Week 3 Devos

Day 1: Developing a Godly self-Image

Few People today are immune to the effects of our fragmented impersonal and fiercely competitive society. Many of us, both inside and outside the church, have been bruised by broken families and relationships. These wounds have not only damaged our self-images but have also hindered us from responding fully to God’s love and purposes for our lives.

Moses, like many today, felt insignificant and inadequate. He had been raised in the courts of the king of Egypt in great wealth and with the best education and training. But witnessing an act of unrighteousness against a fellow Jew, Moses took matters into his own hands and killed a man. As a result he was forced to flee to Midian, where he spent the next forty years herding sheep. At the beginning of Exodus 3 he is 80 years old and has accomplished very little in his life.

Read Exodus 3:1-15 and 4:1-16

In 3:4 God calls Moses by name. What does this tell Moses about God?



In 3:11-15 Moses raises two objections against his going to Pharaoh. What do these objections reveal about Moses’ view of himself and God?




In what situations do you feel inadequate to do what God commands or desire?



How can God’s replay to Moses encourage you (3:12, 14-15)?




What are some resources God has given you to accomplish his will in a difficult or fearful area?





According to this passage, how should our self-image be affected by our image of God?

Day 2: Using your Spiritual Gifts

Questions and confusion about Spiritual gifts prevailed in the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul discusses the nature, purpose, and use of spiritual gifts as a corrective to the abuses which had arisen.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-26

In what way can our entire body be hindered if one of its parts isn’t functioning properly?


What is the purpose of the gifts?



How does this passage correct some of our misconceptions about the difference between so-called “full-time Christian workers” and everyone else.



Comment on your understanding of your own place in the body of Christ. For instance do you feel inferior, superior, unsure of how you fit?



Go to http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm and take this spiritual gift test. (It is long so make sure you have plenty of time- over 100 questions)

What gifts did you score the highest in? Which results surprised you?







How can God use those gifts?








Day 3: Greatness Through Humility

Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of us put ourselves on a pedestal from which we judge the faults of everyone else. Others are so self-effacing that they cannot take their eyes off themselves and their own inadequacies. Still others swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other.

Paul encourages us neither to exalt nor to belittle ourselves, but rather to think of ourselves with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). In Mark 10 we see that the disciples too were constantly learning to live humbly like the Lord Jesus

Read Mark 10:32-45

Describe the argument between James and John on the one hand and Jesus on the other.


In what ways are you like James and John in this passage?




Have you ever felt envious or even indignant when others were honored and you were not? Explain.





What is the difference, according to Jesus, of greatness in the world and greatness in God’s Kingdom?






In what ways have you embraced the world’s concept of greatness?





How could you follow Jesus’ example of humility?

Day 4: Called to Persevere

As a young timid leader, timothy faced the dual dilemma of personal inadequacy and a problem stricken church. If that weren’t enough, Paul, his role model, was in prison facing death. His arrest evidently resulted in widespread defections from the faith. This is the last letter Paul wrote before being executed. From his cell he challenges Timothy to Endure.

Read 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7

Why might Timothy be ashamed to testify about the Lord or be ashamed of Paul? (v8)



How does this message of the Gospel encourage you to stand firm when you are tempted to be ashamed of Christ or another Christian?


In what Specific ways might it cost you to endure for the sake of the Gospel, both now and throughout your life?



Day 5: Keep on Trucking

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.


How is the example of the faithful Christian men and women of the past and encouragement to you to persevere?






Memorize Hebrews 12:1-3. Write it out 5 times.