3-Day Bible Reading Plan: “Vision Part 1”
It's tempting to think faith is merely an intellectual choice. It is a choice, certainly, and our minds are involved, but that’s only part of the picture. God isn't just asking us to choose faith; He's resurrecting us, changing our very nature. Our new behaviors aren't creating a new identity; our new identity is shaping our new behaviors. - Pastor Paul Crandell, 1/5/25
Day 1
Featured Verse: Colossians 3:1-4 - “Seek the Things That Are Above”
Cross References:
Ephesians 1:3 - “...who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
What are some of the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with in Christ? How might having a deeper sense of these blessings help you to live a godly life?
Philippians 4:8 - “...if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
How can practicing these principles influence our personal behavior? What happens to our thoughts when we think about excellent things?
Romans 6:2 - “How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
How does the concept of dying to sin, challenge or redefine our understanding of personal identity and moral freedom?
“A risen life is the type of all noble life, and before there can be a risen life there must have been a death…unless a man dies to flesh, to self-will, to the world, he never will live a life that is worth calling life.The condition of all nobleness and all growth upwards is that we shall die daily, and live a life that has sprung victorious from the death of self.” - Alexander Maclaren
Day 2
Featured Verse: Colossians 3:5-11 - “Put to Death Therefore What is Earthly In You”
Cross References:
Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
In what ways does the crucifixion of the flesh with its passions and desires affect a believer's approach to personal discipline, communal living, and the ongoing struggle between spiritual and carnal desires?
Romans 8:13 - “...but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
How does the practice of 'putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit' reshape our understanding of sanctification, personal agency, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the daily life of a Christian?
Mark 7:21-23 - “All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
How do Jesus' teachings about the heart being the source of all defilement challenge traditional views on morality, sin, and the nature of human transformation?
“It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them…It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them, they will kill us.” - Matthew Henry
Day 3
Featured Verse: Colossians 3:12-15 - “Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts”
Cross References:
Philippians 4:7 - “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In what ways does God’s peace guard our hearts and minds? When are some times when God’s peace guarded your mind and thoughts?
Colossians 3:17 - “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
“Christian” is not just a title, but an attitude and a behavior of the heart. What are some ways you might be able to better reflect glory to Christ in what you say and do?
Ephesians 4:2 - “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
What does it mean to “bear with one another”? What might loving our brothers and sisters in Christ look like in this context?
“[Peace] may be said to ‘reign’ in their hearts, when it is the governing principle there; when it restrains the turbulent passions of anger, wrath, and revenge, allays undue heats, moderates spirits, and composes differences…the apostle would have no other umpire among the saints than the peace of God.” - John Gill