Roman bathhouses were a central feature of daily life across the Roman Empire. Ironically, their primary purpose wasn’t hygiene, but for serving as social hubs where people from all walks of life could relax, socialize, conduct business, and engage in various activities like eating, drinking, exercising, playing games, attending lectures, or having sensual interactions. Due to their popularity, the Apostle Paul drew from bathhouse imagery to urge Christians to “rid themselves” of old, sinful habits, much like shedding old clothes. By the end of this teaching, you’ll be challenged to align your habits with the new heart and status Jesus gave you!

• What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? 
• We’ve all heard the saying, “Old habits die hard.” What are some of the old habits you’ve struggled to bring into alignment with the new heart Jesus gave you? 
• Based on what you’ve struggled to “take off,” what new habits might be especially important for you to “put on?” (For example, workaholics might need to “take off” finding their identity in achievement and “put on” the habit of rest or Sabbath). 
• Ephesians 4:17-24 was written to church people. So were Romans 13:11-14 and Colossians 3:8-14 – two other sections where Paul uses bathhouse language to address Christian behavior. If Paul wrote these passages to Christians today, what are some issues he’d have in mind that Christians need to “rid themselves of?” 
• What are some key ways Christians can distinguish their lives from those of the surrounding society? 
• How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week? 

• Bathing in Public in the Roman World by Garrett G. Fagan 
• Bathing in the Roman World by Fikret Yegül 
• Relaxing Roman Style by Robert Garland – Lecture 31 in The Great Courses series “The Other Side of History” 

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