Week 5- A Life Worthy of the Calling IV

MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.

   17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

   20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

   25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

   29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:17-32

What does this passage have to say about integrity?

Why is that important?

TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

1) In order to live in “integrity” (a life “worthy of the call”), how will you be different than you were before that call?  What are you not to do (v. 17-19)?  What are you to do (v. 20-24)?  What helps you in these efforts (v. 23-24)?  Has the attitude of your mind been made new, or are you thinking and living like your “old self”?

2) Does the call to live a life of integrity cause you stress?  Does it feel like a heavy burden?  According to verse 24, why is the concept of the “new self” truly a restful thing?  On whose integrity and “rightness” do you not need to rely?

WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

3) According to verses 25-28, what are you to do?  What are you not to do?  How do you display these habits (positively or negatively), as an athlete?  (Try to be specific.)  Which of these is most difficult for you?  Why?

4) What is the relationship between stealing and work habits (v. 28)?  As a member of your team, do you make a habit of “doing something useful”, or do you steal from your team?  In an area where you have stolen from your team, ask for forgiveness — and make a commitment to which your teammates and coaches can hold you accountable.

THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

5) According to verses 29-32, what are you to do?  What are you not to do?  How do you display these habits (positively or negatively), as an athlete?  (Try to be specific.)  Which of these is most difficult for you?  Why?

6) Do you gossip to your friends?  Do your secret conversations with friends “benefit those who listen”?

7) Do you easily forgive your teammates?  Of what past faults have you not forgiven a teammate?  How can you begin to treat that teammate in a way that demonstrates kindness and compassion?  A life of integrity will require that you become less concerned about your own feelings — and more committed to “building others up according to their needs” (v. 29).

FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of integrity, and pray together.

· Ask your athletes to briefly reflect on what they’ve learned about integrity this week, and to repeat some of those things.  (Remind them of some of the Biblical truths about integrity you’ve discussed, if necessary.)

· Ask your team, “Based on what we learned about integrity this week...What does an athlete of integrity do?”  Do not settle for vague answers; challenge your athletes to go beyond general qualities of an athlete of integrity, and to determine what those qualities look like in action.

· Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “athlete of integrity”, and be sure the list is displayed somewhere that is constantly visible, as a reminder to the team.

· Pray together as a team.  Encourage your athletes to pray for your team’s growth in regard to the discipline of integrity — especially in relation to some of the issues and challenges that you discussed together this week.  Challenge them to also ask for forgiveness, when applicable.  Give time for athletes to request prayer (regarding integrity or anything else), and pray together.