Study Guide: Week 5 (Days 29–35)
Day 29 – Burn the Ships
God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination. – Augustine
The story of Hernán Cortés illustrates the principle of “burning the ships”, removing all avenues of retreat to ensure forward movement. Likewise, to overcome sin, we must decisively destroy anything that could lead us back into addiction or sinful habits. This act is not about willpower but about advancing in Christ’s victory. Colossians 3:2–6 calls us to set our minds on heavenly things and put to death earthly desires, living in the reality of our new life in Christ.
Scripture: Colossians 3:2–6
Discussion Questions
- What “ships” do you need to burn to avoid retreating into sin?
- How does setting your mind on heavenly things strengthen your resolve against sin?
Day 30 – A Confessional Psalm
Bernard of Clairvaux said, “Theirs is an endless road, a hopeless maze, who seek for goods before they seek for God.”
Distractions, especially smartphones and devices, can quietly become idols, consuming more of our attention than God Himself. This chapter reflects a moment of conviction where the author realized their phone was receiving more time and affection than prayer and Scripture. Jesus commands us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). We must evaluate and remove anything hindering our intimacy with Him.
Scripture: Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6
Promise: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)
Discussion Questions
- How do modern distractions like phones affect your walk with God?
- What practical steps can you take to put God first in daily life?
Day 31 – Getting Hammered
Grace seeks the helpless to save, sanctify, and glorify. – C. I. Scofield
Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, the Prisoners, symbolize our struggle against sin’s weight. Like those figures trapped in stone, human efforts cannot free us from sin’s grip. Philippians 1:6 assures us that God, the Master Sculptor, never abandons His work. He is continually shaping us into Christ’s image. Though painful at times, His chiseling brings true transformation, leading to ultimate freedom and completion in Him.
Scripture: Philippians 1:6
Discussion Questions
- In what ways have you experienced God’s “chiseling” in your life?
- How does knowing that God will complete His work in you bring hope?
Day 32 – Identity Theft
“Infinite grace cannot be exhausted.” – Samuel Rutherford
Past sins often distort our identity, convincing us that what we’ve done defines us. The author’s story of meeting his wife highlights the freedom of grace. Our worth is not determined by past actions but by belonging to Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 reminds us that though we were once defined by sin, we have been washed, sanctified, and justified. Our identity rests not in shame or failure but in the transforming work of Jesus.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9–11
Discussion Questions
- Do you struggle to separate your identity from your past sins?
- How can you daily live in the truth that you are defined by Christ?
Day 33 – Your Part + Their Part = God’s Part
Tertullian noted that people often hide sins out of shame, risking their salvation.
When sin is confessed, healing begins. Like a car accident requiring emergency assistance, sin calls for supernatural help. Our part is confession, others’ part is prayer, and God’s part is healing. James 5:16 promises that mutual confession and prayer bring spiritual restoration. Hiding sin keeps us in bondage, but vulnerability before God and others opens the door to His healing grace.
Scripture: James 5:16
Discussion Questions
- What fears keep you from confessing sin to others?
- How have you experienced God’s healing through confession and prayer?
Day 34 – General Order #3
“The law humbles the proud; the gospel lifts the despairing.” – Charles Spurgeon
Though legally free after the Emancipation Proclamation, many slaves remained in bondage due to withheld information and fear. Similarly, Christ has set us free from sin and Satan’s tyranny (Romans 6), but many believers still live as captives. Galatians 5:1 calls us to stand firm and not return to slavery. The gospel’s legality must become our daily reality. We are free, and we must walk boldly in that freedom.
Scripture: Galatians 5:1; Romans 6
Discussion Questions
- What “old masters” do you still allow to oppress you spiritually?
- How can you actively walk in the freedom Christ has already secured?
Day 35 – Yellow Teeth
“If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness and identity, it is an idol.” – Timothy Keller
Comparison breeds dissatisfaction, leading to spiritual and emotional turmoil. Social media often amplifies this, causing anxiety and depression rooted in comparing ourselves to others. God uniquely designed each person for His glory. 1 Corinthians 4:3–4 teaches that human judgment, including our own, holds no ultimate authority, only God’s verdict matters. True joy comes from embracing God’s view of us and rejecting the bondage of comparison.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:3–4
Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you fall into the trap of comparison?
- How does focusing on God’s judgment free you from seeking approval from others?