Week 1 Devos

Day 1: Freed to Serve God



We all have a need for acceptance. IN fact our self-concept is often determined by the approval or rejection of those around us, whether family, peers, business associates, fellow students or even Christian Friends. We tend to do and say what we hope will people’s favor.


This tendency to try and earn more favor often carries over into our relationship with God. What are some ways you have tried to earn God’s approval?



If we feel we must somehow earn God’s acceptance of us, we end up acting out of a sense of guilt. In the book of Romans, Paul expounds the doctrine of justification, the biblical foundation upon which a right relationship is built- with ourselves, with others, and with God. It frees us to be all that God intends for us



Read Romans 3:9-26.



In verses 10-18 Paul cites several Old Testament Passages to illustrate the fact that everyone is “under sin” (v. 9). What portrait of humanity emerges from these verse? Or in other words what do these verses tell you about you, your friends, and everyone else?









How does Paul use the various parts of the body to illustrate graphically the extent and effects of sin? (vv 13-18)









The Word redemption is borrowed from the slave market. It means to buy someone out of slavery. What are some of the ways we were enslaved as non-Christians?









What are some forms of enslavement or bondage that we struggle with as Christians?







The expression sacrifice of atonement (v25) is taken from the Old Testament Sacrificial system. The death of a sacrificial animal turned away God’s wrath from the sinner. How does this imagery help us to understand and appreciate what Jesus did for us on the cross?









How can the fact that God has accepted and forgiven us through Christ affect our relationships with one another and with God?







Day 2: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord



To some, Jesus of Nazareth is a revolutionary, leading the masses in their struggle for freedom from oppression. Others see him as a staunch conservative, fully supporting and representing the status quo. Still others view Jesus as a pious, meek and mild do-gooder who loves everyone and avoids confrontation at all costs.



How has your picture of Jesus changed over time? Praise God for the privilege of knowing Jesus.



What is Jesus really like? Confusion about the identity and character of Jesus was also a problem in the first century. From both the inside and outside the church, distortions about he truth about Jesus and the Christian life had arisen. Against this background Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae reminding them of who it is they follow as Lord.



Read Colossians 1:15-23



What characteristics of Jesus Christ impress you in this passage?







According to verse 15, “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.” What are some of the difficulties we have in trying to know and relate to an invisible God?





How has Christ’s incarnation (God becoming a human being) over come these difficulties?







How does this portrait of Christ enlarge your view of him?







Christ is also “the head of the body, the church” (V18). How can Christ’s authority make a visible difference in your youth group?







Verse 18 summarizes the overall thrust of this passage: “So that in everything he might have the supremacy.” In what areas does Jesus not yet have first place in your life?









What steps can you take to submit these areas to his Lordship?



Day 3: The Cost of Commitment



Picture yourself sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from Him. What would it be like? Journal or Pray in response to our savior who invites us to come near.



At certain times during his ministry Jesus challenged his would-be disciples with strong and sobering words about the cost of truly following him as Lord. As those who claim Jesus as our Lord, we too need to carefully weigh these words.



Read Luke 14:25-35



In Verses 25-27 what does Jesus demand of those who would truly be his disciples?











A person carrying a cross in first-century Palestine was about to be executed. In this light explain the meaning of verse 27 and how it impacts your life.









What do the illustrations about counting the cost suggest about following Jesus (v33)?











Give some examples of how following Jesus could be costly for you.











What is one thing God is calling you to change today?













Read Matthew 13:44-46. What further motivation does Jesus give us here for serving him as Lord?



Day 4: Resisting Temptation



Perhaps nothing so persistently plagues Christians like temptation. Abraham was tempted to lie and fear. Paul wrestled with pride. Even Jesus faced innumerable temptations.



Spend some time reflecting. What areas of temptation do you struggle with the most? Ask God to use this study to help you with that temptation.



In Genesis 39 we observe one man’s struggle and victory over temptation. Joseph was the favored 11th son of Jacob. His jealous brothers sold the 17 year old Joseph into slavery. In Egypt he was again sold, this time to Potiphar, on of Pharaoh’s officials. This passage recounts the first test for Joseph as God prepared him for the crucial role he would play in Israel’s history.



Read Genesis 39



How would you handle Joseph’s situation?







How could have this position of authority, wealth, and power have affected Joseph?







What made this temptation from Potiphar’s wife especially difficult to resist?







What can you lean about overcoming temptation from Joseph’s example in verses 7-12?















What temptations do you deal with regularly? How can Joseph’s example help you resist?









Day 5

Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What additional weapons has God given us to resist temptation? What else do you learn about spiritual warfare from this passage? Ask God to protect you.