Exchange Slide

The Exchange

January 4, 2026
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Lean In

  • What’s one thing from the Christmas season that’s hard for you to let go of — the decorations, the food, the time off, or something else?
  • Have you ever treated your relationship with God like a seasonal thing rather than a daily rhythm? What did that look like?

Look Up

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Observation — What does the text say?

  • What has happened to someone who is “in Christ”?
  • What ministry has God given to us according to this passage?
  • In verse 21, what did God make Jesus become, and what do we become in return?

Interpretation — What does the text mean?

  • Martin Luther described believers as “simul justus et peccator” — at the same time justified and a sinner. How does this tension show up in your daily life?
  • Why is it significant that we are “clothed” with God’s righteousness rather than becoming righteous on our own?
  • What does it mean to be an “ambassador” for Christ? How does that change the way we see our everyday interactions?
  • Why is The Great Exchange more than a one-time transaction?

Application — How should we respond?

  • Hebrews 12 talks about “the sin that so easily entangles.” What tends to entangle you and keep you from running your race well?
  • Are there areas of your life where you’ve slipped back into “seasonal faith” — fully engaged during certain times but distant in others?
  • What does it look like for you to “fix your eyes on Jesus” in this current season of life?
  • As we begin 21 days of prayer, what do you need to hand over to God in The Great Exchange this year?

Prayer

  • Thank God for the gift of His righteousness — something we could never earn.
  • Confess the things that have entangled you or caused you to grow weary.
  • Ask for strength to run your race with perseverance, eyes fixed on Jesus.
  • Close with: “Lord, thank You that in The Great Exchange, we always get the better end. We give You our sin, our brokenness, our own way of doing things — and You give us Your righteousness, Your purpose, and Your presence. Help us not to treat this as a seasonal transaction but as a daily surrender. We fix our eyes on You. Amen.”

PRACTICE: STEP OUT

Daily Truth Check:

Ask: “What lie am I believing today?” Replace it with a truth from Scripture.

Choose One Exchange Move:

  • Identify one habit or pattern you need to “throw off” — and take a practical step to address it this week.
  • Write out 2 Corinthians 5:17 and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily.
  • Have a conversation with someone about what it means to be an ambassador for Christ in your workplace, school, or neighborhood.
  • Commit to one rhythm of intentionality with God this year — daily prayer, weekly rest, or consistent community.