2025 Ladies Retreat - Lesson 2 - Chantelle Swayne
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened by returning to Ephesians 5, focusing on verse 15’s call to walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Chantelle explained that true wisdom involves merging knowledge of God’s word with daily actions, rather than merely following rules. She highlighted how early believers often view Christianity as a legalistic set of rules, but the New Testament reveals freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1) that must be exercised responsibly, avoiding the temptation to use liberty for selfish desire. She then connected this freedom to the pursuit of excellence, citing Philippians 1:9‑10 where Paul prays for love to abound with knowledge and discernment, enabling believers to approve what is excellent. By comparing the narrow versus broad ways (Matthew 7:13‑14) and illustrating the risks of world‑driven distractions (Luke 8:14), Chantelle offered practical, reflective questions for decision‑making, urging participants to ask whether choices center their minds on Christ and to seek the best path rather than merely the right one. The lesson concluded with encouragement to apply these principles in daily life, reinforcing that wisdom is more than head knowledge—it is the purposeful, Christ‑focused application of freedom.
Key Scriptures
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with all knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.