Sermon Devotions
Inspiring weekly devotions that motivate us to remain steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ!
Week of February 15th
Devotion 1 — The Contrast: Where Is Your Mind Set?
Scripture:
Romans 8:5–6 — “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Reflection:
Paul lays out two identities: you either do not belong to God (according to the flesh) or you do (according to the Spirit). There is no neutral ground. The mind governed by the flesh is focused on self, sin, and separation from God. The mind governed by the Spirit is marked by life and peace.
What we focus on shapes who we become. Just as a distracted driver drifts off course, a distracted believer drifts spiritually. The Holy Spirit helps us live the Christian life by redirecting our focus toward Christ. He produces new desires — a hunger for Scripture, prayer, obedience, and worship.
Where is your mind set today? What consistently occupies your thoughts?
Prayer:
Thank the Father and the Son for sending the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you. Confess those times when your mind has drifted toward the flesh and ask for forgiveness. Pray that God would redirect your focus to the things of the Spirit and that you would be filled with His life and peace.
Action:
Throughout today, pause three times and ask: “What is my mind focused on right now?” Intentionally redirect your thoughts toward God through prayer or Scripture.
Devotion 2 — The Conflict: Understanding the Battle
Scripture:
Romans 8:7–8 — “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Reflection:
There is a real spiritual conflict. The flesh resists God. It does not submit to Him — it cannot. Apart from Christ, a person is spiritually dead, hostile toward God, and powerless to obey Him.
Even as believers, we feel the pull of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The struggle is real, but it is not hopeless. The very presence of conflict can remind us that the Spirit is at work within us. Before salvation, there was no internal battle — only surrender to sin.
The Holy Spirit empowers us in this conflict. We are no longer powerless.
Prayer:
Confess your struggles and temptations to God so that He may help you to resist. Thank Him that you are no longer a slave to sin. Ask that He would strengthen you by His Spirit to resist the flesh and to walk in obedience. Pray that He would help you to please Him in your thoughts and actions.
Action:
Identify one area where you consistently feel spiritual conflict. Specifically pray over that area today, and ask the Spirit to help you walk in obedience.
Devotion 3 — The Conquest: The Spirit Dwells in You
Scripture:
Romans 8:9, 11 — “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him . . . But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Reflection:
What incredible assurance: the Holy Spirit is not a visitor; He is a permanent resident. Every true believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God.
Paul uses multiple titles — Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ — emphasizing the unity of the Trinity and the power at work within us. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you.
That means you are never alone in your struggle. Resurrection power resides within you. Your body may still experience weakness, but your spirit is alive because of Christ’s righteousness credited to you.
This is conquest, not by your strength, but by His indwelling power.
Prayer:
Thank the Holy Spirit for dwelling in you. Ask that He would remind you that you are never alone and never powerless. Pray that He would help you live today in the strength of His resurrection power and transform you into the likeness of Christ.
Action:
Memorize Romans 8:11 today. When you feel weak, repeat it and thank God that resurrection power lives in you.
Devotion 4 — The Conclusion: A Distinctively Different Life
Scripture:
Romans 8:10 — “If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.”
Reflection:
The Christian life is distinct. You are not saved because of nationality, family background, or religious activity. Salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
When you trust Christ, you are justified before the Father, indwelt by the Spirit, and given new life. New desires. New purpose. New power.
If your life revolves around the flesh, the Good News is that your condition is reversible. Christ died for your sins and rose again. Through faith in Him, you can be made new.
If you are a believer, live like one. Be distinct. Let the Spirit control and transform you daily. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is shaping you for eternity.
Prayer:
Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and rising again. Thank Him for giving you His Spirit. Pray that He would help you live a life that reflects His transforming power. Ask that He would make me distinctively different and Christ-like for His glory.
Action:
Examine your life today. Is there evidence of the Spirit’s work — life, peace, new desires? Write down one way you will intentionally live under the Spirit’s control this week.
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