5-Day Devotional: The Greatest Exchange
Day 1: Rejoicing in Christ Alone
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-3 (CSB)
Commentary:
Paul commands believers to rejoice in the Lord, not as an emotional response but as a firm, intentional choice. Joy is not rooted in our circumstances but in Christ, who is the source of all true joy. The world seeks happiness through achievements, wealth, and status, but Paul reminds the Philippians that true security and fulfillment come from Jesus alone.
Furthermore, Paul warns the church to avoid those who distort the gospel, placing confidence in works rather than grace. He emphasizes that true worshippers rely on the Spirit of God, boasting only in Christ’s righteousness, not their own efforts. This is a call to examine what we are truly trusting in for our salvation.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord? How can you cultivate joy in Christ daily?
Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to put confidence in your own efforts rather than in Christ?
How does knowing that Christ is the source of true joy change the way you handle hardships?
Who or what are the “dogs” in your life that distract you from the gospel?
Thought of the Day: True joy is not found in circumstances but in Christ alone.
Song: In Christ Alone – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Quote from the Sermon: “The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies.”
Prayer Focus: Pray that God will help you find your deepest joy in Him, not in temporary circumstances.
Day 2: Counting All as Loss
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:4-7 (CSB)
Commentary:
Paul had every reason to boast in his religious credentials—his heritage, education, and zeal for the law. Yet, when he encountered Christ, he saw all of these as worthless in comparison to knowing Him. His self-righteousness was no longer a source of confidence, but a hindrance to true faith.
In today’s world, people still strive for significance through personal achievements, good works, and moral living. But Paul teaches us that salvation is not about achieving, but believing. Jesus is our only source of righteousness before God.
Reflection Questions:
What worldly achievements or credentials do you tend to rely on for your worth?
How can you daily remind yourself that your righteousness comes from Christ alone?
What does it mean for you personally to “count all as loss” for the sake of knowing Christ?
Have you ever felt the burden of legalism? How does the gospel free you from it?
Thought of the Day: Righteousness is not earned; it is received through faith in Christ.
Song: Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me – CityAlight
Quote from the Sermon: “There are only two ways to live: by faith alone or by works.”
Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal areas where you rely on personal effort rather than His grace.
Day 3: The Righteousness of Christ
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:8-9 (CSB)
Commentary:
Paul boldly declares that everything he once valued is now considered “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ. The word he uses for “rubbish” is strong—it means worthless, even detestable. Why? Because self-righteousness deceives us into thinking we can earn salvation, when in reality, we are spiritually bankrupt apart from Christ.
True righteousness comes only through faith in Jesus. It is not something we achieve, but something Christ freely gives. This is the heart of the gospel—the greatest exchange, where Jesus takes our sin and gives us His righteousness.
Reflection Questions:
Why is self-righteousness dangerous? How can it blind us from the gospel?
What does it mean for you to rest in Christ’s righteousness today?
Have you ever struggled with feeling like you need to “earn” God’s love?
How does this passage deepen your appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?
Thought of the Day: Christ’s righteousness is the only righteousness that counts before God.
Song: Jesus Paid It All – Kristian Stanfill
Quote from the Sermon: “This is the great exchange—our sin for Christ’s righteousness.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a deeper understanding of the grace of God in your life.
Day 4: Knowing Christ More Deeply
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:10-11 (CSB)
Commentary:
Paul’s greatest desire is not just to believe in Jesus, but to know Him deeply. He longs to share in Christ’s sufferings and resurrection power. This is a call to intimacy with Christ, where we experience His presence in every aspect of our lives.
Knowing Christ is not merely intellectual—it is personal and transformative. It changes our priorities, our desires, and our purpose. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more like Him.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to “know Christ” beyond just knowing about Him?
How has suffering drawn you closer to Jesus?
In what ways do you need to rely more on Christ’s resurrection power in your daily life?
What practical steps can you take to grow in intimacy with Christ?
Thought of the Day: True life is found in knowing Christ deeply.
Song: All I Have Is Christ – Sovereign Grace Music
Quote from the Sermon: “Would you be willing to get in the wheelbarrow and trust Christ fully?”
Prayer Focus: Ask God to deepen your love and knowledge of Christ.
Day 5: Living in the Power of the Gospel
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (CSB)
Commentary:
This verse encapsulates the heart of the gospel: Jesus, the sinless One, became sin for us so that we might receive His righteousness. This is the greatest exchange—our sin for His perfection, our death for His life.
Living in the power of the gospel means walking in confidence, knowing that we are fully accepted and forgiven. It means no longer striving to earn God’s love but resting in the finished work of Christ. This truth transforms our daily lives and fuels our mission to share this good news with others.
Reflection Questions:
How does knowing that Christ has exchanged His righteousness for your sin change the way you live?
What fears or doubts keep you from fully trusting in God’s grace?
How can you share the message of this great exchange with others?
What is one area in your life where you need to walk in gospel confidence?
Thought of the Day: The cross is enough—trust Christ completely.
Song: Grace Alone – The Modern Post
Quote from the Sermon: “Do you trust Jesus like this, or are you still standing on the sidelines?”
Prayer Focus: Pray for boldness to live out the gospel and share it with others.