Standing Together: Stand Firm in God’s Truth
This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of Building Together: “Will it stand?” (WATCH HERE)
John 8:31–32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Truth is always the answer to lies, but sometimes the lies sound pretty similar to the truth. Satan loves to couch his deception in the context of truth. He does not always tempt us by making evil look obviously wrong. Sometimes he makes a lie sound reasonable, a compromise seem harmless, or God’s commands appear outdated. His goal is to weaken our trust in God’s Word until we begin to rely on our own judgment instead. That is why Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:11 to stand against “the schemes of the devil.”
We see this strategy in the Garden of Eden. The serpent began by questioning God’s Word: “Did God actually say…?” (Genesis 3:1). That question planted doubt about God’s goodness and truthfulness. The same temptation continues today. We may hear that God’s Word cannot be trusted, that sin is simply a matter of personal preference, or that we can determine right and wrong for ourselves. Even within the Church, we can be tempted to adjust God’s truth to fit our preferences rather than allowing His Word to shape our lives.
Jesus shows us how to stand firm. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus answered with Scripture. He did not negotiate with the devil or decide for Himself what was right. He trusted His Father’s Word. Jesus remained faithful where we have often failed, and He did so for our salvation.
Remaining in the teachings of Jesus is the key to overcoming the deception of Satan. This weekend as we mark the anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we are reminded that Martin Luther’s stand during the Reformation reflected his conviction that the Word of God was always the measure of truth. His confidence rested not in his own wisdom or courage, but in the authority of God’s Word. As Christians, we are called to test our thoughts, beliefs, and practices against Scripture. Yet we must remember that God’s Word is what exposes the lies of Satan and returns us to the truth.
The great blessing of exposing the lies of Satan and standing firm in the teachings of Jesus? Freedom! Not freedom to do what our sinful nature desires, but freedom to walk in the steps of Jesus. Freedom to love as we have been loved. Freedom to not be deceived. Freedom to let God’s truth guide our life. Freedom to live with the confidence that heaven is our home. Freedom to know we are forgiven. Freedom to trust Jesus as our Savior.
When doubts arise or the world challenges your faith, return to God’s promises. Read His Word, remember your Baptism, and receive the comfort of the Gospel. God’s truth does not change. In Christ, we have a sure foundation on which to stand.
Reflect: What message or belief is tempting me to question God’s Word, and what promise of Scripture can help me stand firm?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me steadfast in Your Word. Protect me from the devil’s lies and from the pride that makes me trust my own judgment above Your truth. Thank You for Jesus, who remained faithful for me and has given me forgiveness and life. Strengthen my faith through Your promises and help me confess Your truth with humility and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Standing Together: Recognize the Real Enemy
This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of Building Together: “Will it stand?” (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 6:10–12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Have you ever walked away from an argument feeling certain that you were right, only to realize later that the way you handled it caused more harm than good? Perhaps you were so focused on what someone else said or did that you never stopped to examine your own heart. This is one of the devil’s schemes. He wants us so focused on fighting one another that we overlook the spiritual battle taking place within us.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Our struggle is not ultimately against people. The devil works to deceive us, stir up resentment, encourage pride, and divide relationships. He wants us to believe that our greatest problem is the person who disagrees with us rather than the sin that tempts us to respond with anger, bitterness, or hatred.
This does not mean people never do wrong or that we should ignore false teaching and harmful behavior. Scripture calls us to speak the truth and address sin. But we must not forget that the people around us are not our ultimate enemy. Even when someone hurts us, we remain called to love our neighbor and seek what is good.
We must never underestimate the seriousness of this spiritual battle. We are doomed to lose if our confidence rests in our own strength or courage. We must always turn to the Word of God and the promises of Christ to win the real battle over the deception of Satan and the desires of our sinful nature. That is why Paul begins this passage by saying, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). We cannot defeat the devil through determination alone. We need the strength and truth God provides.
The good news is that Jesus has already won the decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil through His death and resurrection. When we recognize our own sinful reactions, we do not need to hide or defend ourselves. We can confess our sins, receive Christ’s forgiveness, and begin again in His grace.
Today, when conflict arises, pause before reacting. Determine what the real battle is. Ask yourself whether pride, anger, or resentment is shaping your response. Turn to God’s Word, pray for the person with whom you disagree, and ask the Lord to help you speak the truth in love. Remember, the greater battle is the spiritual one, not the physical one!
Reflect: Where might I be fighting against another person instead of recognizing the spiritual battle and the sin in my own heart?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the schemes of the devil. Forgive me when pride, anger, and resentment lead me to treat others as enemies. Strengthen me through Your Word, remind me of Christ’s victory, and help me stand firm in Your truth while loving those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Serving Together: Every Gift Builds the Body
This week’s devotions are based on Week 6 of Building Together: “When Faith Goes to Work!” (WATCH HERE)
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Have you ever wondered whether what you do really makes a difference? Perhaps you see someone else teaching, leading, or doing something that receives public recognition, while your own contributions seem small or unimportant. It is easy to believe that the work of building God’s kingdom depends primarily on a few gifted people. But Scripture gives us a different picture. God works through His people, giving each of us gifts and opportunities to serve so that the whole body of Christ may grow.
In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter writes, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Notice that Peter says each one. Serving is not reserved for pastors, church leaders, or people with special talents. God gives gifts to His people so they can use them for the benefit of others. Some gifts are easy to see, while others are exercised quietly and faithfully. What matters is not whether our service attracts attention, but whether we use what God has given us to glorify Him and serve our neighbors.
Paul develops this same picture in Ephesians 4:15–16. He describes the church as a body joined together, with each part doing its work so that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love. A body cannot function properly if every part tries to do the same thing. The eye cannot replace the hand, and the foot cannot replace the ear. Each part has a purpose, and the body needs them all.
The same is true in our congregation. Some people teach children, others welcome visitors, prepare meals, care for the building, encourage fellow members, give generously, or pray for those in need. These tasks may look very different, but each can become an opportunity to serve Christ by serving others. When we use our gifts faithfully, we strengthen the people around us and contribute to the mission God has given His church.
Of course, we don’t always use our gifts with the right motives. Sometimes we compare ourselves with others, seek recognition, or become discouraged when our efforts go unnoticed. We may even neglect opportunities to serve because we assume someone else will take care of them. When that happens, we need to remember that our service does not establish our worth before God. Our salvation rests entirely on the grace of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us and rose again to make us His own.
Because Christ has served us first, we are free to serve without competing for recognition. We can rejoice in the gifts God has given others while faithfully using our own. We don’t have to do everything, but we can each do something.
As we continue Building Together, remember that Christ is the one who builds and sustains His church. He graciously uses the service of His people to care for one another and share His love with the world. Whatever gifts God has given you, look for an opportunity to use them this week. Your service may seem small, but in Christ’s hands it can become a blessing to someone else.
Reflect: What gifts, abilities, or opportunities has God given you that you could use more intentionally to serve others? What is one practical way you can help build up your family, congregation, or community this week?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You have given me to serve others. Forgive me when I compare myself with others, seek recognition, or overlook the needs around me. Thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ and making me part of His body, the church. Help me use my gifts faithfully, encourage my fellow believers, and serve my neighbors with the love I have received from You. Build us together in Christ so that our lives may bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Serving Together: The Master Who Became a Servant
This week’s devotions are based on Week 6 of Building Together: “When Faith Goes to Work!” (WATCH HERE)
Mark 10:42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Our world often measures greatness by how many people serve us. We admire those who have authority, influence, and the ability to get things done their way. We may assume that the more important a person becomes, the less that person should have to do for others. But Jesus turns that way of thinking upside down. In His kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people serve us, but by the love we show in serving others.
In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus responds to His disciples when they struggle with the desire for greatness. They want positions of honor, but Jesus explains that His followers are not to imitate rulers who use their authority to dominate others. Instead, whoever wants to become great must become a servant. Then Jesus points to Himself as the ultimate example: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Think about what Jesus is saying. He is the Son of God, the King of kings, and the Lord of all creation. He has every right to receive our worship and service. Yet He did not come to demand that sinful people serve Him. He came to rescue us. We had no way to free ourselves from sin, death, and the judgment we deserved. So Jesus took our place. He humbled Himself, lived in perfect obedience, and willingly gave His life on the cross to redeem us.
Just before he went to the cross, Jesus gives His disciples a vivid picture of this humble love. During the Last Supper, He rises from the table, wraps a towel around Himself, and begins washing their feet. This was the work of a servant, yet their Lord and Teacher performs it for them. Jesus tells them that He has given them an example to follow. His humble service shows them how to serve one another.
But Jesus’ actions mean more than simply giving us a good example. His actions in the upper room and throughout his life were expressions of his heart of humble service for you. He served us first. We cannot wash away our own sin or make ourselves right with God. Christ has done what we could never do. Through His death and resurrection, He forgives us, restores us to God, and gives us new life.
Now, because we have received such undeserved service from Christ, we are free to serve others. We don’t have to prove our importance or demand recognition. We can listen patiently, help someone who is struggling, forgive someone who has hurt us, or take care of a task nobody else wants to do. We know know our acts of service are simply the fruit of the faith and love He has worked in us. Our service is a heart-felt response to how Jesus has served us.
Reflect: How does Jesus’ willingness to serve and give His life for you change the way you think about greatness? Who is someone you can serve this week in a practical way, even if your service goes unnoticed?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my Savior and my Lord, yet You humbled Yourself to serve me and give Your life for my salvation. Forgive me for the times I have sought recognition, demanded my own way, or been unwilling to serve others. Thank You for Your saving love and the forgiveness You freely give. Fill me with gratitude and humility so that I may follow Your example and serve the people You place in my life. Amen.
Serving Together: Faithful When No One Is Watching
This week’s devotions are based on Week 6 of Building Together: “When Faith Goes to Work!” (WATCH HERE)
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Have you ever worked harder because someone was watching? Perhaps you cleaned up a room when you knew company was coming, hurried to finish a task when your supervisor walked by, or put extra effort into something because you knew someone would notice. We all appreciate recognition, and there is nothing wrong with being encouraged when someone thanks us for our work. But what happens when nobody is watching? Does our effort change when there is no one around to notice what we do?
In Ephesians 6:6, Paul warns against serving merely “to win their favor when their eye is on you.” He calls this eye service, the kind of work done primarily to impress someone. Paul was writing to enslaved people living under the authority of masters in the Roman Empire. Their circumstances were very different from those of most workers today, and their lack of freedom made their situation especially difficult. Yet Paul points them to a deeper motivation for their work. They are to serve sincerely, “as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart” (Ephesians 6:6).
Paul is not suggesting that every task is pleasant or that every person in authority is fair. Rather, he reminds Christians that their ultimate Lord is Jesus. Human approval may come and go, but Christ sees our lives and knows our hearts. Paul encourages them to serve wholeheartedly, as though they were serving the Lord rather than people.
This changes how we approach the ordinary responsibilities of life. At work, we can act with honesty even when no supervisor is present. At home, we can take care of responsibilities without waiting to be asked or praised. At church, we can serve faithfully even when our efforts go unnoticed. These may seem like small things, but they are opportunities to love our neighbors through the everyday work God has placed before us.
Colossians 3:23–24 offers the same encouragement: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Our motivation is not to earn God’s love or prove that we deserve His favor. We already have His favor through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has forgiven our sins and made us His own. Our faithful service is a response to His grace, not a payment for it.
There will be days when we grow tired, feel overlooked, or wonder whether our efforts matter. In those moments, remember that your value does not depend on how much people notice you. The Lord who gave His life for you sees even the quiet acts of faithfulness that others miss. Because Christ has served you with unfailing love, you are free to serve others with a sincere heart.
Reflect: Where am I tempted to put less effort into my responsibilities when nobody is watching? How could remembering that I ultimately serve Christ change the way I approach one ordinary task today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have worked only to gain the approval of others or neglected my responsibilities when no one was watching. Thank You for seeing me, loving me, and making me Your own through Jesus Christ. Give me a sincere heart and a willing spirit so that I may serve faithfully in every part of my life, trusting that my work is an opportunity to love my neighbor and honor You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.