Daily Worship (March 2)
Devotional 1: The Call to Unity in the Church
Ephesians 2:14–16 (NIV)
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
Devotional Thought
In Acts 6, the early church faced division along cultural and ethnic lines between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews. The issue of overlooked widows was more than just a logistical problem; it reflected deep-seated divisions that existed long before these people became believers. Yet, the apostles modeled a gospel-centered response: instead of ignoring complaints or reacting defensively, they empowered Spirit-filled leaders from the marginalized group to bring restoration.
Ephesians 2:14–16 reminds us that Jesus came to destroy hostility and create one new people in Him. He did this not by forcing unity through human systems but by giving His life on the cross. The gospel does not simply tell us to tolerate one another—it calls us into reconciliation. The cross is the only place where racial, ethnic, and cultural divisions can truly be healed because it reveals both the depth of human sin and the power of God’s grace.
We must ask ourselves: Are we unintentionally allowing cultural divisions to shape our church, friendships, and communities? Are we listening to the complaints of those who feel overlooked, or do we dismiss them? The early church responded with repentance and Spirit-filled action. So should we.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are our peace. You broke down every wall of hostility through Your cross, reconciling us to God and to one another. Forgive us for the ways we allow cultural and racial divisions to shape our hearts, our churches, and our relationships. Help us to truly listen, love, and act with humility as we seek to reflect the unity You have already established. Let our churches be a testimony to the reconciling power of the gospel. Amen.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
Devotional Thought
In Acts 6, the early church faced division along cultural and ethnic lines between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews. The issue of overlooked widows was more than just a logistical problem; it reflected deep-seated divisions that existed long before these people became believers. Yet, the apostles modeled a gospel-centered response: instead of ignoring complaints or reacting defensively, they empowered Spirit-filled leaders from the marginalized group to bring restoration.
Ephesians 2:14–16 reminds us that Jesus came to destroy hostility and create one new people in Him. He did this not by forcing unity through human systems but by giving His life on the cross. The gospel does not simply tell us to tolerate one another—it calls us into reconciliation. The cross is the only place where racial, ethnic, and cultural divisions can truly be healed because it reveals both the depth of human sin and the power of God’s grace.
We must ask ourselves: Are we unintentionally allowing cultural divisions to shape our church, friendships, and communities? Are we listening to the complaints of those who feel overlooked, or do we dismiss them? The early church responded with repentance and Spirit-filled action. So should we.
COMMA Questions
- Context: What does Paul say in Ephesians 2 before this passage that explains how Jesus broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles?
- Observation: What key phrases emphasize the work of Christ in bringing peace and unity?
- Meaning: What does it mean that Christ “destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”? How does this apply beyond Jew and Gentile relationships?
- Main Idea: How does Jesus’ work on the cross provide the foundation for true reconciliation between people?
- Application: What personal or church-wide divisions do you see today that need the power of the gospel to bring reconciliation?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are our peace. You broke down every wall of hostility through Your cross, reconciling us to God and to one another. Forgive us for the ways we allow cultural and racial divisions to shape our hearts, our churches, and our relationships. Help us to truly listen, love, and act with humility as we seek to reflect the unity You have already established. Let our churches be a testimony to the reconciling power of the gospel. Amen.
Devotional 2: Prioritizing the Word and Prayer
2 Timothy 4:1–2 (NIV)
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Devotional Thought
In Acts 6, the apostles faced an urgent problem: widows were being overlooked, and racial tensions were rising. But instead of stepping away from their primary calling, they said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” This was not a dismissal of service but a recognition that the church’s greatest need is always the Word and prayer.
Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1–2 reinforces this truth. He reminds Timothy that the Word must be preached consistently, in season and out of season. This means when people are eager to hear it—and when they resist it. In today’s culture, the temptation is to focus on activism, social issues, or church programs at the expense of faithful gospel preaching. Yet, the apostles understood that true change—whether racial reconciliation, mercy ministry, or church unity—must be rooted in the power of God’s Word and prayer.
Pastors and church leaders must guard their time in preaching and prayer while equipping others to serve. And as believers, we must ask: Do we prioritize receiving and sharing the Word? Do we rely more on human efforts or the transforming power of Scripture?
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Father, Your Word is powerful, living, and able to transform hearts. Forgive us for the times we neglect it in favor of human wisdom or busyness. Strengthen our pastors and elders to remain devoted to preaching and prayer. Give us all a deep hunger for Your Word so that we might live it out faithfully in a world that desperately needs to hear it. Amen.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Devotional Thought
In Acts 6, the apostles faced an urgent problem: widows were being overlooked, and racial tensions were rising. But instead of stepping away from their primary calling, they said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” This was not a dismissal of service but a recognition that the church’s greatest need is always the Word and prayer.
Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1–2 reinforces this truth. He reminds Timothy that the Word must be preached consistently, in season and out of season. This means when people are eager to hear it—and when they resist it. In today’s culture, the temptation is to focus on activism, social issues, or church programs at the expense of faithful gospel preaching. Yet, the apostles understood that true change—whether racial reconciliation, mercy ministry, or church unity—must be rooted in the power of God’s Word and prayer.
Pastors and church leaders must guard their time in preaching and prayer while equipping others to serve. And as believers, we must ask: Do we prioritize receiving and sharing the Word? Do we rely more on human efforts or the transforming power of Scripture?
COMMA Questions
- Context: What does Paul say in the previous chapter about the role of Scripture in equipping believers?
- Observation: What three things does Paul command Timothy to do with the Word?
- Meaning: Why does Paul place such a strong emphasis on preaching, especially in light of Christ’s return?
- Main Idea: Why must the Word of God remain the priority in ministry and the church?
- Application: How can you personally ensure that the Word of God is central in your life, ministry, and church?
Prayer
Father, Your Word is powerful, living, and able to transform hearts. Forgive us for the times we neglect it in favor of human wisdom or busyness. Strengthen our pastors and elders to remain devoted to preaching and prayer. Give us all a deep hunger for Your Word so that we might live it out faithfully in a world that desperately needs to hear it. Amen.
Devotional 3: Gospel-Driven Leadership and Service
Philippians 2:3–5 (NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
Devotional Thought
The solution to the racial and social division in Acts 6 was Spirit-filled leadership—men full of wisdom and faith, entrusted to serve. But what made these men stand out? They reflected the humility of Christ in putting the needs of others before their own.
Philippians 2:3–5 calls every believer to this kind of humility. It reminds us that true Christian leadership is not about power, status, or recognition—it is about servanthood. Jesus Himself, though fully God, humbled Himself to serve us, even to the point of death.
In our churches today, do we seek positions of power or opportunities to serve? Are we willing to listen to and lift up the voices of those who feel neglected? Like the early church, we must recognize and empower diverse leaders who reflect Christ’s humility and wisdom. When we humble ourselves, value others, and serve in the power of the Spirit, we reflect the very heart of Jesus.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Jesus, You are the perfect example of humility and love. Help us to serve as You served, to listen as You listened, and to lead as You led. Free us from selfish ambition and pride. May our churches be places where leaders and members alike seek the good of others above themselves. Teach us to live in the humility of the gospel. Amen.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
Devotional Thought
The solution to the racial and social division in Acts 6 was Spirit-filled leadership—men full of wisdom and faith, entrusted to serve. But what made these men stand out? They reflected the humility of Christ in putting the needs of others before their own.
Philippians 2:3–5 calls every believer to this kind of humility. It reminds us that true Christian leadership is not about power, status, or recognition—it is about servanthood. Jesus Himself, though fully God, humbled Himself to serve us, even to the point of death.
In our churches today, do we seek positions of power or opportunities to serve? Are we willing to listen to and lift up the voices of those who feel neglected? Like the early church, we must recognize and empower diverse leaders who reflect Christ’s humility and wisdom. When we humble ourselves, value others, and serve in the power of the Spirit, we reflect the very heart of Jesus.
COMMA Questions
- Context: What does Paul say immediately after this passage about Jesus’ humility and sacrifice?
- Observation: What two attitudes does Paul contrast in verse 3?
- Meaning: What does it mean to have “the same mindset as Christ Jesus”?
- Main Idea: How does humility lead to true gospel-driven service in the church?
- Application: How can you demonstrate humility and prioritize the needs of others in your daily life and ministry?
Prayer
Jesus, You are the perfect example of humility and love. Help us to serve as You served, to listen as You listened, and to lead as You led. Free us from selfish ambition and pride. May our churches be places where leaders and members alike seek the good of others above themselves. Teach us to live in the humility of the gospel. Amen.
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