3-Day Bible Reading Plan: “Cooperation Without Corruption”
“As followers of Christ, we should feel morally obligated to cooperate with others in bringing about societal good. We need to be concerned for the good of our families, cities,states, nations, and our world. In order to promote human flourishing in the lands we live in, we will need to cooperate with secular and immoral administrations. There is a way to cooperate without corrupting or compromising our character.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 10/6/24
Day 1
Featured Verse: Jeremiah 29:1-9 - “Seek the Welfare of the City Where I Have Sent You Into Exile”
Cross References:
Ezra 6:10 - “Pray For the Life of the King and His Sons”
Have you ever prayed for the leaders of our nation or their families? How might you be specific in prayer for them?
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - “I Urge…Prayers…Be Made…For Kings”
In the same way we are to pray for our enemies, we are to pray for those we don’t agree with, including our leaders. How might you pray for their decisions or policies?
Titus 3:1 - “Be Submissive to Rulers and Authorities”
Certainly there will be policies implemented by our leaders that we don’t agree with, however, we’re instructed to be submissive to them. What would this look like in your own life?
“We are simply passing through this earth. We should bless it in our transit but never yoke ourselves to its affairs.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 2
Featured Verse: 1 Peter 2:11-12 - “I Urge You as Sojourners and Exiles”
Cross References:
Proverbs 24:21 - “Fear the Lord and the King”
We know why we should fear the Lord, but why should we fear the king?
Leviticus 25:23 - “You are Strangers and Sojourners With Me”
Why do you think God identifies with strangers and sojourners?
Psalm 24:1 - “The Earth is the Lord’s and the Fullness Thereof”
Even though we are as exiles in the world, how might knowing the earth belongs to the Lord bring you peace as a stranger here?
“May we live here like strangers and make the world not a house, but an inn, in which we sup and lodge, expecting to be on our journey tomorrow.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 3
Featured Verse: Romans 13:1-7 - “There is No Authority Except From God”
Cross References:
John 19:11 - “You Would Have No Authority Over Me At All Unless It Had Been Given From Heaven”
Consider: When Christ was obedient unto death, He was obedient both to the Father’s will and to the ruling authorities who ordered His death.
Daniel 2:21 - “He Removes Kings and Sets Up Kings”
How might knowing that God sets up kings give you comfort should a candidate be sworn into office that you don’t agree with and didn’t vote for?
Job 12:18 - “He Looses the Bonds of Kings and Binds a Waistcloth on Their Hips”
In this verse, a king should be considered a servant rather than a tyrant. How might a good king serve his people?
“Every government is responsible to God, and no government can expect to prosper without God’s blessing. Every government therefore is bound to do all that lies in its power to obtain God’s favor and blessing.” - J.C. Ryle