Day 25 (or Day 27)

As we develop self-control, goodness, love, etc. then we'll see some major changes in our hearts and in our lives. Others will notice the change too- especially when we start to get a handle on some of the things we'll look at today- our tempers, jealousy and the other ugly monsters we deal with...



Spend some time praying to the Living God and sharing any concerns or fears you have about following him or from stresses that you're facing.



Check out 1 Peter 1:13-2:3; Colossians 3:1-14; Genesis 4:3-8; Galatians 5:16-26.

1. 1 Peter 2:1 begins with a "Therefore." What is the motivation for us getting rid of the list in 2:1? (check out the verses preceding 2:1, namely 1 Peter 1:13-25)
2. Do you realize that you are made holy (set apart and purified)? How does knowing that change the way you approach your life?
3. What is the spiritual milk Peter is referring to in 1 Peter 2:3?
4. What comparisons do you see between new/young Christians and a newborn baby? How does that apply in your own spiritual journey/faith walk?
5. What advice does the Colossians passage offer for overcoming our sin?
6. Most people focus on outward things when it comes to being a Christian- the do's an don'ts. While the do's and don'ts have their place, the Living God is much more concerned with cleaning our hearts and minds (like cleaning the inside of a cup in Matthew 23:23-28) because he knows the actions [do's and don'ts] will get taken care of if they're flowing out of a pure heart. That's the challenge- how do we get our hearts and minds pure and keep them that way?
7. What can we learn about our anger from Genesis 4:3-8? Especially from verse 7. Do we have to choose sin or can we choose to resist sin? Is that an easy decision (or easy follow through on the decision)?
8. What the two ways of living in Galatians 5:16-26? We can either live by the ______ or live by the _______ ________. Which do you think you've been living by? Why did you answer that way?
9. Look at the lists in verse 19-21 and 22-23. Which list most closely resembles your daily life?
10. How do verses 24-25 offer us a way to live by the Spirit?

Take some time asking the Living God to crucify your sinful nature and keep it on the cross so that you can live by the Spirit. Ask him to show you some specific things you can do to crucify your sinful nature and live by the Spirit.

Peace.

Richard