Summer Work

Last night I did a devotion for the middle school boys and girls on Ephesians 4:17 - 5:8. I read it out of the Message Version because it was so well put, but other versions are just as clear.

Most of the girls from my group were out ministering in the Kids Crusade at another church, some wanted my notes since they would be missing it. That makes my heart so happy, to see the hunger for God. Anyway, I decided to put the notes on here... Its more of a discussion style because I like to have them involved, so there are several questions regarding the passage of scripture that was read. This style could be used for journaling when not in a group setting.

Verses 17-19

• In the message version, it says, there will be no going along with the crowd. What does this crowd do that we shouldn't?
• When school is in session, we are around "the crowd" everyday. Do you think it makes it harder not to follow the crowd being with them on a daily basis? Why?
  

Verses 20-24

• Why are you different?
• What is wrong with the "old way"?

Verses 25-31 & 5:1, 2

• How is this God Fashioned life different?
• List the characteristics of this new self:
  

Changing takes time and obedience. Just like lifting 300lbs takes training, your new life does too. Training starts with obeying God and fully surrendering everything to Him. Pursuing a pure life.



Purity, a pure life, is giving everything to God. Imagine a house with all the lights out. Do you want to walk around that house in total darkness? Why not? You'll get hurt, right? That is the same with our lives, we are a house with all the lights out. God wants to turn those lights on, expose the junk in the rooms and clean it up. The problem is, we typically only give him access to certain rooms, we like to hold on to some of those rooms, keeping the light off. Sometimes it is fear of what He will make us give up, sometimes it is fear he won't love us because its so bad. Either excuse we give isn't enough, the bottom line is to live truly for Him. We have to give Him full access to our lives.

This illustration came from True Purity by Haley and Micheal DiMarco.

Another great illustration comes from this skit by the Skit Guys.

Take time over the summer to pursue God. In this time you are not surrounded by "the crowd". Practice obedience to Him. Saturate yourself in His word. God will reproduce His character in you through the Holy Spirit if you let Him.

Ephesians 5:8 says: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the Light. 

Let him turn on all the lights.