1.4.26 Sermon Devotionals

Tuesday, January 6th

Day 1: The Right Motivation - Obedience Over Convenience

Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-18; Romans 1:14-16

Devotional:

Paul declared, "Necessity has been laid upon me. Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" His motivation wasn't financial gain or personal recognition—it was pure obedience to Christ. He understood himself as a steward entrusted with the gospel, not an owner of it.

As we begin this year, examine your heart honestly. Has your Christian walk become more about convenience and comfort than obedience? Do you spend more time asking God to make life easier rather than asking what He wants from you? True maturity recognizes that we've been entrusted with something precious—the gospel—and our response should be grateful obedience, not selective compliance. Stop making excuses based on what's comfortable. Choose obedience today, regardless of the cost.

Reflection Question: Where has convenience replaced obedience in my spiritual life?

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Wednesday, January 7th

Day 2: The Right Purpose - Serving Others Sacrificially

Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Philippians 2:3-8

Devotional:

"Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all." Paul's maturity is revealed in his willingness to surrender his rights for the spiritual benefit of others. He became "all things to all men" not by compromising truth, but by laying aside preferences and privileges.

We were all born singing "it's all about me," but the grace of God transforms us into servants. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Your purpose isn't found in protecting your freedoms or demanding your rights—it's discovered in serving others for eternal impact. When you wake up, are you asking God how you can bless others with His truth, or are you focused on your own agenda? Maturity elevates others' spiritual lives above personal comfort. Today, identify one way you can serve someone else's spiritual growth.

Reflection Question: Who can I serve today without expecting anything in return?

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Thursday, January 8th

Day 3: The Right Focus - Running for an Eternal Crown

Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Matthew 6:19-21

Devotional:

Paul uses athletic imagery to illustrate spiritual discipline: runners train to win, boxers fight with purpose. He declares, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection." Why? Because he's running for an imperishable crown, not temporary applause.

What consumes your thoughts? Your job, retirement plans, hobbies, or bank account? Jesus warned against laying up treasures on earth. The mature believer develops an eternal focus—recognizing that people will live forever in either heaven or hell. This perspective transforms how you spend your time, money, and energy. The enemy's greatest tool is distraction, keeping you consumed with the temporary while eternity hangs in the balance. Don't waste your life on what won't last. Train yourself spiritually through prayer, fasting, Bible reading, and meditation. Run to win.

Reflection Question: What earthly concern is distracting me from eternal priorities?

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Friday, January 9th

Day 4: Love That Constrains - Choosing Others Over Rights

Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; Romans 14:13-21

Devotional:

Paul's powerful statement echoes through the centuries: "If food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat again." He had the right to eat, but love constrained him. True agape love doesn't ask, "What am I allowed to do?" but rather, "Will this help someone get closer to Christ?"

Immaturity demands its rights; maturity willingly lays them down for the gospel's sake. This isn't about legalism or people-pleasing—it's about prioritizing others' spiritual well-being over personal freedom. Your decisions impact those around you, especially younger believers watching your example. Before exercising your liberty, ask yourself: Will this cause someone to stumble? Will this advance or hinder the gospel? Love demands we consider others first. Today, identify one freedom you might need to surrender for someone else's spiritual benefit.

Reflection Question: What "right" might God be asking me to surrender for love's sake?

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Saturday, January 10th

Day 5: Faithful Stewardship - Living With Eternal Accountability

Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Devotional:

Paul concludes with sobering words: "Lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." He wasn't worried about losing salvation, but about his witness becoming compromised through undisciplined living.

Every believer is a steward of God's grace and an ambassador of Christ. You represent Him daily in your world. The question isn't whether you possess the gospel, but whether you're faithfully managing what's been entrusted to you. Are you living in a way that protects your gospel witness? Are you disciplining your body, mind, and habits to remain effective for God's kingdom? There's coming a day when God will close the door, just as He did with Noah's ark. The opportunity to impact eternity is limited to this life. Don't waste it. Grow up. Move forward. Be faithful.

Reflection Question: What area of my life needs greater discipline to protect my witness for Christ?