Men's Retreat 2025

Schedule

Friday

6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:45 Session 1
8:45-9:00 Solo time
9:00 Free time

Saturday

8:30-9:30 Breakfast
9:30-10:45 Session 2
10:45-11:00 Solo time
11:00-12:00 Team Games
12:00 Lunch
1:30-5:30 Free time
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Session 3
8:00-8:15 Solo time 8:15 Free time

Sunday

8:30-9:30 Breakfast
9:30-10:30 Session 4
10:30-11:00 Cleanup
11:00 Checkout

Activities

Solo Questions

Session 1. Know the Villain of Your story

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

One of the great things about the Bible is that it reveals truths that we otherwise would have no way of figuring out on our own. This is the case when it comes to Satan. God’s Word has a lot to say about our Enemy, the devil. To get started, take a look at Isaiah 14:12–15, which was mentioned in the teaching. On the one hand, these verses refer to the downfall of Babylon’s king, yet on a different layer, they also offer specific insights into the being we call Satan.

Isaiah 14:12–15 Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground. You said to yourself, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you will be brought down to Sheol into the deepest regions of the Pit.

  1. What do you learn from these verses about who Satan is and what he wants?
  2. What is the greatest temptation in your life right now?
  3. What would it look like to stand firm in the middle of that?
  4. What are lessons you’ve learned when it comes to resisting Satan?
Pray

Take some time to talk to God. Start by thanking him for always inviting you to speak to him. Be intentional about repenting of any apathy currently in your life when it comes to Satan, the reality of evil, and the impact of temptation in your life. Ask that God would pour out wisdom and clarity over yourself and the group as you tackle these subjects together.

Verses from Session 1

Session 2. Grasp God's Truth and Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest

During Jesus’ public ministry, He was often confronted by the Jewish religious leaders of the day. On one occasion, these leaders made a big deal of claiming they were children of Abraham—Hebrews by blood and through their worship of God. Jesus countered their claims by revealing they were descendants of someone else when it came to their preference for lies over truth:

John 8:42–44, 47 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and I am here. For I didn’t come on my own, but he sent me. Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to my word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

…The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”

  1. What did Jesus say these religious leaders would have been doing if God were truly their Father? What lies from Satan were they believing that caused them to not recognize Jesus for who He was?
  2. How can we tell when we are listening to Satan’s lies rather than staying focused on the truth? What are some symptoms that can help you recognize when you are being deceived?
  3. What lies are you believing right now?
  4. What things is the enemy making look valuable in your life when it’s really cheap?
  5. How will you this week commit to walking in the righteousness of Jesus? What do you need to do to pursue the righteous heart of Christ?
Pray

Conclude this session by affirming your belief that God is the source of all truth—that whatever God declares to be true is true indeed, regardless of what the world around us may say. Express gratitude to Jesus that you have been covered by His righteousness because of His death on the cross. Commit to equipping yourself with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness each day as you seek to serve Him.

Verses from Session 2

Session 3. Hold Firm to the Gospel and to Faith

Ephesians 6:15-16 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Boiled down to its simplest definition, faith is trust in God. When we demonstrate faith, we actively trust God with all that we are and everything we have. The author of Hebrews helps us flesh that definition out a bit more and apply it to our spiritual lives:

Hebrews 11:1–3, 5–6 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

…By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

  1. How is faith defined in this passage?
  2. How can you balance the need for faith in your spiritual life with the desire to know God’s will and have your questions answered?
  3. The author of Hebrews writes, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (verse 6). When have you done something that you sincerely believe pleased God? How was faith involved in that moment or that season?
  4. What can you do right now to increase your faith?
  5. How can you renew your mind around the Gospel regularly? What routine do you need?
  6. When is the last time you shared the Gospel?
Pray

End this time by expressing your desire to be equipped with each piece of the armor of God, including having your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace and taking up the shield of faith. Ask that God would help you to deflect the fiery darts that the Enemy sends your way and that He would fill each person in your group with His peace. Finally, ask that you would see every opportunity available to please God through faith.

Verses from Session 3

Session 4. Be Mindful of Your Salvation and God's Word

Verses from Session 4