STYLE GUIDE – Evicting the Squatters

Icebreaker: Share one habit (good or bad) that has had a significant impact on your life.

Sermon Title: Holy Habits – “Evicting the Squatters” – Ephesians 4:17-32

Group Discussion:

Read Ephesians 4:20-24 – Connections between our habits and Science. Once you identify the habits you wish to change, you can consciously replace them through Habit Replacement Looping. How can the idea of “cancelling bad habits” and “cultivating Holy habits” be connected to the scientific principle of “Habit Replacement?” Share any experience you might have, or observed, in replacing a bad habit with a Holy habit.

Read Hebrews 12:1, James 1:21, Ephesians 5:3-4, & Ephesians 5:15-17 – Connections between our habits and Sin. How can we honestly and effectively identify habits that might be a source of sin in our lives? Discuss the realities of how developing new, Holy habits can help us break free from the entanglement of sin.

Read Romans 12:1-2 & James 4:7-8 – Connection between our habits and Self. How do these verses highlight the importance of totally surrendering our self-will and trusting the Lord? Consider how our own self-will hinders us in establishing Holy habits? Discuss strategies to trust Jesus and experience total surrender.

Read John 14:15-18, Colossians 3:1-4, & Galatians 2:20 – Change our habits through our Savior and His Spirit. How do these verses help us understand that genuine, enduring change comes through faith in Jesus and the work of His Spirit? How can relying on Jesus’ power, rather than our own efforts, help us break free from old patterns and cultivate Holy habits? Discuss ways we can invite Jesus and Holy Spirit into our daily efforts to nurture Holy habits. Also, consider how to overcome obstacles and distractions to remain consistent.

Spiritual Discipline: The Sermon Study Resources that support this message will help with additional insight. Access resources at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: Practice intentionality in overcoming sin and cultivating Holy habits by: (1) Identify and Replace: Reflect on current habits to identify areas where sin or self-will have a strong hold and consciously replace any related habits with Holy habits (e.g., daily prayer, reading scripture, consistent worship) to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to transform your mind and heart (Romans 12:2, Galatians 2:20), (2) Focus on Truth: Commit to filling your mind with the Lord’s truth and wisdom (Philippians 4:8-9, Colossians 3:1-4) and this shift in focus will help you develop Holy habits in pursuit of righteousness, and (3) Engage in Community: Partner with other believers for accountability and encouragement (e.g., join a small group), as life transformation through faith in Jesus is a journey that thrives when we participate in meaningful, supportive relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25