SQUADING CONCEPT

MANUAL
V OLUME 1

A C OMPR E H E NS IV E GU IDE
 Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the following people who have shared their
wealth of wisdom and experiences. I also would like to thank them
for believing in this manual and their encouragement to make this
all a possibility. I am also grateful for those who gave constructive
criticism, took time to edit, and gave their valuable comments to
this manual.

Police Director Cesar Hawthorne R. Binag

Police Regional Office 6 Command Group and Directorial Staff
Police Regional Office 6 Regional Strategic Management Unit
Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena
Cebu Police Provincial Office Command Group and Staff
Police Director Noli Galsim Talino
PNP-Special Action Force
PNP-SAF Strategic Management Office
Police Chief Inspector Ford Sudaypan
Police Chief Inspector MarJoe Bongngat
My Brother’s Keeper
The CORPS Foundation
Bless Our Cops Movement
Francis Glenn L. Yu
Victory Ortigas
Victory Iloilo
Victory Makati

All police officers of Cebu Province, Police Regional Office 6 and

PNP-SAF troopers who have worked hard to make this a reality.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

And most of all to the One who is the Author of all wisdom,
the One who is the Giver of all of life and who makes all things
possible – our God Almighty.
 Squad Weekly Interactive
recite passages from the bible or Koran or any reference.
• Lessons shall only be focused on the Squad Manual and

Meeting Standard doctrinal issues shall be immediately stopped as it will lead

to further arguments.
• Application of the lesson on values in real life, service/work,
Sequence of the Program family, faith, finances, fun, fitness and fulfillment.
• The Life Coach may entertain any special request for prayer
Part 1: Squad Leader Presiding (20-25 minutes) from the squad.
• Attendance • Closing prayer.
• Opening Prayer
• Call to Order
• Recognition/acknowledgement of individual and the
squad’s cooperation, support maintaining discipline, good
deeds, small acts of kindness to others.
• Constructive discussion on the reported noted or observed
misdemeanor, misconduct breach of internal discipline,
administrative negligence or any violation of regulations
and laws during the week.
• Disposition of the reported noted or observed
misdemeanor, misconduct, breach of internal discipline,
administrative negligence or any violation of regulations
and laws during the week.
• Check on morale, hear grievances or problems, family
or work related. Family or work related problems and
concerns may be referred to the Life Coach’s guidance and
prayer.
• Identification of actionable items if there is any.
• Final guidance from SL or ASL.

Part 2: Life Coach Presiding (20-25 minutes)

• Recognition of birthdays, anniversaries and other
celebration.
• Introduction of lessons in the Squad Manual. It shall follow
the standard sequence in the manual. In succeeding
meetings, the Life Coach may request volunteers to read or
 Our Squad System Objectives
God-centered PNP Personnel
“Unless Lord watch over the house, those
who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watch over the city, the
watchman stays awake in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1 ESV
PNP personnel guided by their strong faith in
God can effectively and efficiently discharge
duties and responsibilities as an individual
and as an organization.
Service-oriented PNP Personnel
Empowered PNP personnel who
embody the ideal PNP can serve and
protect his community with the highest
level of discipline and a resilient sense
of commitment to public service.
Family-oriented PNP Personnel
A PNP personnel with a strong and
well-established bond with his family is
a PNP personnel who can be respected
and trusted by the community he or she
serves.
Squad System Overview
Introduction
Why Squad System?
PNP, in pursuing the transformation aspect of its strategic direction
has been very aggressive in implementing internal cleansing within
its ranks. According to the Real Numbers from July 2016 to July
2018, there were 6,401 police officers charged administratively
and/or criminally in line with the PNP Internal Cleansing Efforts.
With these numbers, the PNP is resolute in its internal cleansing
and disciplinary mechanisms which sends a very clear message
to all its personnel that every wrongdoing has its corresponding
consequences.
However, it appears that the current internal cleansing process is
only responsive in addressing the “after the fact” issues of police
misconduct and misbehavior as it is designed to get rid or penalize
personnel who committed violations of laws or are involved in
illegal activities. Hence, the need for a complementary proactive
strategy that can prevent the recurring problem of misbehavior and
misconduct which are rooted on weak values.
 Getting to know your squad of providing guidance to the individual or squad.
5. Life Coachess are also expected to help the squad
Who are involved? establish among themselves the highest level of discipline
while in the performance of PNP duties and responsibilities.
1. A squad is formally organized by __________ is composed of a
minimum of ______ and a maximum of 10 personnel.
2. Led by a Squad Leader (SL), the most senior among the
members assisted by an Assistant Squad Leader (ASL).
3. Each squad is ideally assigned to one (1) Life Coach (LC).
Be part of the Squad System Basic
Monitoring and Evaluation
Your squad is a venue for mentoring
Email us: _____________________________
and discipline
Your observations and suggestions are important and valuable to the
success of the system. Life Coaches are encouraged to email their
weekly observations pertaining to their designated squad’s activities.
Life Coaches’ Best Practice
Please send your request through the Regional Oversight Committee
It is in the squad level where highest level of discipline shall be
email (above) to receive the monitoring device.
expected. As the first line of authority and accountability, the
squad shall be a self-policing organization where members caution
For issues, concerns and inquiries,
each other which can immediately address minor infractions from
contact ____________________
developing into bad habits or grave behavior.

To ensure the achievement of specific objectives, LCs designated

to each squad or a number of squads (whichever is applicable) are
encouraged to do the following:
1. Mentoring style of leadership anchored on ethical, moral,
and spiritual values.
2. Provide assistance or a short orientation on how to use the
workbooks provided for each squad or scheduled topics
to be discussed in the conduct of their Squad Weekly
Interactive Meeting (SWIM).
3. Practice active listening when guiding the squad in their
SWIM. It is when you actively listen that you can hear
thoughts deeply rooted in the heart of every member.
4. Communicate directly to the squad or individually to a
member to address issues and concerns with the main goal
Table of Contents
Preface and Guidelines
Police Core Values
Police Creed
Police Ethical Standards
Excel @ Work
Timeless Wisdom For Life
God’s Answer to Life’s Questions
Philippine National Police
CORE VALUES
THE FATHER HEART OF GOD (MakaDios)
WARMUP
What is your fondest memory as a child?
WORD
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was
still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled
with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his
arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against
you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But
the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best
robes and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and
sandals on his feet.’”
Luke 15:20-22
Jesus talked about the parable of the prodigal son. It’s about
a rebellious son who squandered his inheritance and a loving,
gracious father who threw a party when his son came back
home. This parable shows the heart of God for the lost – His
redemptive grace and mercy towards a sinner who repents
and turns to him. In this lesson, we will look at how the father
in this parable responded, and how this is a reflection of our
Heavenly Father that sets our values, purpose, and identity.
1. VALUE
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many
of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and
here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back
to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned
against heaven and against you. I am no longer
worthy to be called your son; make me like one of
your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his
father”
Luke 15:17-20a
The younger son became impatient towards his portion of his
father’s inheritance. Instead of waiting for his father’s death,
he asked for his share of the property. The father responded
to his request and even divided it between the two sons. In
Jewish culture, the younger son deserved only half the older
son’s inheritance. But because of his generosity, the father
gave the younger son more than what he deserved. The father
was generous despite the son’s inappropriate request and lack
of thankfulness. This is a reflection of the generosity of our
Heavenly Father. He blesses even those who are ungrateful.
ASK: Do you feel that you are valuable to God the Father?
How has God been generous to you?
2. IDENTITY
”But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the
best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger
and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and
kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of
mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found.’ So they began to celebrate.“
Luke 15:22-24
The father was determined to see his lost son return. He saw
his son while he was still a long way off, which meant that the
father had been watching and waiting for his son to return
home all along. When the father saw the son approaching,
he ran to him and embraced him with open arms. God is
also like this with His children. He waits patiently, with loving
compassion, to restore us when we return to Him with humble
hearts.
ASK: Where do you find your significance?
3. PURPOSE
”But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the
best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger
and sandals on his feet.‘”
Luke 15:22
The extravagant response of the father when his son came
back is something to behold. Not only did the father accept
him back, but he restored his son’s purpose in life. By placing
the ring on his finger, he gave back his authority over the
affairs of the household. Our purpose is a gift from God. It
does not change when we disobey him. The son was ready to
become a servant, however, his father had another plan – to
celebrate and to reinstitute him as his son.
ASK: What do you think is God’s purpose for your life?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What was your most valuable possession or relationship
growing up in your family?
• What is the promise of God when we draw near
to him?
THE LIFESTYLE OF INTEGRITY (MakaDios)
WARMUP
Who is the most influential person in your life? What are the
character traits they have that you admire?
WORD
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the
unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Proverbs 11:3
It is more and more difficult to live a life of integrity in the
world that we live today. Integrity is doing the right things
at all times and in all situations. How we decide today will
surely shape the future – not only for ourselves but also for our
nation. Integrity demands that we swim against the current,
stand up for what is right, and raise a righteous standard. It all
begins with how we conduct our affairs. Let us become people
that God will bless and our children can be proud of.
1. INTEGRITY BEGINS WITH THE RIGHT PRIORITIES
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and
all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and
a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that
plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love
of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people,
eager for money, have wandered away from the faith
and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
Integrity begins with the right priorities. Jesus tells us that if we
place God above everything in our lives, then everything will
be in order. As we follow and obey Him, He will take care of
us and provide for our every need. However, many place their
careers, fame, and wealth over everything else. In their lust
for more, they compromise their integrity and character and
become part of the problem.
ASK: Do you believe in your heart that God will take care of
your needs and provide for you?
2. THERE IS NO ESCAPING THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR
ACTIONS
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man
reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their
flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever
sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap
eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do
not give up.
Galatians 6:7-9
If you plant a mango seed, you will get a mango tree. If
you plant an apple seed, you will get an apple tree. That is
the universal truth. It is the same with our lives. If we live in
integrity, we will live under the blessing of God. If we are
dishonest and corrupt, we will incur his wrath. That is also the
universal truth.
ASK: What are the consequences in our organization if we
violate the integrity expected of us?
3. WE MUST COMMIT EVERYTHING TO GOD
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do
it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
In His faithfulness, God constantly watches over us. He knows
everything we do and think of. That encourages us to live
godly and upright lives. Our Lord deserves nothing less than
the best we can offer in our daily lives and in our affairs.
ASK: Do you believe in your heart that God sees everything
you do?
4. WE NEED TO GUARD OUR REPUTATION
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to
be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Our reputation and the legacy we leave are far more important
than material things. You cannot put a price on the respect and
honor that is bestowed upon a man who lives a life of integrity.
Money is temporal, but a good name lasts beyond a lifetime.
ASK: What is the reputation that you want to leave behind to
your children?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What did you learn from this lesson and how you will put
it into practice in your life? What practical steps can you
do to maintain your integrity in your workplace? In your
relationships?
LEADING MY FAMILY (MakaPamilya)
WARMUP
• Describe an ideal family atmosphere.
• If you can change something in your family, what would it
be?
WORD
“...But as for me and my household, we will serve the
Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
Because of the hectic pace of modern life, it is so easy to
get caught up in the rat race. When our priorities are out of
order, if costs our family dearly. We unconsciously delegate
our responsibility as a spouse and as a parent to others. Some
spouses’ natural instincts are to go to their friends when they
have a need. Some children are practically raised by their
television or video games. When we get home, everyone’s
asleep. When they leave for school, we are asleep. The home
simply becomes a place to eat and sleep. And we often
wonder what has gone wrong with the world. We need to
reclaim time for our family. We need to be available to our
spouses. We need to give direction to our children. We need
to be leaders at home, not just at work.
1. FAMILY IS GOD’S IDEA
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” So the
Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep;
and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s
ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the
Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken
out of the man, and brought her to the man. That is
why a man leaves his father and mother and is united
to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam made
love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant. She
said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a
man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel…
Genesis 2:18, 21-22, 24; 4:1-2
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves,
so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you
received brought about your adoption to sonship.
And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself
testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:15-16
The family is not an incidental consequence of social evolution.
God designed and willed the family. In fact, one of the ways
God has revealed Himself to us is as our Father. We become
His children as we surrender our lives to Him. Even as we pray
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven, the answer to that prayer actually begins in our own
families. As we honor God in our household, His kingdom is
established in our society and nation.
2. GOD HAS A SPECIFIC PLAN AND PURPOSE
FOR EACH FAMILY
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in
vain.
Psalm 127:1
God created the family because He has a special purpose and
destiny for our families. God chooses to fulfill His will on earth
in and through our homes. Since He is a builder, we must build
according to His plan and His ways. Our blueprint is the Bible.
3. OUR HOME MUST BE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE GOD IS
HONORED
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength. These
commandments that I give you today are to be on
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about
them when sit at home and when you walk along the
road, when you lie down and when you get up.
 Deuteronomy 5:6-7 DISCOVERING THE PURPOSE OF MY
Our family atmosphere will either encourage or discourage FAMILY (MakaPamilya)
our children to follow God. We must create an environment
WARMUP
where God is honored, worshipped, and glorified through our
• Tell us a few important principles you learned from your
example, words, and deeds. That way, our children will grow
parents. Did you learn by example or was it verbally
up loving God.
stressed?
• Are you more like your father or mother? Why?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What did you learn from the lesson and how will you put
WORD
this into practice?
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
• What kind of atmosphere does your family exhibit? What
your children will be like olive shoots around your
can you do to change or improve it?
table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who
fears the Lord.
Psalm 128:3-4

Broken homes and marriages have become a modern day

social epidemic. In many nations, more than half of the children
grow up in single parent homes. This is not God’s design. A
loving and harmonious family is a blessing from God. God’s
will is for all of us to enjoy the warmth of a good place to come
home to. Sadly, the reality is that many would rather work
overtime than go home to a house filled with strife, anger, and
bitterness. If your family is broken and divided, there is a way
to restart it. If you are just starting out, there is a proper way to
build it. God reveals to us, through His Word, a divine pattern
on how we can build a solid, loving family. Here is how:

1. NEXT TO GOD, OUR FAMILY IS TOP PRIORITY

He must manage his own family well and see that his
children obey him, and he must do so in a manner
worthy of respect. (If anyone does not know how to
manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s
church?)
1 Timothy 3:4-5

It begins with the right priorities. Next to God, our top priority
must be our families – not our careers, not our work, but our
spouses and children. In the end, all we have is our family. No
one on his deathbed ever said, “I wish I have spent more time
in my work.” But how many look back at their own life with
deep regret after having built careers at the expense of their
families? We begin building happy homes by making them our
top priority, by letting them know how much more important
they are to us than anything in this world.
2. GOD SET DIVINE ORDER IN THE HOME
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as
you do to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, just as
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:22, 25
Imagine working for two bosses. It would be a nightmare,
wouldn’t it? The result is usually miscommunication,
misunderstanding, and confusion. As such, the Bible defines
for us the proper role for each member of the family. The
Bible often uses the family to illustrate the Church. Wives are
to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ.
Husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church
and died for her. When we follow this, the result is a selfless
and loving marriage relationship.
3. OUR FAMILY MUST BE GOD-CENTERED
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength. These
commandments that I give you today are to be on
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about
them when you sit at home and when you walk along
the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
God must be at the center of our family relationships. It is He
who gives us the strength to love one another unconditionally.
On our own, we cannot do it. In Him, we find the grace and
strength. When you take God out of the home, you take away
the one person that can save it. He alone is our hope.
4. WE NEED TO BE GRACIOUS WITH ONE
ANOTHER
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear
with each other and forgive one another if any you
has grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
Conflict is inevitable. But forgiveness always wins the day.
Bitterness, hatred, envy, and suppressed anger destroy
families. Love, patience, and compassion build them. If we
desire to build our families according to God’s ways, we need
to change our attitude towards them. We need to be the
source of strength and love that will bind our family together in
perfect unity. Let us seek to meet our family’s needs instead of
demanding they meet ours.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What did you learn from the lesson and how will you put it
into practice in your life?
• What is your current set of priorities? Do you need to make
any changes?
COMPASSION (MakaTao)
WARMUP
What image or picture best conveys the concept of love for
you? Describe the picture and why you think this image best
conveys the idea of love.
WORD
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved
children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ
loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Love: a word so often used but a concept so hard to explain.
The greatest regrets most people have in life have to do
with their relationships. Living for what matters necessitates
learning how to love in every sense of the word. God, who is
Himself the author and source of love, demonstrated true love
for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Following are three ways
God demonstrated His love for us and exemplified how we are
to love others.
1. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY
God loves us unconditionally even when we are at our worst.
He pursues us, loving us back into a right relationship with
Him. It is only when we have experienced God’s love are we
truly able to love others. How does 1 Corinthians 13 describe
love? Share how God’s love drew you into a relationship with
Him.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does
not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps
no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never
fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where
there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
ASK: Looking at your children, is your love for them based on
whether they are good children or not? Why or why not?
2. SERVE SACRIFICIALLY
God loves us first and exemplified the sacrificial love we
are to have for one another. Serving at the expense of self,
considering the needs of others over our own – these actions
reflect God’s loving and selfless heart.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid
down his life for us. And we ought to lay down
our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has
material possessions and sees his brother or sister in
need but has no pity on them, how can the love of
God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love
with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s
life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
ASK: Share of a time when you laid down your own interest
for the sake of others. How did that incident enrich your
relationship with the person?
3. FORGIVE COMPLETELY
Forgiveness is a critical skill for us to develop if we are to
love others. Jesus taught that our ability to love is in direct
proportion to how much we understand God’s love and
forgiveness in our lives. We exemplify God’s love when we
choose to forgive.
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven
– as her great love has shown. But whoever has been
forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:47
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how
many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who
sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered,
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:21, 22
ASK: Share a time when you have forgiven someone who has
hurt you. How did you feel? How did that help you personally?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• Since love involves laying down our lives for others, how
can we put this principle into practice this week?
• Are there people you need to forgive or ask forgiveness
from? Don’t let the day go by without responding to God’s
Word.
LEAVE A LEGACY (MakaBayan)
WARMUP
• Name a historical figure whose life serves as an inspiration
to you. What about that person that inspires you?
• What do you want to be remembered for?
WORD
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever
does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17
Whether we realize it or not, we will leave a legacy. The issue
is what kind of legacy we will leave behind. Following are three
scriptural exhortations on the kind of legacy we are to leave
behind.
1. LIVE FOR A GOOD NAME
Many times we think that the only kind of inheritance we
can leave behind is financial in nature. The Bible teaches us
that a good name is of greater importance than wealth. Our
character, how we live, what we stand for – these will outlive us
and will mark the lives of those around us.
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to
be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:3-4
ASK: What is a good name you want to leave behind?
2. LIVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
The disciples of Jesus saw children as a disturbance. Jesus,
however, corrected them, teaching them to value and live for
the next generation.
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him
to place his hands on them and pray for them. But
the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belong to such as these.”
Matthew 19:13-14
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
Who find great delight in His commands.
Their children will be mighty in the land;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Psalm 112:1-2
A good person leaves an inheritance for their
children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up
for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22
ASK: Your children and the men and women that you have
worked with are the next generation. What teachings or words
of wisdom do you want to leave to them?
3. LIVE FOR ETERNITY
Scripture again and again teaches us to invest not on what
is temporary, but on what is eternal. We entered this earth
empty-handed, as such we shall leave it. Having a heavenward
perspective helps us be more deliberate in how we live our
lives in light of lasting and eternal rewards.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we
are wasting away, yet inwardly we are bring renewed
day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but
on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If
anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in
them. For everything in the world – the lust of the
flesh, the lust of eyes, and the pride of life – comes
not from the Father but from the world. The world and
its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of
God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not store for yourselves treasures on earth, where
moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break
in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and
where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:19-20
ASK: What are you doing for God? For others?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What kind of legacy would you like to leave the people in
your life? How can you practically go about this?
• What did you learn from this lesson and how will you put it
into practice?
SERVANT LEADERSHIP (MakaBayan)
WARMUP
• Who do you consider a great leader? Do you consider
yourself a leader? Why?
• In your opinion, what are the three most important traits of
a leader? Why?
WORD
Let everyone be subject to governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has
established. The authorities that exist have been
established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels
against the authority is rebelling against what God has
instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment
on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who
do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want
to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do
what is right and you will be commended. For the
one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But
if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the
sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents
of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities,
not only because of possible punishment but also as a
matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes,
for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their
full time to governing.
Romans 13:1-6
WHO IS THE SERVANT LEADER?
Servant Leadership is exercising real, godly leadership, as
Christ did when He used a towel, and influencing, equipping,
and empowering people to accomplish God’s purpose and
plan. It is serving others unselfishly while influencing and
empowering them to grow in a Christ-centered, purposeful
direction. This was an uncommon trait in Jesus’ time. Being a
leader in work, or in the home as a husband, is never a force
of personality; it is earning that respect because you love and
care.
1. A SERVANT LEADER SEEKS THE GLORY OF HIS MASTER
who despises a vile person but honors those who fear
the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and
does not change their mind;
Psalm 15:4
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye
is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of
God from your heart.
Ephesians 6:6
2. A SERVANT JOYFULLY SERVES OTHERS
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will
continue with all of you for your progress and joy in
the faith,
Philippians 1:25
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and
gave him the name that is above every name, that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
3. A SERVANT LEADER IS WILLING TO FORGO HIS RIGHTS
FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have
made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as
possible.
1 Corinthians 9:19
To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in
rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We
work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed,
 we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when
we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become
the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right
up to this moment.
1 Corinthians 4:11-13 NIV
4. A SERVANT LEADER IS NOT PRE-OCCUPIED WITH
PERSONAL RECOGNITION
so that there should be no division in the body, but
that its parts should have equal concern for each
other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if
one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
To this John replied, “A person can receive only what
is given them from heaven.”
John 3:27
5. A SERVANT LEADER IS HUMBLE
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend
who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for
him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s
voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He
must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:29-30
6. A SERVANT LEADER IS COMPETENT
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them.
Psalm 78:72 NIV
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• What did you learn from this lesson and how will you put it
into practice in your life?
• How can you become more of a servant at home or at
work?
CREATION CARE (MakaKalikasan)
WARMUP
• When did you experienced the fearsome or destructive
quality of nature? How did you feel?
• What was your experience of God during this situation?
WORD
When we read the Bible with new eyes, we realize that care for
creation is a religious issue. We discover that care for creation
is not one social issue among many for which we are seeking
support. In fact, it is not even a social issue at all. Rather, care
for creation is foundational to what it means to be human.
Humans are but one part of creation, albeit a critical part. God
has created all of life, calls it good, and values it in its own
right. This means that our love of creation and our care for it is
a matter of faith.
Some may see it only as a social or political issue, which in
some sense it surely is, but in our hearts, motivations, and
relationship with God, we see it as a profoundly spiritual issue.
God has a relationship with all of creation. We are called
to care for creation. We cannot have a full and complete
relationship with God apart from our relationship with His
creation.
1. HUMANS BELONG TO THE EARTH
but streams came up from the earth and watered
the whole surface of the ground. Then the LORD
God formed a man from the dust of the ground and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the
man became a living being. Now the LORD God had
planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he
put the man he had formed. The LORD God made
all kinds of trees grow out of the ground— trees that
were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the
middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:6-9
2. CREATION WAS NOT FORMED FOR HUMAN Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly
BEINGS ALONE established; it cannot be moved.
God saw and all that he had made, and it was very Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let
good. them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” Let
Genesis 1:30a the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be
jubilant, and everything in them!
3. GOD WANTS ALL CREATION TO THRIVE Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love
birds increase on the earth.” endures forever.
Genesis 1:22 1 Chronicles 16:29-34

4. GOD LOVES CREATURES FOR THEIR OWN SAKE
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows
between the mountains. They give water to all the
beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their
thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they
sing among the branches.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
Psalm 104:10-13
8. THE KINGDOM OF GOD RESTORES ALL CREATION
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it
is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Please list ways on how you can take care of creation.

5. HUMAN BEINGS WERE CREATED SO THAT THEY COULD

TAKE CARE OF THE EARTH, SERVE, AND PRESERVE IT
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and
increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule
over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and
over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28

6. ALL LIFE IS SACRAMENTAL

And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy,
holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of
his glory.”
Isaiah 6:3

7. ALL CREATION IS CALLED TO PRAISE GOD

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an
offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in
the splendor of his holiness.
THE POLICE CREED

The Police Creed
I believe in God, The Supreme Being, The Great Provider,
and The Creator of all men and everything dear to me. In
return, I can do no less than love Him above all obeying His
word, seek His guidance in the performance of my sworn
duties and honor Him at all times.
I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I respect and
uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land and the
applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the legitimacy
and authority of the leadership, and obey legal orders of my
superior officers.
I believe in selfless love and service to people. Towards this
end, I commit myself to the service of my fellowmen over
and above my personal interest.
I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family life. I shall set
the example of decency and morality, shall have high regard
for family life and value of marital fidelity.
I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over
material things. I shall inhibit myself from extravagance and
ostentatious display of material things. I shall help protect
the environment and conserve nature to maintain ecological
balance.
I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy
and I shall uphold the truth at all times.
RESPECT FOR GOD
I believe in God, The Supreme Being, The Great Provider, and
The Creator of all men and everything dear to me. In return, I
can do no less than love Him above all obeying His word, seek
His guidance in the performance of my sworn duties and honor
Him at all times.
WARMUP
Who is God in your life?
WORD
1. GOD THE SUPREME BEING
...O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in
heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
In your hand are power and might, so that none is
able to withstand you.
2 Chronicles 20:6 ESV
Sovereignty can be defined as having supreme authority,
control, and power over all that has happened, is happening,
and will happen in the future in all times across all history. He is
the ruler of the universe, God, having the right, the authority,
and the power to govern all that happens and what has, is, or
will happen, in accordance to His divine will.
ASK: How do you recognize the authority of God in your life?
2. GOD THE GREAT PROVIDER
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or
‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for
clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these
things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need
all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be added to
you.
Matthew 6:31-33 NASB
We are all faced with a daunting task of searching for food,
shelter, protection, clothes, jobs, money, rest, enjoyment, PRACTICAL APPLICATION
relationships, peace, freedom, significance, identity, Pray this prayer:
knowledge, and a whole list of other things. And all this is to
provide for ourselves and our families. A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER

But there is only one need. That need is God in our lives. Lord, I ask for courage—
When we have God in our lives, He will take care of all our Courage to face and conquer my own fears,
needs because He is our provider. He is the source of life and courage to take me where others will not go.
He sustains it. I ask for strength—
Strength of body to protect others,
ASK: How has God provided for you and your family? and strength of spirit to lead others.
I ask for dedication—
3. GOD WHO IS ALL WISE Dedication to my job, to do it well, dedication to my
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives community, to keep it safe.
generously to all without reproach, and it will be given Give me, Lord, concern for those who trust me, and
him. compassion for those who need me.
James 1:5 ESV And please, Lord, through it all, be at my side.
Amen.
Wisdom might be defined today as “knowledge, the ability
to discern inner qualities and relationships, insight, and
judgment.” How do you find wisdom today? Where do you go
to have your problems solved and questions answered? The
answer is to go to the source of all wisdom, God Himself. He is
the one who created you—He has placed His gifts and callings
within you and understands their worth. Certainly, He is a good
steward of His gifts and will develop them to their maturity.
The best place to find God’s wisdom is through His Word – the
Bible.

ASK: Recall/relate a story in your life wherein God has helped

you make a good decision. What was the result?
RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY
I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I respect and
uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land and the
applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the legitimacy
and authority of the leadership, and obey legal orders of my
superior officers.
WARMUP
Was there a time when you were asked by an authority to do
something that is against the law or against your conscience?
Without going into details, what did you do? What was the
result?
WORD
God authorizes civil authority because He knows it’s absolutely
essential for society’s survival. A chaotic world indeed would
exist if everyone could do as he pleased in his own eyes.
1. RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTION
For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—
whether the king as head of state, or the officials he
has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish
those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence
those ignorant people who make foolish accusations
against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves,
so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.
Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.
Fear God, and respect the king.
2 Peter 2:13-17 NLT
The government is divinely ordained and exist only by the
will of God. Its authority comes from God. It achieves God’s
purposes even when it fails to carry out its divinely given task.
We are to respect governing authorities because of the dignity
that God has given them, whether or not they are performing
well. Ultimately, all of us will be accountable to God Himself.
ASK: Do you agree with this statement “Submit to authority;
whether they are performing well or not”? Why or why not?
2. AUTHORITY OF MY LEADERS
You servants must submit yourselves to your masters
and show them complete respect, not only to those
who are kind and considerate, but also to those who
are harsh. God will bless you for this, if you endure
the pain of undeserved suffering because you are
conscious of his will.
2 Peter 2:18-19 GNT
We show respect to our leaders because God has commanded
it and our role is to obey His commands. We also show respect
for authority out of our love for our fellow men. A soldier’s
success in times of war depends on each soldier’s cooperation
with, obedience to, and respect for the chain of command. If a
soldier will rebel against the instructions of his leaders, he will
put his fellow soldier’s lives in danger. Lastly, we respect our
leaders for our own interest and protection as well.
ASK: Who is the leader you admire? What are the qualities of
this leader that you are willing to follow?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What will you do to ensure that all that you do, whether it is
administrative tasks or police operations, is within the legal
bounds of the law?
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
I believe in selfless love and service to people. Towards this
end, I commit myself to the service of my fellowmen over and
above my personal interest.
WARMUP
As a police officer, what do you think is the meaning of “To
Serve and To Protect”?
WORD
Respect is an essential part of human life. It’s an unspoken way
of communication which builds unshaken and strong relations
between people respecting each other. When a person shows
respect for someone, then it means that the person has some
value for him.
1. SELFLESS LOVE
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;
it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own
way; it is not irritable or resentful.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ESV
What does selfless love look like? When we love selflessly we
are:
• Generous – Love seeks for the well-being of others
and this involves giving of the self for the sake of
others.
• Courteous – Love is manifested when we are polite
and respectful to others. When we love people, we
are not rude to them.
• Have Self-Control – Love is not irritable or resentful
and is not easily provoked. To love others means we
work hard to avoid getting angry over petty things.
We should not get easily upset over situations we
don’t have control over. And we do not need to take
our discouragement and frustration on other people.
ASK: What do you think are the virtues that our children lack
today? And what virtues will you teach your own children?
2. SELFLESS SERVICE
Each of you should use whatever gift you have
received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s
grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
As a police officer, you have been called to service, both of
God and of mankind. God is more mindful and concerned
about people than anything else. Thus, when you serve
people by the things you do daily, the Lord will be mindful of
you and bless you as well. He’ll cause everything you do to
prosper. The Bible says there’s profit in all work. In other words,
when you faithfully render service, you’ll surely prosper. Not
necessarily in material wealth but in other aspects of life as
well.
Become motivated by the joy of service. Be inspired by
the importance and relevance of what you do towards the
betterment of your society. It may seem insignificant, but don’t
stop; keep at it! Keep yourself relevant and indispensable to
your generation by choosing to serve. Be inspired to serve
selflessly!
ASK: Why do you want to serve as a police officer? What work
of a police officer do you find fulfilling?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
As a squad and with your own meager resources, plan a
service-oriented activity in the community. It doesn’t have to
be big but you can just plan for an activity that is within your
means.
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
LIFE
I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family life. I shall set
the example of decency and morality, shall have high regard
for family life and value of marital fidelity.
WARMUP
How would you describe your family? Your spouse? Your
children?
WORD
Marriage, the union of one man and one woman, is a personal,
but not private, relationship with great public significance.
Marriage is good for the couple; it provides the optimal
conditions for bearing and raising children. Marriage makes an
essential contribution to the common good.
1. AS A SPOUSE
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as
you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the
wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of
which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to
Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands
in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with
water through the word, and to present her to himself
as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any
other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same
way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own
bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. However,
each one of you also must love his wife as he loves
himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:21-28; 33
KEYS TO A STRONGER MARRIAGE:
• Give it 100 percent. True love is giving without
expecting anything in return. When two people both
give 100 percent, you have a strong bond, a strong
overlap that is going to guarantee flexibility and the
ability to cope with crises and problems.
• Honor and respect each other. You need to esteem—
to value—your spouse better than yourself. Treasure
your mate as a child of God. Look for, and appreciate,
the positive values you find in each other!
• Be an example. A husband’s five areas of responsibility
to his wife are: love and respect, support and
encouragement, leadership and guidance, help and
protection, and inspiration to grow. A wife’s five areas
of responsibility to her husband are: responsiveness
and service, tenderness and beauty, intelligence and
understanding, Christian virtue, and faith, hope, and
courage.
• Communicate in love. How often do couples “tune
one another out” in their conversations? Effective
communication means effective listening as well as
speaking. We should listen for understanding—try to
understand the other person’s point of view. Try to
understand the other person’s feelings and needs!
Demonstrate respect by giving your full attention.
• Pray together.
2. AS A PARENT
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE PARENTING:
• Take care of yourself. Work hard in managing yourself
and your children will have the emotional support they
will need, and they will try to follow those attributes
they see in you.
• Nurture your children. Make your children feel loved
and cherished. Children need to feel loved and
nurtured in ways they recognize as loving.
• Guide your children. Children need values, guidelines,
and standards by which to govern their lives.
 • Be your child’s advocate. Be your child’s cheerleader.
Show them how special they are and that they are
different from other kids.
• Motivate your child. Motivate your children to
learn. Have books and other sourcebooks at home.
Encourage learning by reading and continuing to
learn.
ASK: What are you doing to give priority and quality time to
your spouse and children?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Plan this week to spend quality time with your spouse and
children. Do not go to the mall but go somewhere quieter
where you can talk and communicate with each other. Dream
together about your desired future for your family and what
will you do to make into fulfillment.
RESPECT FOR MY RESOURCES
I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over
material things. I shall inhibit myself from extravagance and
ostentatious display of material things. I shall help protect
the environment and conserve nature to maintain ecological
balance.
WARMUP
What do you think should be the lifestyle of a public servant?
WORD
Steward is a biblical term that refers to a manager who is
responsible for the goods and property of another. A steward
is not therefore an owner, but one who has a responsibility to
an owner to treat property with care and respect. Stewardship
is a term that refers to the responsibility of a steward to
manage wisely. The unjust steward was one who took
advantage of his position to aggrandize himself.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be
trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very
little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have
not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who
will trust you with true riches? And if you have not
been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who
will give you property of your own?”
Luke 16:10-12
1. STEWARDSHIP OF MY RESOURCES
TIME
For everything there is a season, and a time for every
matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Stewardship is also the wise and faithful use of our time. Time
is a gift from God. It is more valuable than money. When it is
lost, it is unrecoverable. There are three ways we use our time:
• Essential Time – we use this time for eating, sleeping,
and working.
 • Leisure Time – this is the time when we do things we
enjoy.
• Quality Time – this is the time that we use to improve
the quality of our lives such as education, family time,
church, and community service.
BODY
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for
food”—and God will destroy both one and the other.
The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for
the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised
the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you
not know that your bodies are members of Christ?”
1 Corinthians 6:13-15a ESV
Our bodies are not our own, it is our earthly tabernacle
wherein which our soul and spirit dwell. It is also the vessel
where we carry out God’s purposes for us in this earth. What
do we do to honor the body God has given us?
• Abstain from sexual immorality.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Refrain from food or drinks or any habits that would
harm our body.
• Exercise regularly.
TREASURES
An important aspect of our Christian stewardship is the wise
and faithful use of the treasures with which God has entrusted
us.
• Making sure that we take care of our families.
(1 Timothy 5:8)
• Making sure that we give to charity and those in need.
(Proverbs 19:17)
• Making sure that we save, invest wisely, and prepare
for retirement. (Matthew 25:14- 30)
• Making sure that we do not waste God resources.
(Proverbs 18:9; 21:20)
• Making sure that we are generous. (We can give our
way to prosperity.)
ASK:
• Are you faithful in your work? How do you use the
resources at work–time, office supplies, office equipment?
Can you honestly say that you are good steward of it?
• What about your body? Can you say you are healthy? How
are your eating habits? Do you exercise often? Do you
sleep well?
2. STEWARDSHIP OF GOD’S CREATION
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after
our likeness. And let them have dominion over the
fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and
over the livestock and over all the earth and over
every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” And
God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful
and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have
dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of
the heavens and over every living thing that moves on
the earth.”
Genesis 1:26, 28 ESV
The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship
of creation: God created the world, but entrusts it to human
beings. Caring for, and cultivating the, world involves the
following:
• Joyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and
wonder of nature.
• Protection and preservation of the environment, which
would be the stewardship of ecological concern.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
How would you assess your financial health today in a scale
of 1-10 (10 being the healthiest)? Do you have debts? Do you
buy things that you do not need? What will you do to make
yourself financially healthy and have enough savings to ensure
your family’s future?
RESPECT FOR THE TRUTH
I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy
and I shall uphold the truth at all times.
WARMUP
What is the importance of being trustworthy in your work as a
police officer?
WORD
Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a
faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:6 ESV
Trust is the emotional glue that draws you closer to your
friends, your family, and your co-workers. Without trust, you’re
never going to have the intimate relationship that God wants
you to have. Teamwork without trust is impossible.
Proverbs 20:6 says many people claim to be loyal, but it is
hard to find a trustworthy person. That was written thousands
of years ago, and yet we have the same dilemma today: Who
do you trust? How do you find a trustworthy person? More
importantly, how do you become trustworthy?
1. YOU EARN PEOPLE’S TRUST BY BEING
CONSISTENT
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be
trusted with much.
Luke 16:10a
Today everybody wants to serve God in obvious and showy
ways. But God says you build trust by being faithful in little
things. Even when no one is watching you, God is. He sees
what you’re doing. And He says that if you’re faithful in little
things, He will give you greater and greater responsibility.
2. YOU EARN PEOPLE’S TRUST BY BEING CONFIDENTIAL
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy
person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13
People trust you when you can keep a secret. One of our rules
for squads is that what is said in the group stays in the group.
Your group trusts you to keep private whatever they share.
3. YOU EARN PEOPLE’S TRUST BY BEING CLOSE
Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families
stick together in all kinds of trouble.
Proverbs 17:17 MSG
You have to spend time with people in order to earn their trust.
That implies proximity. Distance creates distrust. You don’t
trust people you don’t know! So if you want people to trust
you, you’ve got to spend time with them. Time creates trust.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Can you be trusted? Will you do your work right even if no
one is looking?
• What will you do this week to show God that you can be
faithful in the small things?
• Why is it so hard to keep a secret? What is the motivation
behind gossip?
• What sacrifices will you have to make so that you can spend
time with people and earn their trust?
 POLICE ETHICAL
STANDARDS
(Based on PNP Ethical
Doctrine Manual)
1. MORALITY
(Definition: PNP members shall adhere to high standards of
morality and decency and shall set good examples for others
to follow. In no instance during their terms of office, among
other things, shall they be involved as owners, operators,
managers or investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal
gambling den or other places devoted to vices, nor they shall
patronize such places unless on official duty, and tolerate
operations of such establishments in their respective areas of
responsibilities. They shall be faithful to their lawfully wedded
spouses.)
WARMUP
What do you think are the qualities of an ideal policeman?
WORD
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the
office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore
an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of
one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable,
hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent
but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He
must manage his own household well, with all dignity
keeping his children submissive, for if someone does
not know how to manage his own household, how will
he care for God’s church?
1 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
translates as “above reproach” is first a legal word that
indicates a kind of innocence in the eyes of the law. It
means that no one can legitimately rebuke you or make any
charges against you that will stick. They may accuse, but your
conduct will eventually acquit you by proving you blameless
(“blameless” being a far more common translation than “above
reproach”). Your life is so consistent that your reputation is
credible, you are an example worth following.
2. MANAGES ONESELF
To be able to manage oneself one must be: sober-minded,
practices self-control, hospitable, has the ability to teach,
generous, gentle, and kind.
3. MANAGES HOUSEHOLD WELL
Being above reproach means that you are a husband of one
wife (wife of one husband) and that your children respect you.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Looking at your list during the Warmup time, which of
those qualifications do you possess?
• Which of those qualifications do you wish to improve on?
• What will you do this week to make those necessary
changes?

ASK:
• If you were to place an advertisement for a Police
Supervisor, what are the qualifications that you will put?
Who are the people fit to lead the PNP? What are the
qualifications of these great leaders?
• What are the basis of proven moral and maturity of leaders?

1. ABOVE REPROACH
What does it mean to be above reproach? What the Bible
2. JUDICIOUS USE OF AUTHORITY We love to serve the community and the people entrusted to
us. One who leads unselfishly is one who leads with his whole
(Definition: PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate heart and has the willingness to sacrifice one’s own desire in
use of authority in the performance of duty.) the performance of duty. We lead others with “professional
will” to do what needs to be done. And with “personal
WARMUP humility” to lead with kindness and gentleness.
In the conduct of legitimate police operation, can you cite an
example wherein carefully used your legitimate authority? 3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
John Maxwell said, “People do what people see.” People
WORD don’t follow what we say but they follow how we lead our lives.
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. We must practice what we teach in the community.
Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what
you will get out of it, but because you are eager to PRACTICAL APPLICATION
serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to • Why did you enter the police force? What motivated you to
your care, but lead them by your own good example. be part of this organization?
1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT • How do you think you can balance “professional will” and
“personal humility”?
The word “care” is translated as shepherd in other versions of
the Bible. A shepherd is one who takes care of his flock. He
looks out for the best for his sheep – provides food and water
and protects them from those who are preying on them. In the
Bible, the shepherd is the symbol of a leader. A leader is one
bestowed upon with certain authority and his role is not just to
exercise this authority but to guide, direct, protect, teach, and
develop the people entrusted to him. As policemen, we were
given the authority to act against criminality and lawlessness in
accordance to the law. But how do we use this authority?

1. LEAD WILLINGLY
Our use of authority is not by compulsion or in accordance
to impulse. We lead not because it is convenient for us. We
lead our community because we love people and those that
we work with. We work with diligence. True leaders judiciously
dispose of their duties even in the midst of danger. We
perform with good judgment and sense, with much care.

2. LEAD UNSELFISHLY
The only motive that we have is the love of the work itself.
3. INTEGRITY
(Definition: PNP members shall not allow themselves to be
victims of corruption and dishonest practices in accordance
with the provisions of RA 6713 and other applicable laws.)
standard becomes our standard. In order to do this, we must
learn “the fear of the Lord” – we must develop a healthy
respect for God. God’s Word must be effectively assimilated
in our heart, mind, and conscience so that it will influence our
thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes.

WARMUP 3. DEVELOPS GENUINE HUMILITY

Is there a person you admire who is known as a person of What you see is what you get. We are not pretending to be
integrity? Why do you say so? someone we are not. A humble person is a realistic, teachable
person.
WORD
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who 4. LEARNS THE WISDOM OF BEING PERSONALLY
makes his ways crooked will be found out. ACCOUNTABLE TO OTHERS.
Proverbs 10:9 ESV It takes others to bring out the best in us and we all need
accountability partners that serve as an encouragement and a
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the reality check.
crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Proverbs 11:3 ESV PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Do you have accountability partners who encourage you and
Webster describes integrity as “soundness of moral character.” give you a reality check? If not, who will you approach this
Integrity from a biblical viewpoint has to do with being morally week who will act as your accountability partner?
sound. What does it mean to be morally sound? A person
with integrity knows what is important to God and consistently
lives in light of what is important to Him. It involves more than
living our values; it involves subscribing to God’s values, and
with His help, learning to conform our conduct to those values.
Integrity is like the foundation of a house, if it is unstable, the
entire house may come apart when under pressure.

A PERSON OF INTEGRITY:
1. DOES NOT MAKE EXCUSES OR BLAME OTHERS FOR HIS
SHORTCOMINGS
We owe up to our own mistakes and failures and we don’t
blame others.

2. HAVE A PROPER MORAL STAND

Since God is the source of morality, the proper moral standards
are based on His character as revealed in His Word. And God’s
4. JUSTICE
(Definition: PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the
rights of others so that they can fulfill their duties and exercise
their rights as human beings, parents, children, citizens,
workers, leaders, or in other capacities and to see to it that
others do likewise.)
WARMUP
What do you think are your rights as a human being?
and mistreat foreigners. Justice is an absolute, and God
intends that everyone receives it.
3. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE GOD-DEFINED MERCY
When speaking of rights in the Bible, God rarely mentions
what rights we should demand. Instead, He tells us what we
are responsible for. This is seen in most of the laws on justice,
but He also tells us to go beyond justice and into mercy. In
response to Jesus’ sacrifice, we are to emulate Him and extend
mercy.

WORD
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does
the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love
kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 ESV
Human rights are those things that people naturally deserve
by nature of their identity as human beings. Human rights are
what we should have by nature of being created in the image
of God.
1. HUMAN RIGHTS AS OUR GOD-GIVEN LIFESTYLE
What are our rights as human beings? We have the right to
choose to marry. It is our basic human rights to belong to a
family. The opportunity to work is a right and to be part of a
group that can provide us safety and identity.
In the Bible, there are very few rights we are given by nature
of our status as humans, and any of these can be taken away
by impersonal circumstances. Instead, God focuses on human
responsibilities. We are responsible to enforce justice and
extend mercy. If everyone concentrated on what they are
supposed to do, rights wouldn’t be an issue. We would receive
what we need.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What acts of kindness can you do this week to show your
respect for others?

2. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE GOD-DEFINED JUSTICE

This category is stronger. Instead of trying to interpret the
message of nature, we can see God’s justice in His Word.
Rights as defined by justice, for the most part, are comprised
of ways in which people should not be victimized.

These rights of justice can be threatened by specific sins. It is a

sin to murder, steal, insult someone, kidnap, commit adultery,
lie, disrespect one’s parents, cheat, ignore the needy, rape, use
worship space for business, attack someone, hold a grudge,
5. HUMILITY
(Definition: PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are
public servants and not the masters of the people and towards
this end, they should perform their duties without attracting
attention or expecting the applause of others.)
WARMUP
How would you describe a humble person?
WORD
And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles
exercise lordship over them, and those in authority
over them are called benefactors. But not so with you.
Rather, let the greatest among you become as the
youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who
is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who
serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I
am among you as the one who serves.”
Luke 22:25-26 ESV
3. CAN FORGO HIS RIGHTS FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE HE
SERVES
A public servant is sometimes willing to make the sacrifice of
giving up his own rights in order to serve others.
4. NOT PREOCCUPIED WITH PERSONAL VISIBILITY AND
RECOGNITION
His motive is not public accolades or visible recognition. He
graciously accepts that there are times when he needs to
decrease in order for others to increase.
As public servants, we just need to keep in mind that we are
servants first and foremost.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Why do you think it is called “public service”? What does
being a “public servant” mean in practical terms?

A public official with a servant’s heart is a truly invaluable asset,

and everyone should seek to adopt this type of mentality.
Oftentimes, we confuse our position with dictatorship. A
dictator barks out orders and does not take into account the
wants and needs of others. A public servant is the complete
opposite. A public servant works tirelessly to focus on what
they can do for others.

1. DOES NOT SEEK HIS OWN GLORY

He does not need public approval, position, or financial
security. He finds joy in being able to serve others.

2. SEEKS THE HIGHEST JOY OF THOSE HE SERVES

He makes necessary sacrifices in order to pursue people’s joy
and progress. He makes sure that people knows that he cares
genuinely.
6. ORDERLINESS
(Definition: PNP members shall follow original procedures in
accomplishing tasks assigned to them to minimize waste in the
use of time, money and effort.)
WARMUP
Are you busy? Why would you say you are busy? How would
you describe your day?
WORD
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and
stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is
required in stewards that one be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV
“Stewards,” or “managers,” are responsible over something
entrusted to them by someone else. Each of us are managers
of the resources with which God has entrusted us. And what is
the principle of stewardship?
3. THE PRINCIPLE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
A steward is one who manages the possessions of another. Just
as we are entrusted by the people and by those in authority
over us, we are all stewards of the resources that God has
entrusted to our care. One day, we will be called to give an
account for how we managed and administered what was
given to us including our time, money, abilities, information,
wisdom, relationships, and authority.
4. THE PRINCIPLE OF REWARD
Faithful stewards who do the Lord’s will with His resources can
expect to be rewarded in this life and the next.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Knowing that everything that we have is owned by God, what
changes will you do to make sure that you are a good steward
of the resources God has entrusted to you?

1. THE PRINCIPLE OF OWNERSHIP

The earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof, the
world and those who dwell therein…
Psalm 24:1 ESV
God owns everything and we are simply managers or
administrators acting on His behalf. Stewardship expresses our
obedience regarding the administration of everything God has
placed under our control, which is all-encompassing.

2. THE PRINCIPLE OF RESPONSIBILITY

We are called as God’s stewards to manage that which belongs
to God. While God has graciously entrusted us to care,
develop, and enjoy everything He owns as His stewards, we
are responsible to manage His creation and according to His
desires and purposes.
7. PERSEVERANCE
(Definition: Once a decision is made, PNP members shall
take legitimate means to achieve the goal even in the face of
internal or external difficulties, and despite anything which
might weaken their resolve in the course of time.)
WARMUP
Can you share your own story of persevering in the midst of
difficult circumstances?
WORD
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of
various kinds, for you know that the testing of your
faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness
have its full effect, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2 ESV
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the
crown of life, which God has promised to those who
love him.
James 1:12 ESV
2. BE DETERMINED TO DO THE RIGHT THING
Our determination is to do the right thing every time in the
fulfillment of our mission. We do not need to make shortcuts
or hasten the process but adhere to “due process.” There
is a saying that the end will justify the means, but it is not
applicable in many situations. If we do the process right then
the process will determine the outcome.
3. BE DETERMINED TO DO YOUR BEST FOR GOD
Our goal is to please God as He is the rewarder of all good
things. If we adhere to His word and His teachings then He
will ensure that we will be able to accomplish our mission and
that we will be rewarded for doing the right thing. How can we
make sure that we are doing our best for God?
• Know more of God.
• Grow in God.
• Serve God and others faithfully.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What is your dream for your life? How determined are you to
pursue this dream? What are you doing in order to fulfill this
dream?

The definition of perseverance means that a person has a

determined continuation in something with a steady and
continued action of being that occurs over a long period of
time among people and despite difficult circumstances. So
how do we persevere?

1. BE DETERMINED
The word determination means “to decide, resolve, be firm
and resolute and steadfast in one’s heart.” We need to focus
on the achievement of the goal or mission that has been
entrusted to us.
EXCEL @ WORK
 Introduction – in functional terms – by their willingness to follow their call.

Second, a Christian in the marketplace is a person of godly

Spirituality is not just personal or private. Spirituality, to be
character. Because the central function of a Christian in the
genuine, is not to be confined to private beliefs, private
marketplace is to enable people to know, love, and serve
prayers, and private devotions. There is a distinction between
God with their entire hearts, minds, souls, and strength,
mere piousness and a contemplative spirituality. Spirituality
the Christian in the marketplace must possess the personal
in the workplace is not just a thirty-second opening prayer
attributes – the characteristics of the heart and mind through
to begin a day with no consideration as to the ethics of
speech and behavior – that reflect the nature of God.
conducting business or a moral implication of one’s conduct on
others — superiors, peers, and subordinates.
Third, a Christian in the marketplace must possess functional
competencies that allow him to perform tasks and guide
One cannot help but shine. A treasure is stored, yes, but a
people toward accomplishing the ends of God’s servants.
treasure has also to be displayed. The Gospel exhorts: “You
Many leadership and management literatures focus exclusively
are the light of the world; you are the salt of the earth.”
on functional competencies. Those abilities are important, to
The Lord Jesus commands his followers to be leaven, to be
be sure, but a marketplace Christian who has great technical
catalysts and change agents.” Faith is not meant to be just
abilities and skills, but without God’s call, is merely following
private but for the public. Spirituality is not merely private but
his personal inclinations. One who lacks personal attributes
for general audiences.
that model godly principles will be an ineffective marketplace
leader. Of course, one who does not have the competencies to
Therefore, in terms of work, there is the challenge of
get the job done will never build the track record necessary to
generosity. A workplace spirituality is not just pleased with
excel and shine in the marketplace.
attaining the minimal output. The worker is aware that he is
a humble servant of the Lord and King. Having this image
in mind, one imitates the generosity of God. The Lord gives
abundantly in excess, in overflowing measure His graces
and choicest blessings. Why would he, the grateful servant,
economize his service, giving back cheap work? No, the
Christian laborer excels, doing his best, goes beyond what is
simply required. God cannot be outdone in generosity.

Who is the person that can be considered spiritual in the

marketplace?

First, the Christian in the marketplace is called by God in the

work or business that he or she is involved in. He or she is
called to be a servant leader. He or she is anointed by God
to the marketplace and knows that ultimately, the head of the
organization is God. They are most valuable to the marketplace
1. A SERVANT HEART
And Jesus called them to him and said to them,
“You know that those who are considered rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones
exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so
among you. But whoever would be great among you
must be your servant, and whoever would be first
among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of
Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give
his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42-45 ESV
INTRODUCTION
The society we live in thrives in position grabbing and thinks
that humility is a thing of the past. But for us who are serious to
grow in our relationship with God, we want to best understand
how to follow Him as we lead others. He is so clear about how
He wants us to lead others. He wants us to lead by serving
them.
WARMUP
Write down the name of the person you greatly admire. Then
write down what it is that causes you to admire that person.
Consider the qualities you wrote. Do they have to do with
attitude, aptitude, or appearance?
ATTITUDE APTITUDE APPEARANCE
WORD
Read Mark 10:35-45 and discuss.
1. What was James and John asking Jesus to do for them
(Mark 10:35-37; cf. Matthew 20:20-21)? Have you ever
asked anyone or any of your relatives the same favor?
James and John came to Jesus with more of a
presumptuous claim rather than a request! When Jesus
asked what that might be, their answer was that they
wanted to have the positions of highest honor.
2. What was in their mind when they thought of asking for
promotion? Do you sometimes feel that you deserve to be
promoted in your position of work? Why or why not?
The request reveals clearly that before the crucifixion
the disciples believed Jesus to be the Savior; and since
it was now clear that He was going up to Jerusalem,
they expected His glory to be revealed there. James
and John wanted to be sure of a prominent place in this
about-to-be-realized kingdom.
3. How did Jesus respond to this outlandish request (Mark
10:38)? How would you respond if one of your staff made a
request for promotion?
Jesus told them they did not realize what was involved
in their ambitious request. To ask for a place of honor in
His glory was also a request to share His suffering since
the one is a requisite to the other.
4. How did the other disciples react when they heard of
the brother’s request (Mark 10:41)? Why? If you were in
the position of the disciples and you heard one of your
colleagues made such a request, how would you react?
What would you do?
When the ten other disciples discovered what James
and John had asked, they were offended and angry.
Their anger and resentment were coming not from a
humble motive but from hearts who were also aspiring
to grab top positions. None of the disciples had yet in
the least comprehended what Jesus had meant when
He spoke of His passion.
5. What was Jesus’ exhortation towards His disciples who
 placed a premium on position of high honor rather than
humble service (Mark 10:42-44)?
Greatness among Jesus’ disciples is based on genuine
service. Anyone who wants to be great must become
the “servant.” In their times, humility was regarded as
a vice. Imagine a slave being given leadership! Jesus’
ethics of the leadership and power in his community of
disciples is revolutionary.
6. What was Jesus’ greatest example of having a servant’s
heart (Mark 10:45)?
Even Jesus, the Son of Man, is not exempt from the
rule of humble service in the kingdom. He is in fact
the epitome of it, especially in His mission. He did not
come as a ruler whose every personal whim was to be
catered to by groveling servants, but He came as a
servant, “giving his life as a ransom for many.”
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• In what areas of your life can you relate to the ambition of
James and John?
• How do you react to people who are hungry with position
of high honor?
• In light of selecting officials of the country or organization,
what kind of leaders should we elect or select? How can
you show servant leadership to the people that you serve?
2. A SELF-DISCIPLINED LIFE
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,
but only one receives the prize? So run that you may
obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all
things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but
we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do
not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my
body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to
others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Christianity involves freedom and self-discipline. Paul’s goal
in life was to honor God and bring people to the lordship of
Jesus Christ. But despite his freedom, he strictly disciplined
himself in order to fulfill his cause and not be enticed or
sidetracked by the world’s temptations.
God’s grace is sufficient to bless us with salvation. But unknown
to many, His grace also teaches self-discipline in order for us to
pursue godly ambitions and dreams.
WARMUP
EXERCISE: Choose a partner. Tell your partner a story that
happened in the last few days and only use positive words.
Avoid using negative words such as “no,” “never,” “don’t,” or
other negative words we can use about people or situations.
DISCUSS: How do you feel about this exercise? Was it difficult
for you to avoid using such words?
WORD
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and discuss.
1. Paul was a free man but what was his preferred position
before men to be a better example of his cause (1
Corinthians 9:19)? Are you a self-disciplined person?
Though free, Paul preferred a life of strict discipline.
 He chose to be a servant to all in order to reach his c. Beat your body and make it your slave
cause—a true witness for Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:27a).

2. Because he was focused on his mission, how flexible
was his method? How flexible are you in dealing with
individuals from diverse cultures, situations, personalities,
and attitudes?
When Paul was with the Jews, he became one of them.
When he was with the Gentiles who do not have the
Jewish law, he tried to fit in with them as much as he
can. In this way, he can gain their confidence. He did all
these to find common ground with everyone so that he
might bring them to Christ.
3. In pursuing his cause, Paul likened it to “running a race.”
What was his advice to those who “run in a race”?
Paul’s advice is that in a race everyone runs, but only
one person gets the prize and so we also must run in
such a way that we will win.
These suggestions are so that after he has done his part in
fulfilling his cause, he will not be disqualified.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• What are some important principles Paul taught about self-
discipline that you can learn?
• Why do you think is it advantageous to assimilate one’s self
with those he regularly relates to?
• What areas in your life have you shown much self-
discipline?
• What areas in your life do you need to improve in self-
discipline?

4. For Paul, what kind of training is involved in winning a

race? What kind of sacrifice is necessary? What are the self-
disciplines you need to personally develop in order for you
to achieve your life goals?
Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do
it to receive a perishable wreath, but our prize is an
imperishable one. Paul believes that one must sacrifice
as he trains in order to fulfill his cause. Without a cause,
discipline is nothing but punishing oneself. But if one
has a cause [like Paul], self- discipline and sacrifice
seems nothing compared to reaching one’s goal.

5. Paul suggests a few virtues to show self-discipline. What

are these (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)?
Paul suggests:
a. Do not run like a man running aimlessly
(1 Corinthians 9:26a);
b. Do not fight like a man beating the air
(1 Corinthians 9:26b);
3. TEACHABILITY
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia,
remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain
persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to
devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies,
which promote speculations rather than the
stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our
charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a
good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons,
by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain
discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without
understanding either what they are saying or the
things about which they make confident assertions.
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it
lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid
down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient,
for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and
profane, for those who strike their fathers and
mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men
who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers,
and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in
accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed
God with which I have been entrusted.
2 Timothy 1:3-14 ESV
INTRODUCTION
So long as we are teachable, God has always been in the
business of giving us what we need in order to lead. God has
equipped us not to be ashamed, but to share in the victories
and sufferings. He has empowered us before He expects
from us. We receive His competence before He gives us His
commands.
Paul reminded Timothy that God did not give him the timidity
that he sometimes feels (maybe coming from his personal
background or Satan’s way to weaken his leadership). Instead,
Paul reminded Timothy of what God has given him (i.e.,
power, love, and sound mind) and the message he is tasked to
proclaim. But Paul had to help Timothy develop a teachable
heart.
WARMUP
What have you recently learned from a person you look up to?
From a book you have been reading? From an experience you
have gone through?
WORD
Read 2 Timothy 1:2-15 and discuss.
1. What did Paul call Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2)? What was their
relationship?
Paul shared the gospel to Timothy and even called
him his beloved son. Timothy had been his travelling
companion. Their relationship has evolved from being a
mentor-mentee to a father-son.
2. What was Paul committed to do for his student, Timothy (2
Timothy 1:3-5)?
Paul prayed for Timothy night and day, thanking God
for Timothy’s genuine faith; he also wishes to see him in
order to intimately discuss how to grow as a follower of
Christ and as a leader for Christ.
3. How did Paul encourage Timothy to become teachable?
Where did Timothy first learn to have genuine faith in God
(2 Timothy 1:5)?
Paul encouraged Timothy to be teachable when he
reminded him how teachable both his mother Eunice
and his grandmother Lois were in the faith.
4. What did Paul remind Timothy to further enhance his
service for God (2 Timothy 1:6-7)?
Paul reminded Timothy to fan into flames the spiritual
gift God gave him when Paul gave him blessings as he
laid his hands on him. He emphasized that God did not
give Timothy a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power,
 love, and self-discipline.
5. What did Paul ask Timothy to do and what should be his
timeless message (2 Timothy 1:8-12)?
Paul advised Timothy never to be ashamed to tell
others about his mission. He also reminded Timothy not
to be ashamed of him, either.
6. What should Timothy do in order to recall what was taught
to him by Paul and by whose power should he depend on
(2 Timothy 1:13-15)?
What Timothy has heard from Paul he is to keep as the
“pattern of sound teaching.” But this was to be done
“with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” The only way to
keep doctrine is to both live and proclaim it with faith
and love.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• What are the ways you are harnessing a teachable attitude?
• Identify areas in your life you would like to grow and
mature in?
• Who is your “Paul”? Who is your mentor? If you don’t have
one, are you looking for a mentor – someone who is a
teacher and confidant for you?
• Who is your “Timothy”? Who is your mentee? If you don’t
have one, are you looking for one? Is there a young person
that you are mentoring or teaching what you are doing?
• How are you engaging in an ongoing personal leadership
development?
4. HONESTY
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a
just weight is his delight.
Proverbs 11:1 ESV
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with
good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to
him.
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but
a false witness utters deceit.
Proverbs 12:14, 17 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Solomon had much to say about speaking the truth. He also
talks about the results of lies — its abusive and abrasive power
as well as its power to explain, exonerate, and exalt. Special
perils lie in wait for those who speak dishonestly. Many sins
are sins of speaking dishonestly. People in the workplace are
always put to the acid test of telling the truth or compromising
it with the desire to make easy money in business or simply to
safeguard them from the ugly truth.
Selecting from some verses of Proverbs, we can learn that
honesty (i.e., speaking the truth) is a reflection of what is godly
and righteous while being dishonest (i.e., speaking lies and
deceit) shows a person who does not respect God and only
pursues selfish gains.
WARMUP
GAME TIME: Each person in the group introduces himself
or herself. Tell three things to describe yourself. Two of the
descriptions should be the truth and one should be a lie. The
rest of the group will guess which one is the truth and which
one is a lie.
DISCUSS:
• What description was difficult for you to say – the truth
about yourself or the lie? Why?
• What was difficult to guess about another person – the
truth or the lie? Why?
WORD
Read the various verses and discuss.
1. What were the “dishonest scales” and “honest weights”
referred to during Solomon’s time (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11;
20:10, 23)?
These references on scales and weights have to do
with honesty in business. Honesty pleases the Lord.
Whatever the Lord “abhors” must be avoided. Thus,
to be accepted by God in one’s transactions, one must
deal honestly. (see: Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23).
2. What does a righteous person dwell upon compared to a
wicked one (Proverbs 12:5)? What does he feed his mind
with?
The thoughts of the righteous are just. Righteous
people feed their minds with what is moral, honest,
honorable, and decent. On the other hand, the counsels
of the wicked are deceitful. Their intentions are
dishonest, fraudulent, cheating, and devious.
3. Looking at specific verses in Proverbs chapter 12, what will
a person gain as he speaks truthfully (Proverbs 12:14, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22)?
• He will be filled with many good things, just as
the work of his/her hands also gives many benefits
(Proverbs 12:14).
• He who does not water down his words but tells it
as it is will gain not just good health but a healthy
perspective in life (Proverbs 12:18).
• He who has truthful lips will always speak both
timeless and timely words (Proverbs 12:19).
• He will fill his heart with joy even in the face of evil
(Proverbs 12:20).
• He will also be protected in times of trouble (Proverbs
12:21).
• He will be a delight to God (Proverbs 12:22).
4. What does the Bible say about giving sworn testimony
(Proverbs 12:17)?
An honest person will testify of the truth he has
witnessed. He will not be bribed by anyone. He will not
add or subtract anything from what he has seen and
heard. He will not be influenced by anything or anyone.
He will call spade a spade. It’s as if he is sworn in the
court of law, he swears “…to tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth.”
5. What does the Bible say about money coming from
dishonesty (Proverbs 13:11)?
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows. There is prosperity
through honest investment. Steady and wise investment
produces prosperity. But if the riches come quickly
through some unfounded or dishonest means, one
could lose them just as easily.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• When and where does your honesty get tried and tested?
• Why is it difficult to stand for the truth and be a
whistleblower?
• What has been your experience when you spoke the truth?
How about when you have been dishonest?
• Memorize the Rotary 4-Way Test and consciously apply it in
your everyday decisions.
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
5. SPIRITUAL DEPTH
Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive,
that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my
teaching.
When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one
in the sight of my mother,
he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast
my words; keep my commandments, and live.
Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of
my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her,
and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and
whatever you get, get insight
Proverbs 4:1-7 ESV
INTRODUCTION
People who make significant impact in their organization do
not merely react to their culture; they base their practice on
timeless principles from God’s Word. They remain relevant
because they are not just aware of cultural context and current
events, but they also fuse it, or even correct it when necessary,
with timeless truths. Proverbs 4 encourages workers to become
spiritually-adept and acquire wisdom from Scriptures.
WARMUP
What is your favorite proverb, truism, or axiom? What is
one wisdom saying that you learned from your parents or
grandparents? How has this wisdom saying helped you in your
life right now?
WORD
Read Proverbs 4:1-27 and discuss.
1. Where does spiritual depth begin (Proverbs 4:1-3, 11)?
Whose initial responsibility is it to provide? Why is spiritual
depth important in the type of work you are doing right
now?
Though all spiritual depth ultimately comes from God,
it is initiated by parents to their children as it is their
greatest responsibility. Solomon tells of how his father
encouraged him to seek after wisdom (cf. 1 Chronicles
28). This may have prompted Solomon to ask for
wisdom above all else (1 Kings 3:9).
2. What are the benefits of having spiritual depth, i.e., wisdom
(Proverbs 4:4-9)?
• It brings long and happy life (Proverbs 4:4b, The
Living Bible)
• It brings protection (Proverbs 4:5-6)
• It brings honor (Proverbs 4:7-9)
3. Can spiritual depth be acquired once? How can a person
search and gain wisdom (Proverbs 4:5-7, 13)? What is the
kind of wisdom needed by a worker in a project?
Acquiring spiritual depth is a decision that a leader has
to make. It takes resolve, an everyday determination
to search and gain it, and fortitude not to abandon it
when things become difficult or the temptation to go
the easy route is there. This is not a one-time act but a
daily process of choosing from two paths—the wicked
(Proverbs 4:14-17) and the wise (Proverbs 4:18-19).
4. What is Solomon’s advice against worldliness (Proverbs
4:14-19)?
Those that lead ought not to do evil nor follow the way
of evildoers. Avoid where they go. Turn away and go
somewhere else, for evil people cannot sleep until they
have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest
unless they have caused someone to stumble. They
delight in wickedness and violence! The way of the wise
(i.e., righteous) is so radiant, people around it either
will be impressed or blinded by it. But the way of the
wicked is always about complete darkness. Those who
 follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.
5. How can spiritual depth (i.e., wisdom) be a tool that can be
used (Proverbs 4:21-23)? How can you use it in your PNP
work?
• They are a tremendous source of guidance. They help
people stay on the right direction (Proverbs 4:21).
• They are a mighty guard. They keep the hearts and
bodies protected (Proverbs 4:22).
• They are a sensible gauge. They enable people to
evaluate where their attitudes and dispositions are
and should be (Proverbs 4:23).
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• What are the spiritual depth and wisdom you have acquired
from your parents? If none, why do you think so?
• What are you an expert of right now?
• How can you have the same passion on those expertise
with knowing God and gaining His wisdom? What do you
have to do?
• What worldly attractions should you guard your heart from?
6. HUMILITY
The whole commandment that I command you today
you shall be careful to do, that you may live and
multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord
swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember
the whole way that the Lord your God has led you
these forty years in the wilderness, that he might
humble you, testing you to know what was in your
heart, whether you would keep his commandments or
not.
Deuteronomy 8:1-2 ESV
INTRODUCTION
C.H. Spurgeon once said, “Man has the choice to either
humble himself or be humbled.” Humility has always been the
less-chosen alternative in the society of olden times as well
as at present. Man’s inclination has been to demand his rights
and privileges, promote himself without God’s or the people’s
approval, create a public perception that he is distinguished,
influential, deserves to be honored, and a person who reached
all his accomplishments all by himself. He can be guilty of
not recognizing that all of who he is and what he has and
accomplished comes from God.
“I did it my way and all by myself” are the most accepted and
practiced norms of society. They are modelled by the popular
and influential people. But in God’s economy, they are mere
deceptions and deficiencies. In this day and age where self-
promotion and seeking reciprocity are the paradigm for worldly
success, God calls us back to the benchmark of genuine faith
and total dependence upon Him — HUMILITY.
WARMUP
1. What are the major milestones in your life? (Let each group
member identify two to three milestones in their life.)
2. Who helped you reach those milestones? How did they
help you?
WORD
Read Deuteronomy 8:1-20 and discuss.
1. As Moses recalled the Israelites’ experience in the
wilderness:
a. How long did it take the Israelites to reach the
Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:2a)? How long could
it have taken them?
What could have taken them one week took them
forty years to reach.
b. What were God’s purposes to let them go through
that wilderness experience (Deuteronomy 8:2b)? What
is your wilderness experience?
The LORD their God led them through the
wilderness for forty years, humbling them and
testing them to prove their character, and for them
to find out whether or not they would really obey
His commands.
c. Why did God choose to humble them
(Deuteronomy 8:3, 5)? How does God sometimes
humble you?
God humbled them by letting them go hungry and
then feeding them with manna, a food previously
unknown to them and their ancestors. He did it to
teach the Israelites that people need more than
bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on
every word of the LORD. So they should realize that
just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD their
God disciplines them to help them.
d. How did God sustain them (Deuteronomy 8:4)?
How does God sustain you and your needs?
For all those forty years in the wilderness, their
clothes didn’t wear out and their feet didn’t blister
or swell. They were provided what they need.
2. As they humbly keep God’s commandments, to walk in His
ways and to fear Him, what was promised to the Israelites
(Deuteronomy 8:6-10)?
As they obey the commands of the LORD their God by
walking in his ways and fearing Him, the LORD their
God will bring the Israelites into a good land of flowing
streams and pools of water, with springs that gush forth
in the valleys and hills. That is why when they have
eaten their fill, they ought to praise the LORD their God
for the good land He has given them.
3. What should the Israelites beware of becoming and of
doing (Deuteronomy 8:11-17)?
The Israelites ought to be aware that in their plenty
they do not forget the LORD their God and disobey His
commands, regulations, and laws. For when they have
become full and prosperous and have built fine homes
to live in, and when their flocks and herds have become
very large and their silver and gold have multiplied
along with everything else, they might just forget God.
4. As far as where they got their provisions from and how they
will be provided in the present and future, what did the
LORD tell them (Deuteronomy 8:18)? How can you convey
to your clients that God will always provide for their needs?
What is the relation of this verse to your work in PNP?
They should always remember that it is the LORD their
God who gave them the power to become rich, and
He did it to fulfill the covenant He made with Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob.
5. What will happen the moment they become proud and
arrogant, seeking self-promotion and seeking reciprocity
(Deuteronomy 8:19-20)? How can you convey this verse to
your clients that when God provides for their needs?
If ever they forget the LORD their God and follow other
gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, they will
certainly be destroyed. Just as the LORD has destroyed
other nations in their path, they also will be destroyed
 for not obeying the LORD their God. All of these
prophecies actually took place and the moment they
reached the Promised Land.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Why is arrogance accepted in today’s society? Why do
many people struggle to be humble?
• What areas in your life have you forgotten to recognize the
providence and provision of God?
• What are some ways to balance confidence in the Lord
and remaining modest? How do you prevent yourself from
thinking and feeling “I did it my way and all by myself”?
• Who do you struggle to show humility to? Why? How can
you humble yourself before this person as if you are doing
so for God?
7. COMMITMENT
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great
in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts
of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord
regretted that he had made man on the earth, and
it grieved him to his heart.So the Lord said, “I will
blot out man whom I have created from the face of
the land, man and animals and creeping things and
birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made
them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 1:5-8 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Noah is a popular character in the Bible. He is popular because
he accomplished one of the most unique and amazing tasks
ever heard of in the Bible. His story might be well-known but
what is mostly overlooked is the realization that being able to
do what God had commanded Noah required a “never quit”
attitude.
WARMUP
Read the poem “Don’t Quit.”
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure comes about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow —
You may succeed with another blow.
 Success is failure turned inside out —
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit —
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
For all the sad words of tongue or pen
The saddest are these: “It might have been!”
Share with the group: Can you relate to the poem? Why or why
not?
WORD
Read Genesis 6:1-22 and discuss.
1. Who was Noah? How was he described Genesis 6:8-10;
7:6? Can the same be said of you – righteous, blameless,
and walks before God? Why or why not?
Noah is described as a “righteous man, blameless
among the people of his time, and he walked with God”
(Genesis 6:9). He also had three sons: Shem, Ham, and
Japheth. He was 600 years old.
2. Describe the times Noah lived in (Genesis 6:1-5, 11-12; cf.
Matthew 24:38)? Are there similar situations that you see
now in our modern times? What are the evils that we see in
our world today?
The earth is described as “corrupt” and “full of
violence” (Genesis 6:11). During this time the “sons
of God” intermarried with the “daughters of men”
(Genesis 6:4) and their offspring, the Nephilims (a word
that connotes the meaning “giant”), were known as
“heroes of old, men of renown” (Genesis 6:4).
3. How did God intend to resolve man’s wickedness (Genesis
6:13-17)?
God told Noah He would “put an end to all people”
(Genesis 6:13) and the earth. He would accomplish
this by a flood that would “destroy all life under the
heavens” or “every creature that has the breath of
life in it” (Genesis 6:17). The flood was massive that
everything on earth would perish” (Genesis 6:17). So He
instructed Noah to build an ark—a gigantic boat.
4. What was Noah’s special role in God’s plan in resolving
man’s wickedness (Genesis 6:18-21)? What do you think is
your role in God’s plan in resolving evil in this world?
God established His covenant with Noah. Noah and
his family—his wife, his three sons, Shem, Ham, and
Japheth, and their wives—would enter the ark along
with “two of all living creatures, male and female”
(Genesis 6:19) which they would keep alive. Also, Noah
would bring “every kind of food” (Genesis 6:21) for
their needs as well as the animals.
5. How did Noah respond to God’s covenant with him
(Genesis 6:22; 7:5)? What qualities enabled him to do this?
Noah did “everything just as God commanded him.”
Since Noah “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9), he
knew the God behind the command. He personally
and intimately knew a God who was Sovereign and in
control of every single detail of his life. He knew that
God would not plan something without a purpose that
did not glorify Him in the end. He knew that God would
command, equip, sustain, and complete.
6. What does Noah’s attitude and response to God, in light
of the difficulty of the task assigned to him, tell us? Are
we like Noah who will be committed to our task even if it
seems difficult? What is the most difficult task for you in
your area of work?
Placing all the facts we discussed into perspective, this
is the most likely scenario then: God had asked Noah to
build an extremely large ship in the midst of perverse
times. Since Noah and his family were the only ones
considered righteous in their generation, they were the
only ones tasked to build the ark. Given the size of the
 ark, this could not be kept secret from the community
who most likely mocked them as they worked on it. Yet
Noah did everything just as God commanded him. He
was indeed a righteous man who walked with God since
he did not waver in doing every detail of what God
wanted him to do.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• In your opinion, how would people describe you? Would
they describe you as committed or persevering? Why or
why not?
• In what situations do you feel like giving up? Work? Family?
Friends? Personal struggles? What enables you to hold on?
• What was the most difficult thing the Lord asked you to
do? How did you respond? Would your response reflect
commitment to the Lord and His commands? Why or why
not?
• What are some possible reasons that hinder people from
being committed to God? How can we deal with these
causes?
8. PATIENCE
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29 ESV
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow
to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 15:18 ESV
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32 ESV
INTRODUCTION
The word “patience” or “patient” appears forty-four times in
the New International Version of the Bible. It is a well-known
virtue but is oftentimes viewed as elusive or impossible to
achieve. The impatient man’s prayer is said to sound like this,
“Lord, grant me patience... NOW!” That may seem funny, but
most of us have said that prayer, if not with our mouths then
most likely with our hearts, at least once. Let us then learn
short, pithy but impactful sayings from the book of Proverbs
that will guide us in developing this desirable quality.
WARMUP
Ask each person in the group what he or she would feel in the
following situations:
1. Waiting at the end of the line to buy your food when you
are quite hungry
2. Having been told for the fifth time that the plumber is on
his way to your house to fix your leaking pipe
3. Re-reading a text message that said “I’m almost there!”
which was sent two hours ago
Read the quotation below:
“Patience is not the ability to wait,
but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”
Ask the participants, “What does the quotation say about your
attitude of patience?” Allow the participants to share their
thoughts.
WORD
Read Proverbs 19:11; 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 25:15 and discuss.
1. What is the relationship between wisdom and patience
(Proverbs 19:11)? Why does wisdom bring forth patience?
Wisdom grants the person insight and discernment to
do what is right in the best manner. This wisdom was
best displayed by Solomon (1 Kings 4:29). Wisdom
begets patience since the proper insight into a situation
allows that person the knowledge of the best option
needed for the given situation. And since the person is
wise, he would choose to follow the best option even if
this would entail sacrifice.
2. Does being patient always require overlooking an offense
(Proverbs 19:11b; cf. Matthew 6:15; 18:21-35)? Is it possible
to exercise patience and at the same time rebuke or correct
the mistake of others? Why or why not? What “glory” does
a patient man receive?
Overlooking an offense requires forgiving the person
for the offense—a command by God in Matthew 6:15.
Forgiveness is not an option but rather a direct order
which we should obey. Forgiveness, however, does not
imply condoning sin (e.g., John 8:7) since repentance
is required (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10) for forgiveness to be
fulfilled.
3. A patient man likewise possesses what virtue (Proverbs
14:29; 15:18)? Who is his opposite? Why do you think this
is so?
A patient man enjoys “great understanding” (Proverbs
14:29) and “calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18). On the
other hand, an impatient man is unwise or with “folly”
(Proverbs 14:29) and is “quick” or “hot” tempered. His
inability to rationalize (and understand the situation)
probably before speaking or acting often “stirs up
dissension” (Proverbs 15:18).
4. How valuable is patience? With whom is a patient man
compared to (Proverbs 16:32)? Are you one person who is
able to control your anger? What do you do when you’re
angry?
A patient man is “better” than a warrior. The ability to
control one’s temper is considered a better feat than
the ability to conquer a city.
5. How can a person use patience to persuade someone
(Proverbs 25:15)? Does a person always need to be patient
in persuading someone? Why or why not?
Patience allows a person the willingness to wait and
hope while waiting. Persuading someone to change
his mind, which will consequently lead to a change in
heart and action, would definitely entail a process over
a certain period of time. Thus, willingness to wait for the
completion of this process and hope that this process
will eventually be completed motivates the person who
experiences life transformation. So it is affirmative that
we need to be patient if we want to persuade someone
who would own that change in his or her life.
6. What does “a gentle tongue can break a bone” mean
(Proverbs 25:15)? What are the traits of a person with a
“gentle tongue”?
People with a gentle tongue are most often those who
release words that build up rather than tear down.
Even if they criticize, they do so in a constructive (not
destructive) manner that challenges and encourages
the person to seek ways to change. Thus the “gentle
tongue” breaks even bone or the hardest of hearts.
7. In summary, what virtues support the development of
patience?
A person with wisdom, great understanding, and
 a gentle tongue are qualities that reveal patience.
Moreover, the ability to control one’s temper and
forgive others aids in the development of patience.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• What or who do you believe is your greatest temptation
to becoming impatient? How often are you in these
situations? How do you usually respond?
• On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, rate yourself
on the following virtues or characteristics:
- Wisdom
- Great understanding
- Gentle tongue
- Control over one’s temper
- Easily forgives others
• What would enable you to score a 5 for each virtue?
• Memorize: Ecclesiastes 7:8 “The end of a matter is better
than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
Every time your patience is tested, keep this verse in mind,
reminding yourself that the outcome of the situation will
always determine if we have been faithful in following
Christ’s example of showing patience.
9. VALUES-DRIVEN
Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed,
rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Everyone is motivated by something. Whether we are aware
of it or not, we think, feel, and act based on a combination of
factors. Case in point is how you work. If your work is excellent,
most likely you believe your work should be executed in the
best manner and you love your work! You are driven by love
for excellence. On the other hand, if your work is mediocre or
distasteful, you most probably think that any kind of work will
do and, thus, you are indifferent with the outcome. In this case,
you may be driven by love for the easy life. You don’t want to
exert more effort so you need not be inconvenienced. So the
question for everyone is what drives you? Does this honor the
Lord? Does it bring out the best in you?
WARMUP
Write the following values on small pieces of paper. There
should be only one value on a piece of paper.

1. Kind 11. Disciplined

2. Generous 12. Loving
3. Patient 13. Wise
4. Optimistic 14. Faithful
5. Committed 15. Self-controlled
6. Reliable 16. Thoughtful
7. Trustworthy 17. Compassionate
8. Humble 18. Knowledgeable
9. Honest 19. Strong
10. God-fearing 20. Joy
Attach masking or double-sided tape at the back of each piece
of paper. Distribute the pieces of paper with values to each of
the participants. Ask them to read the values assigned to them
and to tape the value on the back of the person they believe
best possesses it. The goal is to post all values on someone
in the group. When all of the values have been posted on
the participants, allow the participants to share. Ask: How
do you feel about the values posted on your back? Do you
agree or disagree with them? Why or why not? (If no value was
posted on your back, ask: How do you feel that no one posted
any of the values on your back? Why do you think the other
participants feel this way towards you?)
WORD
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-26 and discuss.
1. The passage describes a “workman” that honors the Lord.
Let us set the context of who these workers are (2 Timothy
2:1-6). What were they asked to do? With who were they
compared to?
These people are the “reliable men” that Timothy
would entrust to pass on Paul’s teachings to him. As
teachers who influenced others, they would be leaders
in their community. Their diligence to do their task
should be like that of a “good soldier” whose primary
desire is to please his commanding officer, an “athlete”
who plays by the rules, or a “hardworking farmer” who
is sure to receive a portion of what he exerted effort for.
2. What are specific items that a leader should NOT do (2
Timothy 2:14)? What do these things result to? What
motivates a person to do these “ungodly” things?
Paul cites specific items that leaders of the Lord should
not do. In fact, before he mentions these guidelines, he
tells Timothy to “keep reminding them” which implies
the importance of the matter and the tendency to
forget about them. Top on the list is the warning against
“quarreling about words” which only “ruins those
who listen.” Related to the first guideline is to “avoid
godless chatter” which only results to becoming “more
and more ungodly.” A person can be driven by many
desires to become ungodly, but “the cravings of sinful
man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he
has and does” are desires of the world not God.
3. What are specific items that a leader SHOULD do? What do
these things result to? What motivates a person to do these
“godly” things?
Conversely, leaders should “present [themselves] to
God as one approved” who “does not need to be
ashamed” and who “correctly handles the word of
truth.”
4. What articles are leaders compared to? What are the
purposes of their articles? How does a leader become fully
useful for the Lord’s service?
Leaders are compared to articles of gold, silver, wood,
and clay with different purposes—some “noble”
and some “ignoble.” This indicates the diversity of
backgrounds, personalities, talents, and skills of people.
However, if a person cleanses himself/herself from
dishonorable purposes “he will be an instrument for
noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and
prepared to do any good work.”
5. What are ignoble or shameful purposes that a leader
should flee from? Where do these dishonorable purposes
come from?
Dishonorable desires stem from an “evil” heart. People
who are motivated or driven with these desires figure
in “foolish and stupid arguments” that only result in
quarrels with others.
6. What are noble or godly purposes that a leader should
embrace? Where do these honorable purposes come from?
How does embracing the values of a pure heart bring out
the best in a person as well as honor God?
In contrast to ignoble purposes, honorable desires
stem from a “pure” heart. A leader with a pure heart
pursues “righteousness, faith, love and peace” with
other leaders of the same motive and drive. They are
 “kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful”. If
anyone opposes him, he must “gently instruct” with
an optimistic perspective that “God will grant them
repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
This means that leaders who serve with a pure heart see
the best in other people, even those who oppose them
since they have hope in God that these people “will
come to their senses and escape from the trap of the
devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Divide a ½ bond paper into two. Draw a heart on each half
of the paper. Shade the inside area of one of the hearts.
That will represent your evil heart and the other one will
represent your pure heart. Under the shaded heart, list
personal characteristics, desires, longings that have caused
your heart to at times be evil. Example, you could list pride,
greed.
• Under your pure heart, list five (5) values that would enable
you to keep your heart close to God. These are values you
commit to adhere to in every situation and for the rest of
your life. For each of the value, complete this statement: “I
treasure (value). I am showing (value) when…” Example: I
treasure love. I am showing love when I put others before
myself.
• Keep your paper with two hearts inside your Bible or
journal to remind you of your commitment to the Lord to
reveal a values-driven life.
10. OPTIMISM
And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my
servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a
blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns
away from evil?”
Job 1:8 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Optimism is defined as “a general disposition to expect the
best in all things.” This is easily accomplished if you are in the
best of health, your family members are well and together,
work is productive, friends are extremely supportive, and you
can’t remember the last time you worried about anything. But
optimism blooms best in a field of loss, abandonment, sickness,
ridicule, and even death. It would then be wise to learn this value
from the life of Job who, even in the most trying times of his life,
experienced optimism or hope.
WARMUP
Participants must come up with an optimistic remark for each of
the situations below. For example:
• Situation: You failed a major subject in school.
• Optimistic remark: God wants me to exercise more discipline
in studying and He wants me to fully understand this specific
topic.
Here are the situations:
• You are experiencing a financial crisis due to health
emergencies.
• You can’t seem to get along with a family member.
• You are dealing with work-related stress or issues.
WORD
Read Job 1:2-10, 42:12-17 and discuss.
1. Who is Job (Job 1:1-3)?
Describe his character, family, and wealth.
Job lived in Uz, a part of Arabia. He is described as
“blameless” (sincere in his intentions and diligent to
 perform all his duties to God and men), “upright” (exact in
all his dealings with men), “feared God” (devoted to the
Lord) and “shunned evil” (carefully avoided all sin against
God or men). Given his character, he would most likely be
a well-respected man in the community. He was the father
of seven sons and three daughters. He was also a wealthy
man with vast possessions which included 7,000 sheep,
3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 donkeys as
well as a “large number of servants”. Given his character,
reputation and wealth, Job was considered the “greatest
man among all the people of the East.”
2. What happened to Job (Job 1:6-19)? What was his first test?
What happened to his family and wealth? Why was this the
focus of his testing?
Job went through two of the most excruciating tests any
human being could possibly encounter. His trials were a
result of tests between the Lord and Satan. His first test
came after the angels and Satan presented themselves
to the Lord. The Lord then mentioned Job as having no
equal (“there is no one on earth like him”) because of
his being “blameless and upright, a man who fears God
and shuns evil.” Satan then challenged God to “strike
everything [Job] has and he will surely curse you to your
face.” For Satan, Job’s character was hinged on the
blessings from the Lord. He believed that if God took
away these blessings such as his wealth, servants, and
family, Job would no longer be a man of integrity.
God then allowed Satan to do anything he wanted to do
with Job, but to ensure his life was spared.
3. What was Job’s second test (Job 2:1-10)? Why was this the
focus of his testing?
Job’s second test and in spite of Job’s loss of possessions
and death of his children “he still maintains his integrity.”
Satan then challenged God to “strike his flesh and bones
and he will surely curse you to his face.” Satan assumed
that “a man will give all he has for his own life.” Once
again, the Lord allowed Satan to do whatever he pleased
as long as Job’s life would be spared. Thus with the Lord’s
permission, Satan afflicted Job with “painful sores from
the soles of his feet to the top of his head.”
4. How did Job respond to these tests (Job 1:20-22, 2:10)?
Given the loss of his family and wealth, did his character
remain the same?
Upon hearing about the death of his children, Job “got
up and tore his robe and shaved his head.” What he did
next speaks of the character of this man. He then “fell to
the ground in worship.” Worship? God is right. Truly one
who is “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and
shuns evil” can do what Job did. Job then exclaimed “The
Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of
the Lord be praised.” How did Job’s story end (Job 42:10-
17)? Are these results certain of everyone who remains to
put their hope in the Lord?
After Job passed his ordeal, “the Lord made him
prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had
before.” The community around him “comforted and
consoled” him by dining with him and bringing “a piece of
silver and a gold ring.” At the latter part of Job’s life, God
blessed him even more. He now had 14,000 sheep, 6,000
camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 donkeys. He was
also blessed with another seven sons and three daughters,
whose beauty was incomparable in “all the land.” Job also
granted his daughters inheritance just like their brothers, a
practice that was unheard of in Jewish traditions. Job then
lived for 140 years and was able to see his children and
grandchildren to the fourth generation. He died at a ripe
age and “full of years.”
5. What comforting truths can we derive from Job’s tests and
suffering that would help us become optimistic? These truths
can be gleaned not by looking at the intensity in the midst
of these tests but by taking into consideration the “author,”
of these tests.
erienced were unimaginable. The pain
unbearable. But God knew Job. He
r. He would not have singled him out to
f He wasn’t certain of Job’s character. In
d knows us. He has plans that prosper
re (cf. Jer. 29:11). He prays for us that
ain strong in Him (cf. Luke 22:31). And
that He would not allow us to go through
eyond what we can bear.
ON
e Job? Why?
to the situation? What, who, or where
hope on? What helped in providing you
your situation? Conversely, what did
ese ways help or not help you become
rite on a piece of paper this promise
u can readily claim to give you hope
the LORD will renew their strength.
gs like eagles; they will run and not grow
and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
11. RELIABLE
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
INTRODUCTION
A reliable person shows consistency in character, quality, and
performance. Thus a doctor is reliable in diagnosing and
curing diseases. A farmer is reliable in causing plants to grow
and bear fruit. A teacher is reliable in molding minds and
transforming lives. A businessman is reliable in creating profit.
Everyone is reliable for doing something. The question though
is if we are reliable to create value and do good or have we
been consistent in destroying and tearing down? Let us learn
valuable lessons on consistency from two men—one who was
rejected by God and the other who was approved by Him.
WARMUP
Share this short story with the group.
A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.
The father was kind of scared so he asked his little
daughter, “Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that
you don’t fall into the river.”
The little girl said, “No, Dad. You hold my hand.”
“What’s the difference?” Asked the puzzled father.
“There’s a big difference,” replied the little girl. “If I
hold your hand and something happens to me, chances
are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my
hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you
will never let my hand go.”
Share with the group. Why did the little girl choose to rely on
her father than on herself? What are qualities that make people
reliable?
WORD
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-11 and 30:1-31 and discuss.
1. What was the situation in Israel at this time (1 Samuel 15:1-
3)? Who did the Lord want destroyed and why?
Israel was now under the governance of their first
king, Saul, the tall, impressive Benjamite. The Lord
commanded King Saul to “totally destroy everything
that belongs to them.” No one and nothing should be
spared as he was commanded to “put to death men
and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep,
camels and donkeys.”
2. How did King Saul carry out the commands of the Lord
concerning the Amalekites (1Samuel 15:4-9)? Would you
describe King Saul as reliable (cf. 1 Samuel 13)? Why or
why not?
God’s commands for King Saul were clear—“totally
destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare
them” (1 Samuel 15:3). However, King Saul chose not
to obey God. Thus he did not prove himself reliable
to execute what God wanted. This is not the first time
Saul disobeyed God when he took upon himself the
role of the prophet Samuel, which led to the downfall
of his kingdom. This shows the consistency of Saul’s
disobedience to God.
3. How did the Lord and Samuel feel towards King Saul’s
disobedience (1 Samuel 15:10-11)?
The Lord said to Samuel, “I am grieved that I have
made Saul king, because he has turned away from me
and has not carried out my instructions” (1 Samuel
15:11a). Upon hearing this, Samuel was “troubled, and
he cried out to the LORD all that night.”
4. How did King David respond to the situation (1 Samuel
30:6b-20)? Would you describe King David as reliable (cf. 1
Samuel 23)? Why or why not?
Given that King David was “distressed” (1 Samuel
30:6b) and his men were contemplating killing him, it
is inspiring to know that “David found strength in the
LORD his God.” David then called Abiathar the priest,
the son of Ahimelech to bring the ephod, a sacred
vestment originally designed for the high priest (cf.
Exodus 28:4, 39:2) so he could inquire of the Lord if
they should pursue the Amalekites or not. When God
confirmed that David and his men would succeed in
their pursuit and attack of the Amalekites, David and
600 soldiers went in pursuit.
God commanded King David to pursue the Amalekites.
In spite of their grief and exhaustion, David and 400
men pushed through and indeed were successful. This
is not the first time that David obeyed the Lord; David
also obeyed the Lord when he attacked the Philistines
and was commanded to save only the people of Keilah.
This shows the consistency of David’s obedience to
God.
5. Aside from being consistent in obeying God’s commands,
King David also consistently displayed other honorable
traits (1 Samuel 30:21-31). How are these traits evident in
the way he dealt with his success over the Amalekites?
When King David and the 400 men, along with all the
plunder they recovered from the Amalekites, returned
to Besor Ravine where they left the 200 men who
were too exhausted to continue, the “evil men and
troublemakers among David’s followers” suggested that
these 200 men only take home their wives and children
but not share in the plunder. However, David rebuked
the troublemakers by reminding them that it was the
Lord who protected them and “handed over to us the
forces that came against us.” Thus, the men who fought
at battle “all share alike” with the men who stayed
with the supplies. In fact King David made this rule
a “statute and ordinance” for Israel. These character
traits of generosity, compassion, and selflessness
reveal a leader who relies and acknowledges the Lord
for his success. He feels no need to hoard as he has
 experienced the abundant blessings of the Lord in light
of his obedience to His commands.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Who are people in your life who you are 100% sure you can
rely on? What qualities make them reliable?
• How can you become reliable to others as well? How can
you become reliable to God?
• How can you avoid becoming like King Saul? How can you
imitate the example of King David?
12. TRUSTWORTHY
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful
servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will
put you in charge of many things. Come and share
your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25:21
INTRODUCTION
Can you name someone with whom you shared almost
everything about you—even your deepest darkest secrets?
Have you ever been tasked to handle a major responsibility
at work? Can you safekeep a considerable amount of cash
knowing that the owner will not ask you to account for it after?
Saying “yes” to any of the questions above requires trust. And
giving trust to, or gaining trust from, someone is one of the
hardest—yet most rewarding—experiences any person could
have. Take a journey with a rich man and his manager and
discover how you could develop the qualities of honesty and
trust for your master to likewise commend you at the end of
your life.
WARMUP
Ask each participant to share their birth month and date (e.g.,
January 15). The person with the closest birthday will become
“It.” The rest of the group will be divided into two groups.
One group will be It’s teammates. The other group will be It’s
distracters. The It person will be blindfolded and led to one
side of the room. On the opposite side, place any object (e.g.,
book, coin, etc.) that will serve as It’s goal.
Disarrange the chairs and tables to serve as a challenge
course for It. The objective is for It to cross the room to get
the object. It’s teammates will serve as voice guides providing
directions for It to enable him/her to get the goal. On the
other hand, It’s distracters live up to their name by distracting
It from the goal using only their voices. Both teams can not
touch It. They can only use their mouths.
After the object has been retrieved by It, share in the group.
Ask It, “What enabled you to reach the goal? How did you
know whom to trust?” Ask It’s teammates, “What did you need
to do to ensure It trusted you and not the distractors?” Ask the
distractors, “What was your strategy to persuade It to follow
you? How does it feel to be not worthy of trust or to purposely
mislead someone?”
WORD
Read Luke 16:1-15 and discuss.
1. Describe the manager of the rich man (Luke 16:1). Why was
the rich man upset with this manager and what did he do
with him (Luke 16:1-2)? Who are modern day managers?
As God’s managers over His possessions on earth, are we
liable to the same charge? Why or why not?
Wealthy people often employ a steward or officer to
manage their estate and resources. This particular
manager in Luke 16, however, was accused of “wasting”
(Luke 16:1) his master’s possessions. This could
mean that he embezzled or made unwise, careless,
or ignorant decisions that resulted in loss and/or
damage of his master’s possessions. The report of this
manager’s unfaithfulness prompted the rich man to
demand an accounting of his resources. Since he now
doubted the honesty of his manager, he removed him
from his position.
Modern day managers of wealthy people could be
financial planners who oversee their resources for the
purpose of creating more wealth.
2. How did the manager respond to his master’s charge (Luke
16:3-7)? Why was he later on considered as “shrewd” or
being cunning and having sharp powers of judgment (Luke
16:8a)?
The manager realized that he needed to come up
with a survival plan since his master took away his job.
Considering his physical limitations to perform manual
labor and his wounded pride if he begged for food, he
devised a plan that would make him favorable in the
eyes of other people. He made friends with the people
who might welcome him into their houses or hire him in
the future. He accomplished this by reducing the debt
of his master’s debtors gaining him the favor of these
people.
He is described as shrewd since he was able to craft
a plan to ensure future work and save face. Moreover,
he was even able to strengthen his relationship with
his master’s debtors or future masters. What the
manager did was not the right thing to do. He was
not commended for his act of reducing debt but for
planning ahead and using wealth to secure his future.
This is a good lesson from a bad example.
3. How is trustworthiness related to the parable? What did the
author mean by “Whoever can be trusted with very little
can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest
with very little will also be dishonest with much”?
The issue of the shrewd manager was his honesty with
his master’s wealth. Christ made a second lesson from
the parable. He told His disciples that if they did not
imitate the manager—if they would do the opposite
and be trustworthy with the use of their money—then
they would be trusted with greater things or “true
riches” (Luke 16:11). These true riches are not explicitly
described. They can refer to riches on earth and/or
spiritual riches that the followers of Christ will share in
heaven.
4. Can a trustworthy person serve two masters (Luke 16:13-15
cf. 1 Timothy 6:10)? Why or why not? Who or what should
he/she serve?
The last application made from the parable was that His
followers should choose to serve only one master: God.
Serving two masters divides the heart. A trustworthy
 follower of the Lord cannot serve “both God and
Money.” Love for money, not money by itself, will divert
the person’s heart away from God and love for God
will cause one to make money his/her primary goal in
life. That is why God responded that “God knows your
hearts” and is not impressed with outward appearance,
possessions, or wealth. What man values and holds
dearly in this world is “detestable in God’s sight.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Consider your various areas of influence such as your home,
workplace, school, church or community. What or who did
God entrust you to manage in these areas?
• What do you believe is the main reason why God entrusted
you with these assets? What purpose should these gifts
attain?
• How does your life—your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and
treasures—display that God, not money, is your Master?
 TIMELESS WISDOM
FOR LIFE
(From the Book of Proverbs)
1. THE PURPOSE OF PROVERBS
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words
of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in
righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to
the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the
one who understands obtain guidance, to understand
a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and
their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1-7 ESV
WARMUP
The word “proverb” in Filipino is “salawikain.” Are there some
proverbs that you have learned from your parents that you still
believe in today? (Example: “Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.”)
WORD
ASK: Reading Proverbs 1:1-7, what do you think are the
purposes of the book of Proverbs?
Every waking moment of our lives, we operate from one of
two viewpoints: human or divine. Sometimes we refer to these
as the horizontal perspective and the vertical perspective.
Humanity remains willfully and stubbornly limited to the
horizontal. We jealously guard our autonomy from God: we
much prefer to think, maintain our attitudes, and conduct our
lives independent of our God. Consequently, human opinions
influence us more than God’s commands and principles.
The opening words of the first section establish the purpose
for the entire book in very clear terms: “to know wisdom and
instruction” (Proverbs 1:2). In the author’s mind, to “know
wisdom” is to put instruction into actual practice. Failing to do
what we know to do is the definition of foolishness.
1. TO INSPIRE REVERENCE AND OBEDIENCE IN THE
READER’S HEART
The chief aim of the book of Proverbs is to bring divine truth
into proper focus, enabling us to look at life through God’s
eyes—from His eternal, all-knowing point of view—and then
live accordingly.
Proverbs teaches us how to gain wisdom from God’s reproofs
so that we will obey.
2. TO TEACH DISCERNMENT
“To discern the sayings of understanding” (1:2). Discern
is a crucial term. It means “to separate; to make distinct.”
Discernment is the ability to look at a situation and clearly see
all its moving parts. A discerning mind has the ability to think
critically, to distinguish truth from error, and to anticipate the
likely consequences of any given choice.
3. TO DEVELOP AWARENESS IN ONE’S WALK
“To receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice
and equity” (1:3). The original term translated as receive
carries with it the idea of mobility, taking something along with
you, or hauling something. In this case, the student of God’s
sayings gains “instruction in wise behavior.” The proverbs
make us alert for the journey of life. Proverbs help us remain
attentive to our surroundings and aware of potential dangers.
4. TO ESTABLISH DISCRETION AND PURPOSE IN ONE’S LIFE
“To give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and
discretion” (1:4). The Hebrew concept of wisdom doesn’t put
ignorance and foolishness in the same category. The term
rendered naive means, literally, “simple.” Those who have
not experienced much of life or have not yet benefited from
education are like workers without tools or warriors without
weapons. The sages offered this intellectual and spiritual
equipment to the simple, to those who are naive and young.
5. TO DEVELOP KEENNESS OF MIND
“To understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise
and their riddles” (1:6). These sayings will help us think keenly:
divine wisdom will give our minds a razor-sharp edge. Keep
in mind such blades require the application of friction if they
are to stay sharp. This process of honing causes sparks and is
rarely pleasant. Like that hard stone, the proverbs prepare our
minds to slice through layers of falsehood to the core of truth
in any matter. Divine wisdom gives us the ability to understand
more of life’s riddles. Before long, the grind of a merely
human viewpoint will slowly be replaced by wisdom of God’s
perspective.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
In your job, how can a lack of wisdom impact your decisions?
Where will you look in order to gain wisdom?
2. WHY WORRY?
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart
keep my commandments, for length of days and
years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not
steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them
around your neck; write them on the tablet of your
heart. So you will find favor and good success in the
sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your
heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

WARMUP
John Maxwell said that “Trust is the foundation of
relationships.” How important is trusting others in your line of
work? How important is trust in your team? How important is it
that your spouse trusts you in your work as a police officer?

WORD
Worry is one of our more acceptable character faults, right
alongside gluttony and perfectionism. After all, everybody
worries, and no one quite knows how to stop. Furthermore,
the primary victim of worry is the worrier, so it seems harmless
enough. But worry is serious business. It not only causes a
number of significant physical ailments, but worry can also
trigger serious emotional problems, such as depression,
anxiety, and even compulsive disorders.

1. TRUST IN THE LORD

Trust is a dramatically descriptive term which means, literally,
“to throw oneself down upon his or her face,” a posture that
conveys complete dependence and submission. Trust refers
to mentally and emotionally throwing oneself face down on
the ground—casting all hopes for the present and the future
upon another, finding provision and security there. We are
commanded by our Lord to cast ourselves completely, fully,
absolutely on Him—and on Him alone!
2. LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING
To “not lean on your own understanding” means that you will
not give first priority to your own limited perspective. Lean,
of course, figuratively means “to depend upon something.”
The message is “Feel completely confident in God and do not
depend upon your own intelligence, insight, or skill to keep
you from falling.”
3. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL YOUR WAYS
Acknowledge means “to know.” This kind of knowledge
is personal and experiential. God wants us to know Him
intimately. Rather than leaning on the human crutches of
our own insights or skills, we are exhorted to know God’s
mind—His character, His values, His attributes, His plan. God
encourages us to know His mind in all those decisions and
circumstances. Acknowledge Him always in all the decisions
that you need to make daily.
4. HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT
The fourth verb—make straight—is part of a simple declaration
of God’s promise, His part of the covenant. As we trust Him
instead of our own perspectives and opinions, He promises
to “make [our] paths straight.” It is illustrated by building a
highway. They cleared obstacles, filled in gaps, leveled hills,
and cut straight pathways into the sides of mountains. This
means that we need to learn about God’s character, discover
His plans for you and the world, be amazed by His love and
concern for you in each one of your circumstances. Then He—
having been granted full control of your life—will smooth out
and make straight your paths, removing obstacles along the
way.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Think of 3 problems or situations that you always face. How
can a deeper understanding of God—His character, values,
and promises—help you feel confidently “unconcerned” about
your problems?
3. THE UNGUARDED HEART
My son, be attentive to my words; Incline your ear
to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight;
Keep them within your heart. For they are life to
those who find them, And healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, For from it flow the
springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech,
And put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look
directly forward, And your gaze be straight before
you. Ponder the path of your feet; Then all your ways
will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
Turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:20-27 NASB
WARMUP
What advice were given to you when you were still learning to
drive?
WORD
The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. The Bible
describes the heart not just a physical organ but a seat of our
consciousness, core of our decision making, center of our
emotions, our mind, and of our will.
1. WHAT WE MUST DO
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the
springs of life. (4:23) Closely watch and protect (like a city or
a bank vault) your inner self—your mind, your emotions, your
character, your discernment—like a sentry at the gate watches
over a city from his watchtower.
2. WHY MUST WE DO IT
The inner self is the source of the life we construct as we
respond to crises, make decisions, interact with people, and—
most importantly—behave wisely. We must keep out anything
that would endanger the stronghold of our heart and instead
swing the gate wide open for knowledge of God— knowledge
of His character, His values, His attributes, and His will.
According to Solomon, we have no greater duty than to keep
our heart in a perpetual state of readiness, receptivity, purity,
and sensitivity.
3. HOW CAN WE DO IT
As we make God’s word as our guide, we will know the mind of
God more deeply and consistently, and our wisdom will reflect
how close we are to God. Assuming we will possess reasonable
wisdom, Solomon told us how we can guard the fortress of
our inner self. He offered three practical instructions using the
word picture of a traveler making his or her way through the
world.
• Ignore false directions (v. 24).
• Focus on your destination (v. 25).
• Stay on the path (vv. 26–27).
We guard the fortress of our heart by knowing our destination
and keeping our focus on knowing and doing what God wants
us to do. We have a destination and God has a purpose for our
lives.
Therefore it is key to guard your heart by knowing God
personally and experientially; by discerning His revealed will;
by shutting out all that distracts you from that calling; and by
steadfastly walking the path He has ordained. Protect your
mind and don’t settle for anything less than God’s best.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
We have heard the words - “Garbage in, garbage out.” What
kind of input does your brain receive throughout a typical
week? What are the sources of these influences? Do those
voices affirm or undermine your godly convictions?
4. OUR TROUBLED HEART
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but counselors of peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:20 ESV
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a
good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 12:25 NASB
Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And
the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in
heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good
man will be satisfied with his.
Proverbs 14:13-14 NASB
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination
to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be
unpunished.
Proverbs 12:25 NASB
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant
words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and
healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:23-24
WARMUP
Who is the person you go to when you need advice or
wisdom?
WORD
A troubled heart lacks peace and struggles to find assurance.
One remedy for a troubled heart is a friend who can offer
wise counsel. Solomon understood the value of community
when the trials of life begin to take their emotional toll. When
we start feeling sorry for ourselves, ungodly solutions to our
problems appear more attractive. We must seek out advisers
who think and speak in concert with the mind of God. These
people of God offer hope and encourage godly responses to
life’s struggles. Eventually, if we heed their counsel, joy will
displace our anxiety and depression.
There are 6 kinds of hearts in trouble:
1. THE DECEITFUL HEART
People pursue wrongdoing and cover their tracks by deceiving
themselves and others.
2. THE HEAVY HEART
Sometimes difficulties consume a person’s every thought and
sap all his or her emotional strength.
words to encourage and edify the hurting people around us.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Look around you. Become aware of the circle of friends and
acquaintances that is larger than your own personal world. Be
sensitive. Discern turmoil in others, even in your friends. Who
will be this friend?
Listen. Instead of launching a barrage of verbal missiles,
ask questions, seek information, and listen. Patiently and
graciously hear others. When our words are few, they become
more valuable. How can you practice this in your community
where you are assigned?

3. THE SORROWFUL HEART

People in the grip of deep emotional pain, grieving a loss, or
enduring grim circumstances, need all their strength just to get
through the day.

4. THE BACKSLIDING HEART

People can either turn towards God and submit to His will or
we turn away from God and seek our own agenda; but we in
the end, we will reap the consequences of our actions.

5. THE PROUD HEART

People who are proud are haughty, exalts oneself, and
becomes a moral failure.

6. THE ANGRY HEART

Some people remain perpetually angry and depressed because
their own foolishness keeps them in a storm of perpetual
trouble.

Just as important as coming alongside others who are hurting

is your seeking feedback from trusted advisers. Ask them to
watch and listen and then offer helpful feedback. Tell them you
sincerely want help identifying your own blind spots. God is
pleased when we allow Him to control what we say and use our
5. THE UNCONTROLLED TONGUE
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes,
seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty
eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19 NASB
WARMUP
Can you remember an encouraging word someone gave you?
Can you describe the situation? How did it make you feel?
WORD
The root problem is not the mouth, but the heart—the person
deep within us. Jesus taught, “The good man out of the good
treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil
man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his
mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45).
THERE ARE FIVE UNHEALTHY WAYS THAT WE USE OUR
TONGUE:
1. FLATTERY
Flattery is insincere compliment spoken with deceitful motives.
It is excessive praise verbalized in hopes of gaining favor in
the eyes of another. The difference between affirmation and
flattery is motive. If we hope to say something to another that
will ultimately benefit ourselves, it is flattery.
2. GOSSIP AND SLANDER
Gossip is talking about people that divide them into camps.
When you receive information that could defame or harm
another, consider these questions and responses: Does this
information involve you or affect you directly? If not, let the
chain of gossip end with you. If so, discuss the matter only with
the people directly involved.
3. ARGUMENTS, ANGRY WORDS
Intelligent thinking and unguarded, open conversation
must leave room for everyone to express themselves freely
and without fear. Naturally, this will lead to the occasional
difference of opinion.
Arguments and striving, however, have to do with negative
attitudes such as stubbornness and rigidity.
4. BOASTING
Boasting most often occurs when we speak too highly of
ourselves or our own accomplishments, but it’s actually
possible to boast without speaking a single word. Boasting
is really a symptom of a deeper problem known as pride, a
condition of the heart that craves attention and loves to take
center stage.
5. VERBOSITY (TALKING TOO MUCH)
Verbosity is the habit of talking too much while saying too
little. People who are verbose usually feel compelled to
comment on anything and everything. They interrupt without
hesitation. They speak first and think later. And for all their
talking, they remain hard of hearing.
HOW CAN OUR TONGUE BENEFIT OTHERS
1. WISE COUNSEL AND SOUND ADVICE
We must use our tongue to give wisdom and good advice to
those that are hurting or discouraged.
2. REPROOF, REBUKE, SPIRITUAL EXHORTATION
Reproof means when someone wisely yet firmly rebuked your
behavior, your thinking, or your attitude, and you became a
better person as a result.
• The one who does the rebuking should be someone who
loves the person he or she rebukes.
• A bruise tends to linger long after the wounding; it is not
 soon forgotten. Friendship should allow freedom to offer 6. DISCONTENT
constructive criticism.
• Not all compliments are offered with the right motive. Better is a dish of vegetables where love is
Than a fattened ox served with hatred.
3. WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Proverbs 15:17 NASB
By “encouragement” I mean sincere expressions of affirmation
and gratitude given honestly to another individual—in public Better is a little with righteousness
whenever appropriate, in private if that is wiser. We so seldom Than great income with injustice.
do this, yet it is one of the signs of a mature, godly individual. Proverbs 16:8 NASB

Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a

4. A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR
house full of feasting with strife.
A good sense of humor does not mean senseless, foolish or Proverbs 17:1
distasteful talk.
WARMUP
PRACTICAL APPLICATION Finish the sentence: If only...
Speak an encouraging word to members of your squad.
WORD
Discontentment is one of those daily grinds that forces others
to listen to our woes. Discontented souls soon become lonely,
isolated souls. Discontentment results in self-pity, one of the
most repulsive attitudes.
ASK: If you are invited for a meal, are you distracted by the
food or the surroundings rather than looking at the effort given
by the one who invited you?

1. LOVE AND HARMONY

The proverb describes a peaceful, harmonious household
where people are free to be themselves without fear of
criticism or rejection. There is a sense of ease among the
people because strife— disputes, quarrels, and hostility—is
not to be found or felt. What is the use of having a grand meal
when there is no love and harmony among those who are
eating together?

2. HONESTY
What can we get from cheating? How can we enjoy what
we have if we gained it through cheating? The writer of the
proverb declared that his honest gain, meager though it might
be, gave him greater satisfaction than ill-gotten riches ever
could. Who cares if your bank account is big and your net
worth is the envy of everyone if you cheated to win? That will
not make you more successful, more intelligent, more diligent,
or more anything worthy of respect. Moreover, you must then
deal with your conscience.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we
brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take
anything out of the world. But if we have food and
clothing, with these we will be content. But those who
desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare,
into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge
people into ruin and destruction. For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this
craving that some have wandered away from the faith
and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy
6:6-10 ESV)
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them
not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the
uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides
us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to
be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to
share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a
good foundation for the future, so that they may take
hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19
ESV)
Paul cultivated a contented spirit in three specific ways.
• First, he actively looked for God’s working in every
circumstance (Philippians 1:12–14).
• Second, he thanked God for what he had rather than
complaining about what he lacked (Philippians 1:3, 7; 4:11-
12).
• Third, he treasured relationships above material provisions
(Philippians 4:17).
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What are the 5 things that you need to be grateful for?
7. WHAT ABOUT PROCRASTINATION?
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and
be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer and gathers
her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O
sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A
little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you
like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Proverbs 15:17 ESV
WARMUP
Currently, what is the most difficult challenge you face or the
most important responsibility you carry?
WORD
The procrastinator usually has logical reasons, valid excuses,
and plausible reason for inaction. Webster’s straightforward
definition, however, helps us push excuses aside and focuses
us on the core problem: The procrastinator does not do what
should be done. A procrastinator says, “Later,” while thinking,
“Never.” Procrastination is self-delusional.
We need to confront our reasons for procrastinating. As human
beings we have the ability to plan. Orderly thinking is an ability
only given to humans. We have the ability to set priorities and
make plans in line with those, but we cannot make our actions
match our words without God’s help. That’s why Solomon
acknowledged that our actions, words, and priorities might not
align. We mollify our agitated consciences with promises to do
what we say is important, but God knows our heart motives. In
fact, He knows us far better than we know ourselves.
1. SLUGGARD
Why do we procrastinate?
• We may have set goals that are unwise or unrealistic.
• We may have been tempted to do something that is not
 God’s will.
• We may not truly believe that our plans are worth
pursuing despite the advice of many.
2. DILIGENCE
• Ants work for the survival of the colony—a compelling
motivation.
• Ants know what to do; they don’t need a
superintendent prodding them.
• Ants get the essentials done first so they can relax later.
• Ants work without fanfare or applause.
The reward for being diligent is hope. When you hope, you
bring a small piece of future enjoyment into today. When you
hope, you imagine the satisfaction you will feel when your
diligence begins to pay off.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What long, difficult, unpleasant task must you complete? List
the benefits of completing this assignment on time and with
excellence, accompanied by a positive attitude.
8. IS LAZINESS A SIN?
The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.
Proverbs 12:24 NASB
A lazy man does not roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a man is diligence.
Proverbs 12:27 NASB
The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns,
But the path of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs 15:19 NASB
Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:15 NASB
WARMUP
What work do you find most fulfilling? How does God use your
current occupation to develop you as a person?
WORD
Work is a gift from God. He gave humanity the honor of
becoming His vice-regents over the earth. The fall of humanity,
however, transformed work into toil. Throughout the Bible we
are encouraged to be people of diligence, committed to the
tasks in life that we need to accomplish. Some, however, do
not consider this a privilege, but a burden. For those folks, the
daily grind of laziness is an undeniable reality. For this entire
week, we’ll take a close-up look at this practical plague.
Among the terms the writer of the proverb used for the lazy,
sluggard appears to be his favorite. When I trace my way
through the Proverbs, I find six characteristics of the sluggard:
• The sluggard has trouble getting started. He is all talk
but he never really starts anything.
• The sluggard is restless; he may have desires but he has
 trouble implementing them.
• The sluggard takes a costly toll on others. If he doesn’t
do his work well, all other workers are affected.
• The sluggard is usually defensive. When confronted, he
always defends himself and finds many reasons.
• The sluggard is a quitter. His solution to the problem is
to quit or escape.
• The sluggard lives by excuses. He has all the excuses
and blames others instead of taking responsibility over
the problem.
What then should be our attitude towards work?
1. Show discipline and determination.
2. Demonstrate an alert awareness.
3. Create value to your organization.
4. Be a reservoir of plans and ideas.
5. Feast with satisfaction with your work.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Which of your responsibilities, when done well and on time,
makes life better for the greatest number of people?
9. IS IT OKAY TO TAKE REVENGE?
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he
stumbles;
Or the Lord will see it and [a]be displeased,
And turn His anger away from him.
Do not fret because of evildoers
Or be envious of the wicked;
For there will be no future for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Proverbs 24:17-20 NASB
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For
you will heap burning coals on his head, and the
Lord will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21-22
WARMUP
Make a list of some people who have harmed you in some way
and who, in the quietness of your heart, you wish would suffer
misfortune as payment for their sins against you. Keep this list
private.
WORD
Sir Francis Bacon had the right idea when he wrote, “Revenge
is a kind of wild justice; which the more man’s nature runs
to, the more ought to law to weed it out. Certainly, in taking
revenge a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing
over it, he is superior, for it is a prince’s part to pardon.” If
you have spent much time around someone who is eaten up
with the desire for revenge, someone nursing an attitude of
resentment, you know how tragic a thing it is. These people
are walking containers of poison. That’s because resentment
never resolves itself; resentment corrodes anything it touches,
breaks containment, and eventually kills its host. And to make
things worse, innocent bystanders become victims of collateral
damage when the pressure builds beyond control and 4. EMBRACE GRACE
suddenly explodes. The apostle Paul’s statement—“Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). God will
1. LEAVE JUSTICE TO GOD overcome the world’s evil with His good. In following the
God calls us to entrust Him with all matters requiring justice command of Christ to “bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14;
and to surrender our right to obtain it ourselves. God gives Matthew 5:44) and by returning good for evil, we become like
us His solemn assurance that He will handle justice on our God, as we become active participants in His work. And if,
behalf and fulfill His role as Judge with absolute integrity. This however, we refuse to join God in His work, if we reject His call
promise frees us to leave past hurts in the past and to focus on to extend grace to our enemies as He does, the daily grind of
making good decisions for the sake of creating a good future. revenge will continue to siphon our peace, drain our joy, and
undermine our love until we do.
2. LEAVE MERCY TO GOD
Just like justice, we also leave giving mercy to God. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Forgiveness is not forgetting. People who try to forget find Write a letter to a person that you need to forgive. If the
that they cannot. God says He will “remember no more” our person is still alive, you can send the letter to the person. If the
sins (Hebrews 10:17), but God, being omniscient, cannot person is no longer in this earth, then bring the letter to the
forget. “Remember no more” means that God will never use graveyard. (Anything you can do as a gesture of forgiveness.)
the past against us (Psalm 103:12). Forgetting may be a result
of forgiveness, but it is never the means of forgiveness. When
we bring up the past against others, we haven’t forgiven them.
Forgiveness is a choice, a crisis of the will. Since God requires
us to forgive, it is something we can do. (He would never
require us to do something we cannot do.) Forgiveness is
agreeing to live with the consequences of another person’s sin.
Forgiveness is costly; we pay the price of the evil we forgive.
Yet you’re going to live with those consequences whether you
want to or not; your only choice is whether you will do so in
the bitterness of unforgiveness or the freedom of forgiveness.
(Forgiveness Is A Condition For Our Own Freedom, Neil
Anderson)

3. SHOW KINDNESS TO YOUR ENEMY

Grace is simply kindness extended to another person
regardless of merit—or the lack of it. Grace is showing
kindness without first considering whether that person
deserves it.
10. ARE YOU ENVIOUS? • Third, he reassessed his values: intimacy with God is the
greatest treasure of all.
Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways. For the The cure to envy is to worship God and be contented with
devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He what God gives us. A mark of maturity is the ability to
is intimate with the upright. appreciate another more gifted than we, to applaud another
Proverbs 3:31-32 NASB more honored than we, to enjoy another more blessed than
we.
For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
He will not accept any ransom, Nor will he be • In what ways can other people help you overcome envy/
satisfied though you give many gifts. jealousy in your life?
Proverbs 6:34-35 NASB • Think of 10 things/people that you want to be thankful to
God for and share it with the group. Share why you are
WARMUP thankful for them.
What causes you to envy or to be jealous?

WORD
Envy is definitely one of the great enemies of inner peace.
Envy is the desire to become better or at least equal to one’s
peers in achievement, excellence, or possessions. Jealousy and
envy are often used interchangeably, but there is a small, yet
profound difference between the two. Jealousy begins with
full hands and then moves through life in the terror of losing
something. It is fueled by the fear of loss, and it fuels an all-
out, life-or-death struggle to maintain those possessions. Envy,
however, begins with empty hands, lamenting what it does not
have.

“It was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary

of God; then I perceived their end” (Psalm 73:16–17).
Refocusing his attention on God rather than his circumstances,
Asaph overcame his envy. Worshiping the Lord reoriented his
perspective in three specific ways:
• First, Asaph rearranged his priorities: wisdom is more
important than wealth.
• Second, he regained an eternal perspective: the true
rewards of faithfulness come later.
11. EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Four things are small on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not
a strong people, But they prepare their food
in the summer; The shephanim are not mighty
people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks;
The locusts have no king, Yet all of them go out
in ranks; The lizard you may grasp with the hands,
Yet it is in kings’ palaces.
Proverbs 30:24-28 NASB
WARMUP
When you are faced with a problem, what is your reaction? Do
you tend to make excuses? What is your best excuse?
WORD
Ants, badgers, locusts, lizards are animals mentioned in our
verses and each illustrating a quality wise people should
possess. The opening statement declares, each of these four
creatures is “small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise”
(v. 24).
1. DILIGENCE
Proverbs 30:25 states that the ants are not “strong.” Unlike
people, they are vulnerable to attack and easily destroyed.
They thrive despite their lack of might because they don’t quit.
They serve their community even without leaders watching
them. They work each day to maintain a secure place to
live in. They dutifully gather food during times of plenty in
order to survive inevitable difficulties. The ant provides a
worthy example of how diligence, dedication, foresight, and
industriousness—little by little, day by day—keep their colony
fed, warmed, and protected.
2. PRUDENCE
The badger has no natural defenses against animals that
would prey on them, animals like leopards, snakes, wolves,
and eagles. Despite the fact that everything wants to eat them
and they are hunted on the ground and from the sky, very few
badgers actually fall victim to their predators. That’s because
they live in very secure places, remain close to home, and
have a complex sentry system. The older adults usually take
positions on prominent lookout spots and sound the alarm at
the first sign of danger. They have limitations and make the
most of their circumstances. Moreover, they use their greatest
asset, their community, to the greatest advantage. All of
us have limitations, but at least one key to success in life is
refusing to allow limitations to become excuses and finding a
way to accomplish your goals regardless.
3. COOPERATION
According to the wise man, the locusts have no leader, no
one to plan, organize, coordinate, and execute. Nevertheless,
locusts become a strategically aligned team that “[goes] out
in ranks” to wreak havoc on crops, which they devour with
terrifying efficiency. The word translated “ranks” usually refers
to archers, who maintained a prescribed space between each
man. The writer used this image to emphasize the presence of
cooperation within the swarm. The secret to the success of a
locust swarm is cooperation. They move together from place
to place, flying in formation, as it were, feeding and breeding
until they become an unstoppable force. They illustrate a
principle that wise people do not neglect: what we cannot
accomplish on our own, we can achieve together as a team.
4. HELPFULNESS
Being small and vulnerable, house lizards are welcome in every
home, including the palaces of kings, because they cause no
harm and, in fact, improve their environment. The same can
be said of wise people. Despite any weaknesses, disabilities,
or disadvantages, everyone can find a way to be helpful. Even
cruel, selfish people will show favor to someone who causes
them no harm and finds ways to be beneficial.
Let these interesting animals prompt you to take an unflinching
look at challenges you face and perhaps at your tendency to
avoid the hard questions, ignore the warnings of a friend, and
deny criticism that could prove extremely beneficial. When
you embrace your weaknesses or challenges rather than deny,
ignore, or make excuses, you become wise.
When you accept difficult truths, you have an opportunity to
consider alternatives, to apply one of the four virtues that we
examined this week—diligence, prudence, cooperation, and
helpfulness—and to find a way to overcome your difficulties.
Using what you have learned this week, work hard at coming
to terms with your disabilities—we all have them in some form
or another—and avoid making excuses. Embrace the truth then
you have the opportunity to become wise.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Take a few moments to again examine your weaknesses or the
challenges you face. When in the past have you denied them,
ignored them, or made excuses for them? If you embrace your
shortcomings without shame or self-condemnation, how will
that change your perspective on life for the better?
12. FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY
Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first
of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with
plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NASB
Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your
consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is
gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an
eagle that flies toward the heavens.
Proverbs 23:4-5 NASB
WARMUP
What are your money problems? Do you have financial fears?
WORD
“Money makes the world go round.” Do you believe in this
statement? We all need money to exist in this world because
money is not evil in itself. But it’s the “love of money” that
brings us to trouble.
Five Principles on Money Management
1. THOSE WHO HONOR GOD WITH THEIR MONEY ARE
BLESSED IN RETURN
We read of the blessings God grants (not all of them tangible,
by the way) to those who “honor the Lord” with their finances.
2. THOSE WHO MAKE RICHES THEIR PASSION LOSE MUCH
MORE THAN THEY GAIN
Have you ever been tempted by some get-rich-quick scheme?
And think of the thousands of people who are drawn into
scams because of their juicy appeal and out of this world
promises. Beware of statements like “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity!”
3. WISDOM GIVES WEALTH GUIDANCE
If you have a choice between wisdom and wealth: wisdom is
much to be preferred! With wisdom, you stand a better chance
of gaining more wealth, but wealth cannot buy wisdom. And
should you be fortunate enough to gain wealth, wisdom will
keep you out of trouble. Wisdom provides the recipient of
increased finances with the restraint needed to avoid economic
disaster.

4. INCREASED RICHES BRING INCREASED COMPLICATIONS

• A false sense of security
• Suddenly you have many friends
• Arrogance and pride
• Increased moral temptations

5. MONEY CANNOT BUY LIFE’S MOST VALUABLE

POSSESSIONS
Money will only buy things that are for sale but not happiness,
a clear conscience, and freedom from worry. Money can be
used to purchase a lovely and comfortable home, car, and
other things. But the most valuable things in life are not for
sale. What are some of those priceless possessions?
• Love
• Peace
• Integrity

If handled wisely, money can be the means of great

encouragement, but if mishandled, great stress. Many lotto
winners discover they were not prepared to handle the
demands of great wealth. They typically splurged it all away,
fell prey to the unwise investment schemes of family and
friends, and succumbed to appeals for giving. A few even
committed suicide. If we rear our children correctly, they can
benefit from, and know the joy of, receiving an inheritance
from their parents. God’s Word admonishes parents to provide
for their families.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Money and possessions aside, what are you truly thankful for?
What can you do to increase your intangible assets, such as
health, relationships, reputation, contentment, wisdom, etc.?
GOD’S ANSWERS TO LIFE’S
QUESTIONS
(Selected Psalms)
1. GOD’S ANSWER TO COMPROMISE
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of
the wicket, or stand around with sinners, or join in with
mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on
it day and night.
They are like the trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but
the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1 NLT
WARMUP
Make a list of all your priorities (family, job, health, possessions,
friends, God, etc.). Have you ever made a compromise in any
of these? Compromise occurs when behavior fails to reflect
our priorities. (For example, we said that our priority is our
health but then when we look at the kind of food we eat – they
compromise our health.) In a police operation, we experience
compromising situations. In what ways have you compromised
and how did you get back on track?
WORD
Psalm 1 describes the life of one who chooses to live a
righteous life, the one who resists compromise. He describes a
person who remains wary of anything that will negatively affect
his commitment to a godly life.
The word “joy” also means blessed and the original word
means “happiness many times over.”
What is the cause of abundant happiness?
1. WALK
David, the writer of Psalms, tells us that we will be abundantly
happier if we stay clear or get away from anything that will lead
us to compromise our convictions.
2. STAND
We need to take a firm stand for what is right and we “will be
like a tree planted on streams of water.”
3. SIT
The term here means “a permanent settling down, an abiding
and a permanent dwelling.” We need to clear of anything that
will compromise what we know is right and true.
A person who takes God and His Word is:
• Planted – fortified, stable, rooted solid and strong
• Fruitful – production naturally follows being planted and
growing
• Unwithered – even during days of difficulty, the treelike
soul is undaunted
• Prosperous – fulfill the goals God has designed for his
life
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Mentally, review the past months. How has your manner of
life changed over the past months?
• What are those values in life that you are willing to stand
on?
• Will you be able to say that you are leading a prosperous
life because you did not compromise? Why do you say yes
or why do you say no?
2. GOD’S ANSWER TO WEAKENED • Has to do with our attitudes, reactions, plans, motives
• Truth is in our hearts
INTEGRITY
3. REFUSES TO GOSSIP
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may
• Does not spread malicious rumors
enter your presence on your holy hill?
• Does not poison other’s reputation
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
ASK: Why is gossip so attractive to do?
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors
4. DOES NOT DO HARM TO HIS NEIGHBORS
or speak evil of their friends.
He does not consciously bring difficulty upon others.
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep
5. DOES NOT SPEAK EVIL OF THEIR FRIENDS
their promises even when it hurts.
He does not backbite or speak behind the back of others.
Those who lend money without charging interest, and
who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
6. DESPISES SINNERS
Such people will stand firm forever.
He does not go with bad company and chooses his friends
Psalm 15:1-5 NLT
well.
WARMUP
7. HONORS FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS OF THE LORD
If we have a personal relationship with the God then our
Someone who walks with the Lord has a scale of values that is
eternal destiny is secure despite our personal failures. The
determined by God’s Word.
psalm mentions some of the things we are doing as we walk
in the Lord and walk in dependence on God. But when our
8. KEEPS THEIR PROMISES
relationship with God fades away, our integrity is inevitably
He keeps his word even if it is difficult for him to do.
weakened and ultimately, our testimony is hurt. Weakened
integrity is a process of erosion, and it is so gradual that we
9. DOES NOT LEND MONEY WITH INTEREST (USURY)
cannot detect it until it causes catastrophic damage. No one is
He assists others generously and unselfishly especially those
exempt so everyone must be on guard.
who are genuinely in financial need.
WORD
10. DOES NOT TAKE BRIBES
What are the various facets of integrity? Read Psalm 15:2-5.
He does not take bribes or offers bribe to anyone.
1. THOSE WHO LEAD BLAMELESS LIVES AND DO WHAT IS
RIGHT
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Dealings must be honest
• How does living a life of integrity affect your relationship
• Our conscience is clear of compromise
with God and with others?
• Obeys the laws of the land and the laws of God
• Does your relationship with God affect your moral
• Allows the law of God to guide every decision
decisions?
2. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN ONE’S HEART
• This has to do with how we think
3. GOD’S ANSWER TO FEAR
The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should
I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me
from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil
people come to devour me, when my enemies and
foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though
a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be
afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek
most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and
meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there
when troubles come; He will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then
I will hold my head up high above my enemies who
surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices
with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord
with music. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and
courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27: 1-6, 14 NLT
WARMUP
Have you ever been afraid? What are your fears? What is your
usual response to fear?
WORD
Have you ever been in a dangerous situation and wondered if
you would ever get out of it alive? God often uses danger and
adversity in our lives to remind us of what is important and this
gives us an opportunity to contemplate the shortness of life
and focus our minds on what really matters: our desires and
goals for this life in light of eternity.
King Saul hunted David and tracked him as if he was a
common criminal; and made war on him as he considers him
a threat to his being a king. David fled from Saul, not knowing
his future fate, nor if his next step would be his last. There was
always the possibility that in his haste to flee from Saul, he
would slip on a rock and fall in the treacherous terrain of the
Judean Desert, or that Saul would have an ambush prepared
for him.
What kept David going in this dangerous and difficult time?
What was his focus, and priorities in this life? Psalm 27
recounts David’s supreme and sole heartfelt desire to worship
the Lord even in the midst of warfare.
As David faced his fear and expressed them to God, he began
with worship and celebrating the power and faithfulness of his
God.
1. DECLARATION OF PRAISE
“The Lord is my light … my salvation … the defense of my
life.” David knew God personally and laid claim upon God
Himself rather than his works. For the writer, David, God is a
faithful companion. Dangers come and it is imminent. Pressure
comes but we can have confidence and have stability because
God is our foundation.
2. FACE FEAR WITH A SONG OF FAITH
When fear grips us we turn to self-preservation. Whatever our
faith is, we need to sing out our faith in the midst of fear.
3. SEEK GOD’S HELP
While David’s first response to fear wasn’t a panicked plea for
help, he did not live in denial. When in fear we need not panic,
we need to express our desire with intense emotion. We need
to claim the security God has promised. There is nothing to
fear because we have God who cares for us.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Waiting on God is a cultivated spiritual discipline. It requires
patience and practice. This time let us focus on something
the cause anxiety or fear which is beyond our control. Each
time the matter comes to mind, recall God’s abilities and
faithfulness, surrender the matter to God and choose to wait
on Him.
CONSCIENCE
Do you have any worry right now or fear that you want to put
under God’s hand?
Pray this prayer:
God, you have not given me a spirit of fear. Come and replace
my fear with your power and your love so that I may have a
sound mind to live each day worshipping you. Amen.
4. GOD’S ANSWER TO UNFORGIVEN
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is
forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy
for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I
refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and
I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of
discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated
like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed
all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my
guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to
the Lord.” And you forgive me! All my guilt is gone.
Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is
still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters
of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect
me from trouble. You surround me with songs of
victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch
over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love
surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the
Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy,
all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalm 32 NLT

WARMUP
Think of a time when your conscience has bothered you
because of a wrong thing you did. How did it affect your ability
to eat, sleep, work, and concentrate? How did it affect your
interaction with others? What did you do to find relief?

WORD
In this particular psalm, the writer allows us to enter his
feelings. It is obvious that he is joyful at the outset, rejoicing in
his present state of forgiveness. He then falls into a reflective
state of forgiveness. He then falls into a reflective mood as he
thinks of the past.
1. SELF-DECEPTION
ASK: What do you feel when you have done something wrong
or have committed sin?
If we don’t find relief in the forgiveness of our sins, the other
alternative is self-delusion through denial, blame shifting,
making excuses, and redefining sin to make it appear good.
2. THE BITTER PRICE OF SECRET SINS
ASK: If you have secret sins, what do you feel?
The inner conflict can cause psychosomatic illness. Sin can
cause physical illness: body wasted away, fear, vitality is
drained away. But when we confess our sins to God, He brings
peace.
3. SIN DISTORTS THE TRUTH
As David celebrates God’s forgiveness, he recognizes that his
forgiveness and confession is costly. When all seems hopeless,
God will provide deliverance. He is the one who protects us,
surrounds us, and gives us a song.
4. CONFESS AND BE CLEANSED
How do we do this?
• Confess our sins before the Lord.
• Make a choice between a path of sorrow and a path of trust
which brings loving kindness.
• Remain upright. Have an honest dealing with God and
before others. Have nothing to hide.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Silently, confess your sins to God. Then think of a future you
would like to have now that you are free from a guilt ridden
conscience.
5. GOD’S ANSWER TO CONFIDENCE IN
GOD
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to
help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when
earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the
sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains
tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the
city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From
the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations
are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice
thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s
Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our
fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD:
See how he brings destruction upon the world. He
causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks
the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields
with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be
honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout
the world.” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here
among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Psalm 46 NLT
WARMUP
How would you describe God to a 6-year old child? Who is
God to you?
WORD
ASK: In your experience, what is for you the most frightening
natural phenomenon?
1. GOD IS PRESENT
• The help of God in the midst of crisis
The psalm starts with who God is – his help and his refuge in
difficult times. God is his place of refuge, strength, and help.
God is our refuge, strength, and help; then we need not fear
even in the midst of crisis.
• God’s provision
The picture here is the abundant, constant provision of God.
The city of God is glad because of the living water present in
a dry land. With God there is peace and security. All provision
and blessings comes because of God’s presence and we
should not be moved.
2. THE LORD IS ABOVE ALL THE NATIONS
This part of the psalm speaks of God’s glory. God is almighty to
enforce peace, able to make wars cease. The idea is that God’s
people are invited to look over the field of battle after God has
completely routed his enemies and their instruments of war are
scattered, broken, and burning.
ASK: There are wars we are fighting – criminality, the War on
Drugs – every time you go out for police operations, how do
you know that God is with you?
“Be still and know that I am God.” In recognition of God’s
greatness, our response to God should be complete trust and
surrender. It means that we need to acknowledge God as the
only victorious God.
ASK: Has there been a time when you are “fighting a war”
where you can proclaim that it was God who gave you the
victory and not your own strength and wisdom?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
God is your sufficient God, what are the victories in life that
you are thankful to God for?
6. GOD’S ANSWER TO DEALING WITH
DIFFICULT PEOPLE
Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!
Defend me with your mind. Listen to my prayer, O
God. Pay attention to my plea.
For strangers are attacking me; violent people are
trying to kill me. They care nothing for God.
But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!
May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against
them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.
I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;
I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you
have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to
triumph over my enemies.
Psalm 54 NLT
WARMUP
Which person causes you the most difficulty? Make a list of
names and what challenges you have with each person.
WORD
Psalm 54 is a lament over the constant grind of people
problems. The writer of the poem shared about how people
have attacked and betrayed him.
1. THE ENEMY
ASK: Have you ever been betrayed by someone? Or have been
falsely accused by either a stranger or a trusted friend? How
did it feel?
David, the writer of this psalm, when falsely accused, prayed
for deliverance and vindication instead of retaliating.
2. THE DEFENDER
ASK: What did you do when you were falsely accused? Who
did you turn to?
In this psalm, David calls on God to be his helper. He knows
that God is his sustainer. And he knows that the evil plot
against him will be returned to those who plan it, because God
has promised to carry out justice on David’s behalf. Because
of his reaction, David can concentrate more on doing what is
right instead of focusing on seeking revenge.
3. SURRENDER
ASK: When you say “God is good all the time,” what do you
exactly mean by that?
Instead of retaliating, why don’t we choose to focus on God’s
faithfulness? Rather than allowing our mind to be consumed by
the wrongdoing of others and their terrible injustice, why not
devote ourselves to worship? Declare the name and the work
of God as “good.”
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Let us get rid of those habits we cultivate against others –
negative feelings, unforgiveness, resentment, competitiveness,
grudges, jealousy, revenge, hatred, retaliation, gossip,
criticism, and suspicion. Take the alternative route – LOVE
ONE ANOTHER.
Go back to the list of persons you have, how do you think
might God use each person to transform your character or
make your life better? It is not to excuse their behavior but
it is merely to acknowledge the faithfulness of God in every
circumstance.
7. GOD’S ANSWER TO INGRATITUDE
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him,
singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; Go into his courts
with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation
Psalm 100 NLT
WARMUP
When things are not doing well with us, sometimes we forget
about thankfulness. Look into your life, what are the things that
you are thankful for? What is your greatest obstacle in thanking
God?
WORD
Psalm 100 wastes no time in preliminaries. Rather than trying
to convince the reader to praise the Lord for His goodness and
His many blessings, the writer issues several commands.
1. SHOUT JOYFULLY TO THE LORD
He is only saying that we need to lift our voice in praise.
2. SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS
A healthy sign of a grateful life is serving.
3. COME BEFORE HIM WITH JOYFUL SINGING
We need to lighten up in life and choose joy. It does the heart
good and is truly contagious.
4. KNOW THAT THE LORD IS GOD
Knowing God denotes a personal, experiential knowledge,
not mere recognition. This implies a personal relationship 8. GOD’S ANSWER TO LIFE’S PURPOSE
with God. The decision to trust Him becomes an unshakable
confidence. Confident people are joyful people. I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
5. ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you
We always access the presence of God through prayer. come to help me?
I will live a life of integrity in my own home.
6. GIVE THANKS TO HIM I will refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar.
This describes someone naming specific reasons for gratitude. I hate all who deal crookedly;
This means sharing stories of gratefulness. I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every
7. BLESS HIS NAME evil.
Blessing God means kneeling, praying to Him, and saluting I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
Him as a sign of honoring God. I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to
One is able to cultivate a personal relationship with God like serve me.
we would another person by: listening to Him, spending time I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and
with Him, and by doing the things that He considers important. liars will not stay in my presence.
How much quality time do you spend with God? This is not My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free
just going to mass or to a worship service but spending time the city of the Lord from their grip.
talking with Him and listening to Him by reading about Him. Psalm 101 NLT
Do you also spend time joining Him in serving others?
WARMUP
Do you know what your specific purpose in life is? Why do you
think God created you? For what purpose?

WORD
Some people seem to drift aimlessly through life, headed in no
specific direction. Without a clearly defined objective, it is not
surprising that many adopt a lifestyle that lacks definition and
purpose. The life of David, the writer of this psalm, was guided
by a specific purpose. He understood God’s plan for him and
David pursued the course laid out for him. He made decisions
in accordance with his purpose and served God faithfully for
many years. He was indeed “a man after God’s own heart.”
What do we need to have in order to discover clear direction?
1. HONOR
ASK: How do you define honor?
We need to operate with unselfish mercy, love, friendship,
kindness, and loyalty. Then operate also with justice which
denotes an orderly, equitable administration of government.
It describes a quality of rule that allows everyone to live
peacefully and productively.
2. INTEGRITY
Integrity is the idea of being totally honest, thoroughly sound.
It means being authentic, no matter who is looking.
3. HONESTY
ASK: As we teach our children the word “honesty,” what are
the deeds of honesty that you practice everyday?
David resolved to avoid every unworthy aim and ambition.
David was determined to choose the Lord’s way and reject all
evil deeds.
4. PURITY
A pure life is a spiritual investment, enjoyed by our children.
Purity means “knowing no evil.” David chose to define himself
by four primary values: honor, integrity, honesty, and purity.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• If investigators were to do a thorough audit of your life,
what will they see?
• What are the values that you will cultivate in your life?
9. GOD’S ANSWER TO ENTHUSIASM
Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek
him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept
diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast In keeping your
statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with upright heart, when I learn your
righteous rules.
I will keep your statues; do not utterly forsake me.
Psalm 119:1-8 ESV
Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandments make me wiser than my
enemies, for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for
your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged, for I keep your
precepts.
Psalm 119:97-100 ESV
WARMUP
What excites you? On the other hand, what bores you? What
disappoints you? Why?
WORD
The word “enthusiasm” carries the idea of being inspired. It
literally means “in God.” The original word means that the
person is so overtaken by the presence of God that he could
barely contain the excitement. Psalm 119 over all is a long
psalm about the benefits of the Word of God and how it holds
our enthusiasm. Lack of enthusiasm isn’t an emotional problem
but a spiritual one. Sometimes, lack of enthusiasm results from
not having sufficient knowledge to address life’s difficulties.
While we can have all the education and trainings we can get,
many of life’s issues can be built upon spiritual wisdom. That is
the reason why we need to know what God’s Word says about
some of our life issues.
1. THE WORD MAKES US WISER
We can gain wisdom from experience. But the author here
speaks of experience in dealing with his enemies. Sometimes
difficult people can drag our enthusiasm down. But wisdom
from God’s Word helps us rise above the negative effects of
people who drag us down.
2. THE WORD GIVES US MORE INSIGHT THAN ALL OUR
TEACHERS
We get knowledge from education and trainings and these are
all important. But God says that he who knows Him gains more
insight.
3. THE WORD CAUSES US TO HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING
A knowledge and understanding of God’s Word can better
equip us for life. From God’s Word, we receive insight. Insight
translates to effectiveness. Effectiveness leads to success.
Success builds confidence. And confidence inspires wisdom.
There are three benefits from God’s Word:
• Wisdom – the ability to look at life and its difficulties
from God’s point of view
• Insight – the ability to see through life and its difficulties
from God’s point of view
• Understanding – the ability to respond to life and its
difficulties from God’s point of view
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
If you have read God’s word, share what you have learned and
how it helped in some decisions you have to make.
10. GOD’S ANSWER TO FAMILY LIFE
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the
builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard from early
morning till late at night, anxiously working for food to
eat; for God gives rest to his love ones. Children are a
gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man are like arrows in a
warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver
is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he
confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Psalm 127 NLT
How joyful are those who fear the Lord – all who
follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife
will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within
your home. Your children will be like vigorous young
olives as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s
blessing for those who fear Him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren, may Israel
have peace!
Psalm 128 NLT
WARMUP
Think about your childhood. Think of a time when you felt
secure as a child, a time when you feel affirmed, a lesson
you have learned as a child, and how as a family you were
able to pull together in a crisis. How can you recreate those
experiences to your own family today?
WORD
1. THE LORD HIMSELF IS TO BE THE CENTER OF OUR
HOME
First, we must have a relationship with Him, based on our
obedience to His Word. If God is not the center of our home,
no amount of our effort can help it from falling apart. The
closer we come to God the closer we become to our family.
2. THE LORD HIMSELF MUST BE THE CENTER OF OUR LIFE
AND WORK
If the Lord is first in our lives, He will reward us even in our
sleep. A godly life does not only mean a productive work day
but also includes times of rest and relaxation. If the Lord is the
not the center of our lives, all our labor in this lifetime cannot
serve as a substitute for Him.
3. THE LORD GAVE US CHILDREN AS A GIFT FROM HIM
God gives us children with a responsibility to care for them.
Each child, therefore, is to be cherished as a gift, prized as a
reward, and we direct their lives in order to follow their own
dreams.
Everyone who fears the Lord is blessed and joyful. It is a
joyfulness not in terms of material things but a “shalom” – a
word that means wholeness – material abundance, good
health, peace of mind, tranquil home, a good job, a healthy
mind set about life – things that no money can buy.
Our responsibility towards our children:
• Children must be trained according to godly principles.
• Children become our hope of happiness.
• Each child is unique, an individual, and we need to raise
them in respect to their individual dreams and desires.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What are you doing to provide spiritual training and guidance
to your children?
11. GOD’S ANSWER TO IMPATIENT
ARROGANCE
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too
awesome for me to grasp.
Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
Like a weaned child who no longer cries for its
mother’s milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord – now and always.
Psalm 131 NLT
WARMUP
Can you think of someone with genuine humility that you
admire? Describe that person.
WORD
Psalm 131 is a short chapter. David composed this psalm
that addresses a dangerous habit: impatient arrogance. He is
saying that he is not proud or haughty or interested in being
heard, seen, or noticed. In fact, here as a king he is announcing
his plan to move from the limelight and away from public
attention. Genuine humility is not something we announce and
once you announce it you forfeit it.
1. A PROUD OR HUMBLE HEART
Proud means to be high and exalted. The root source of pride
is the heart. The word haughty means to be lifted up. The idea
is that the person who is proud within shows it in his eyes. The
proud look has to do with eyes lifted up. There are two ways to
know the true condition of the heart: the eyes and through our
words.
2. TEACHABILITY
The idea here is that he doesn’t pursue places of prominence
or greatness. He recognizes his own limitations based on his
honest assessment of his knowledge and skills and he feels
no need to play the hero. He simply doesn’t have anything
to prove. He is not only willing, but in fact, pleased to be
removed from the public platform.
We are never more teachable when we are humble. In fact,
teachability is the defining quality of a humble person.
2. COMPOSED AND QUIET
The term composed means to be smooth, even, level. David
is saying that his inner soul is not churning but it is calm and
smooth. He has tranquility and patience. The result is that he is
quieted within and inwardly silent and still.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
What must develop within a person in order to make him or
her mature, no longer in need of public attention or adoration?
Have you matured in this regard? What can you do to develop
in areas where you need maturity?
12. GOD’S ANSWER TO INSECURITY
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter
seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the
womb. You saw me before I was born.
Everyday of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had
passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O
God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count
them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up you are still with me!
O God, if only would destroy the wicked!
Get out of your life, you murderers!
They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your
name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies
are my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my
heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point
out anything in me that offends you, and lead me
along the path of everlasting life
Psalm 119:13-24 NLT

WARMUP
What kind of people intimidate you and make you feel
insecure?

WORD
Many of us struggle with feelings of insecurity. When we look
at famous and rich people we feel intimidated, overlooked,
and underqualified. We know that deep within we are valuable
but when we compare ourselves with others, we often come
on the short end. But the well-kept secret of many confident
persons is that they also struggle with the same insecure
feelings we have. NOTES

1. HOW CAREFULLY HAS GOD MADE ME?

God explores, digs into, and examines us through and through.
Our most common and casual moments are completely familiar
to the Lord. God knows us. He monitors our entire process.
God remains in complete control of the smallest details of all
His creation.

2. HOW CLOSE IS GOD TO ME?

Our God is not a distant God – He is everywhere. The verse
says – “If I go to the heavens, you are there. If I go down the
grave, you are there.” God is never absent. Sometimes He is
silent but He is always present. We need not feel lonely. God
knows it all. He understands our uniqueness fully.

3. HOW CAREFULLY DOES GOD KNOW ME?

One of the proofs that God exists is His creation. He has
intricately designed the human body and He has designed it
carefully well. The human body is a phenomenal combination
of strength, beauty, coordination, grace, and balance. If God
gave such forethought to our birth, then God also cares for our
future. He values each one of us.

4. HOW MUCH WILL GOD PROTECT AND HELP ME?

We need not be insecure because God designed us perfectly.
He helps us. The God of heaven is marvelous, pure, holy, just,
and good and He desires that we be like Him.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
God knows you, understands you, and cares about you. It
might be surprising to know people in your life want the same
from you. What should you do to get to know the people
around you more personally and meaningfully?
NOTES