What are 3 things that you are grateful for?
What is something that you enjoyed from the retreat last night? Why?
What is something that you learned or a spiritual decision that you made last night? What is your next step from that?
Take a couple of minutes and talk to God. Thank Him for the things you are grateful for and talk to Him about what you learned last night. Also ask Him to speak through His word to you today and to help you understand.
Read Ephesians 4:17-32 and use the SPECK method to study the passage.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Make a list of sins - wrong actions, attitudes, or thoughts mentioned in the passage. These are the things to avoid in your life.
Make a list of the promises in this passage. Promises give us confidence when we doubt God or face difficult times. So take them to heart and believe what they say.
What examples do you find in this passage? Is there a right way of thinking or acting described in the passage that you should take as an example for your life? Write it down.
Write out all the commands you find. If a passage encourages you to take a certain action, take it as a command and write it down.
What does the passage tell you about God that you can apply to your daily life? God’s character shines throughout the Bible as an example for us.
Focus on verses 22-24. What can you apply to your life from these verse today?
