This Week: Mar. 16-22 Copy
T-Shirts and Bumper Stickers
In this week’s message, we examined a moment when Jesus publicly calls out the religious leaders of His day—not because of what they taught, but because of how they lived. They loved the spotlight and recognition. They piled heavy spiritual expectations on others while doing little to help, and they lived lives more focused on status than service.
“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)
At its core, the message is simple: What we say about our faith matters far less than how we live it out. We can wear all the “Christian” shirts, bumper stickers, and jewelry in the world—but it’s how we treat others that shows who we really follow.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Faith Is Not for Show – Jesus warns against spiritual pride. Our goal isn’t to look religious but to live with integrity.
- Authority Should Serve – Those in positions of influence must use their role to lift others up, not to build themselves up.
- Humility Is the Way of Jesus – True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble service, not in applause or attention.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Practicing What We Preach
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:3
“...do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.”
Are there places in your life where your words and actions don’t align?
Action Step: Identify one area where you can bring your faith and practice closer together.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me to live out what I believe with honesty and humility.
“...do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.”
Are there places in your life where your words and actions don’t align?
Action Step: Identify one area where you can bring your faith and practice closer together.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me to live out what I believe with honesty and humility.
Day 2: Leading Through Service
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Jesus redefines greatness—not as power or status, but as service.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week without seeking recognition.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, teach me to lead by serving others in love.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Jesus redefines greatness—not as power or status, but as service.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week without seeking recognition.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, teach me to lead by serving others in love.
Day 3: Check the Motives
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:5
“They do all their deeds to be seen by others…”
Are you living to impress others—or to reflect Jesus?
Action Step: Do something kind today anonymously.
Prayer Prompt: God, purify my motives. Let me live for Your glory, not mine.
“They do all their deeds to be seen by others…”
Are you living to impress others—or to reflect Jesus?
Action Step: Do something kind today anonymously.
Prayer Prompt: God, purify my motives. Let me live for Your glory, not mine.
Day 4: Faith Without Flash
Scripture Reference: Micah 6:8
“...what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A flashy faith may impress people—but a humble, loving faith pleases God.
Action Step: Simplify a spiritual habit this week. Focus more on connection than perfection.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to walk humbly and stay close to You.
“...what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A flashy faith may impress people—but a humble, loving faith pleases God.
Action Step: Simplify a spiritual habit this week. Focus more on connection than perfection.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to walk humbly and stay close to You.
Day 5: Your Life Is the Sermon
Scripture Reference: James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers…”
What does your life say about your faith?
Action Step: Ask someone close to you how they see your faith lived out—listen with openness.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, help me be a living reflection of the Gospel today.
“But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers…”
What does your life say about your faith?
Action Step: Ask someone close to you how they see your faith lived out—listen with openness.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, help me be a living reflection of the Gospel today.
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