souls, and it’s not compatible with who we are in Christ to be so involved in sexual immorality. The consequences of sexual immorality are far-reaching and have been shown in human experience. Engaging in sexual immorality, like fornication, homosexuality, pornography, and so on, can be very hard to stop once it starts.
Sexual immorality also shows a lack of understanding of who we truly are. Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, and His temple must be kept clean. We were bought out of slavery to sin by the blood of Christ. He is our loving, generous, and holy Master, so we must serve Him by trying to be sexually pure.
Sexual immorality, in any shape or form, isn’t the unforgivable sin. There’s grace and mercy for everyone who turns to Christ, and He’ll never turn away anyone who comes to Him with faith. But let’s be honest, sexual immorality isn’t something to be taken lightly or experimented with. It can have serious consequences for both individuals and communities. If we’re in Christ, we’re part of His body. So, we shouldn’t mix ourselves up with anyone else by committing sexual sin.
Respond
1. How does knowing your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit change your perspective on daily habits?
2. In what ways can you honor God with your body?
3. What steps can you take to ensure your lifestyle reflects this truth?
Tuesday
Romans 6 (Focus on verses 12-13)
Discover
Here’s a summary of what sanctification means in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ: God didn’t leave us to figure out how to be righteous on our own. He didn’t call us to make ourselves holy. But He did give us a positional righteousness in Christ alone that saves us from His wrath. He also set us apart from the world as His holy people. We can cooperate with the Lord in our sanctification (growing in holiness), but we can’t cooperate with Him in our justification (being declared righteous). But God’s work undergirds and guarantees that we’ll become practically holy in our experience. According to Philippians 2: 12-13, we “work out our own salvation in fear and trembling,” but “it is God who works in us to will and to work for his good pleasure”.
In our sanctification, God sets us apart as holy, then He tells us to be holy and gives us the power and inclination to strive for holiness. Today’s passage includes a general command that’s meant to guide our sanctification. Sin’s power has been broken, and its final destruction is assured, but sin doesn’t give up easily. Until our glorification, sin will always try to reestablish its rule over us and make us obey its passions again. Of course, given the perfection of the work of Christ, it’s impossible that sin will ever fully and finally succeed. If we’re not careful though, sin can regain temporarily a good measure of its hold over us. So, we must do all that we can not to let it recapture its reign and make us obey its passions.
We achieve this by not letting our members become tools of sin, but by presenting them to God as instruments of righteousness. Basically, our mission is not to let any part of us—our thoughts, feelings, or bodies—be used by sin to do evil. Instead, we must constantly give everything over to God, putting it in His service for His glory. No matter who we are or what we’re doing, if we want to submit ourselves to God’s rule, we can find victory over sin. We won’t be perfect, but we’ll grow in being like Christ. One of my heroes in the faith Dr. R.C. Sproul explains this in his commentary on Romans: “As Christians, we still sin, but we don’t have to. Whenever we’re tempted, God gives us a way out. He promises us the power of the Holy Spirit if we just cooperate.”
Respond
1. What are some sins you struggle with that you need to say "no" to?
2. How can you offer yourself as an instrument of righteousness in your daily life?
3. What does it mean to you to be "alive to God"?
Wednesday
Hebrews 12 (Focus on verses 1-2)
Discover
Just like the Old Testament saints who held on to their faith despite not getting everything they wished for, we, as believers in the age of Christ, have only one choice: keep moving forward. Hebrews 11 has been building up to this, and Hebrews 12:1-2 makes it clear. Since we have the cloud of Old Testament witnesses who inspire us to keep going, we must “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We must trust Jesus all the way until we cross the finish line into the eternal joy of heaven.
The author of Hebrews is using an athletic metaphor for the Christian life, just like Paul does in the text we looked at on Sunday. The Christian life is like a race, with conversion being the starting point and our entrance into glory being the finish line. Finishing a regular race is no easy feat. It takes a lot of effort to keep going. There are always obstacles in the way. We can get tripped up by our clothes. Our muscles get tired and sore. We might even get so exhausted that we just want to give up. This isn’t surprising when we run a foot race, so we shouldn’t be surprised that we sometimes find the race of faith tough. It’s supposed to take a lot of effort to press on into glory. As the ancient biblical commentator and church father Jerome wrote, “God has entered us as contestants in a racecourse where it’s our fate to be always striving. This place is an arena of struggle and of endurance.”
We shouldn’t get discouraged, though. If we’ve been saved through faith in Jesus alone, we’ll definitely reach the finish line. No one who starts the race of faith fails to finish it. According to Romans 8: 29-30, God honors all those whom He justifies. But we don’t finish the race without running the race. The sign that we’re forever united to Christ is that we do what the author of Hebrews tells us and put to death the sins that slow us down and tempt us to quit the race.
We’re in the race, but we don’t always make it to the finish line. That’s where Jesus comes in. He brings everyone who trusts in Him into His kingdom. He went before us, believing that God would keep His promise to give Him a kingdom and a people. He left us an example of how to keep going even when things get tough. So, let’s keep trusting in Him today and always as we run the race of faith.
Are you feeling discouraged today, thinking that following Jesus isn’t worth it? Is sin getting to you, tempting you to give in and take your eyes off Christ? If so, now is the time to press on in the strength of the Spirit. Trust in God and His promises. Look to Jesus today, letting go of your sin and asking Him to show you that the prize at the end of the race is worth it. Only by keeping our eyes on Jesus in faith will we cross into glory.
Respond
1. What are some "weights" or distractions that hinder your spiritual race?
2. How can you better fix your eyes on Jesus in your daily life?
3. Who are the "witnesses" in your life that inspire you to persevere in faith?
Thursday
Luke 9 (Focus on verse 23)
Discover
When Jesus says you should take up your cross daily, what does that mean?
Taking up your cross means mentally rejecting sinful thoughts. When a judgmental or dissatisfying thought pops up, ignore it and guard your heart. At first, sinful thoughts are temptations, but you can deny them access. As soon as you spot one, disagree with it and don’t dwell on it. This denial is how you take up your cross daily.
Denying sinful thoughts is tough because it goes against our natural instincts. Just like a physical cross causes physical pain, this metaphorical cross causes mental pain for our sinful flesh. But there’s a good reason to choose this: as Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:1, “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.”
Let this be your motivation! This verse says that when you suffer in your flesh, denying sinful thoughts, you’ll stop sinning. It’s not just a promise; you see progress. As you say “no” to temptation, those thoughts don’t come as often. It becomes easier to be good, warm, and kind. This is the fulfillment of that promise—you’re freeing yourself from sin in that area!
True discipleship is living a daily life following Jesus. He had a strong resolve when tempted: “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” He took up His cross and denied Himself. His temptations never led to sin.
Jesus also prayed hard to God for the strength to resist temptation. This is what it takes to faithfully take up your cross daily! You must humbly ask God for the strength to say “no” and keep saying “no” when tempted. You must have the same mind as Jesus: “Not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Taking up your cross daily leads to transformation. You won’t always be the same person. As you’re cleansed from sin, the fruits of the Spirit come in their place. Instead of being quick to judge and critical, or grumpy and downcast, you can radiate love, kindness, and gentleness. Isn’t that hopeful?
Respond
1. What does it mean for you to take up your cross daily?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to practice self-denial?
3. How can you more fully commit to following Jesus each day?
Friday
1 Timothy 4 (Focus on verses 4-8)
Discover
The Pastoral Epistles, written by Paul, are like handbooks for ministers. In this passage, Paul gives Timothy, the young pastor in Ephesus, some special instructions. Even though these letters are referred to as the Pastoral Epistles, these principles apply to all of us, not just preachers and teachers. We can all teach and guide others through our actions, like teaching our kids or counseling our friends.
Paul has already reminded Timothy of important things like how to use the Law (1 Tim. 1:8–11), standing up for truth (vv. 18–20), praying the right way (2:1–7), the role of women in the church (vv. 8–15), the qualifications of church leaders (3:1–13), the summary of the gospel (vv. 14–16), and the importance of good food and marriage (4:1–5). These are the things Paul wants Timothy to share with the brothers in this passage. Notice how Paul connects Timothy’s service to his teaching: “If you share these things with the brothers, you’ll be a good servant of Christ Jesus.” So, if Timothy doesn’t pass these truths on, he won’t be a good servant. Pastors, elders, and teachers aren’t just meant to learn for themselves; they’re meant to train others in the faith. The truth we have in Jesus can’t be hidden away. According to Matthew 5: 14-16 it has to be shared with everyone. No one is a good servant of Jesus who doesn’t share what they know about Him with others.
When we share the teachings of Christ and His apostles with others, we’re not just teaching them; we’re also learning. Matthew Henry said, the best way for ministers to grow in knowledge and faith is to remind their brothers and sisters while teaching others. Teaching others, whether formally or informally, helps us become well-established in the truths of Scripture.
So, what do you talk about when you’re with other believers? It’s important to catch them up on the latest in your life, but you can be sure that you’re being a good servant of Jesus when you discuss the things you’re learning from Scripture. And what about your conversations with non-Christians? Do you look for ways to share the good news, even if it’s just for a moment? Let’s pray that we’ll take advantage of any opportunities the Lord gives us.
Respond
1. How am I actively sharing the teachings of Christ with others in my daily life?
2. In what ways am I growing in my knowledge and faith through teaching others?
3. Do my conversations with fellow believers and non-Christians reflect my commitment to being a good servant of Jesus?
Saturday
John 13 (Focus on verses 34-35)
Discover
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus knew that trials were ahead for His disciples. They’d face a lot of challenges, and they wouldn’t have His physical presence like they had for the past three years. Where He was going, they couldn’t go yet, and they needed to know how to live without Him. So, Jesus took advantage of the Last Supper to give them some guidance on what to do once He was gone.
First, He showed them how to serve each other. In this passage, we read Him giving them a new commandment to love one another. It seems strange at first. After all, people had been told to love each other for centuries: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). So, what did Jesus mean when He said loving one another was a new commandment?
Dr. R.C. Sproul points out that Jesus said these words right after Judas betrayed Him. So, the kind of love Jesus told His followers to have is the opposite of what Judas showed. In his commentary on John, Dr. Sproul says, “Jesus demanded from His disciples and anyone who would follow Him a love that doesn’t have room for treason.” We also need to remember that in the same context, Jesus said that Peter would betray Him. When you put these two things together, you see that the kind of love Jesus commands is one that lasts even when someone hurts us or even betrays us. Jesus didn’t stop loving Peter after he betrayed him, he even died for Peter’s forgiveness. In the same way, even though we can’t make up for our sins, we’re supposed to show each other loving care.
This kind of sacrificial love that lasts even when someone hurts us is what it means to be a true disciple before the world that watches us. When Christians love each other the way Jesus told us to, the world will know we’re His followers. John Calvin says, “If someone wants to be a true disciple of Christ and be recognized by God, they should make it their whole life to love their brothers and sisters and work hard at it.”
Respond
1. How can you show Christ-like love to those around you?
2. What are some barriers that prevent you from loving others as Jesus did?
3. How does loving others reflect your relationship with Christ?