SFC Chapter Teaching Topics A Compilation 2020 Version

CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST
CHAPTER TEACHING
TOPICS
(A Compilation)
2020 EDITION
CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL
OVERVIEW OF THE SFC CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL
The SFC Chapter Teaching is one of the essential activities that happens in the SFC Chapter
monthly. It is therefore crucial in discerning for the right and relevant topic, in choosing for
the speakers, as well as the worship leader.
This manual aims to aid the Chapter Couple Coordinator and the SFC Chapter Leaders in
communicating their discerned topic for the Chapter Teaching. This material will be
constantly updated to add more topics.
The talks are indexed according to the following categories:

 Church and Catechism
 Evangelization and Mission
 Family
 Prayer
 Personal
 Relationships
CHAPTER TEACHING GUIDELINES
Once a month, SFC members come together for a chapter general membership teaching.
Except for those times when there is a joint meeting of the larger SFC (cluster or sector
teaching assembly that only happens twice a year), each chapter should arrange for and
carry out its own chapter general membership teaching.
Some guidelines for the teaching are as follows:
a) It can be held at any time and on any day of the month, as decided by the Chapter
leaders and couple coordinator.
b) The Chapter Head/Coordinator leads the chapter teaching.
c) The prayer assembly would normally be for a period of 1 1/2 to 2 hours, with the
following elements:
 Gathering song(s). New songs or old Glory songs may be taught.

 Worship (15-20 minutes)
 Teaching (45 minutes max)
 Announcements (2-5 minutes)
 Closing Prayer and Closing song (5 minutes)
 Fellowship
d) Attendance is always taken and encoded in the SFC Infosystem by the chapter
infosystem coordinator. Attendance (sheets) encoded in the SFC Infosystem should
CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 2

be checked and monitored by the Chapter leaders/Coordinators for his/her action

on absentees.
We highly recommend and encourage that the Chapter will use the CFC Attendance
Capture Software application (Google Playstore or Apple App Store) with the
member’s QR Code for the attendance.
e) There should be a tithe table where contributions may be accepted and a receipt
given. The collection should be turned over to the CFC Mission Center within a
week's time.
OTHER REMINDERS
1. BE PUNCTUAL. Always be on time, we, as SFC we need to value and respect each
other’s time.
2. BE PREPARED. Make sure that all the materials needed for the teaching / sessions
are ready.
a. Logistical needs: venue must be conducive; sound system is complete; laptop
and projector or other devices are working and ready for use.
b. It is highly advised to use our QR code system for registration. Otherwise,
secretariat must prepare manual registration materials.
c. Inform the SFCs to bring SPINS (Scripture, Pen, ID, Notebook, Songbook)
d. Snacks, if any.
3. BE DISCERNING. Pray and choose speaker properly.
4. BE YOU. You as a member need to be attentive in what the teaching is to offer, make
sure to mingle with the other members, and be the reason for someone’s to smile.
5. CLEAN AS YOU GO. Make sure that you leave the venue clean and proper.
FINAL NOTES
 The talks may be given in any order based upon the discernment of the Chapter
Couple Coordinator and the SFC Chapter Leaders, however, it is suggested that a
well-balanced combination of teachings shall be given throughout the year.
 Our Chapter Teaching is an SFC PLUS activity, which means, we can invite non-SFCs
to attend. However, there are a few topics which are not open to them, for the
reason that they might not fully understand or comprehend such as “Financial
Stewardship” and the like.
For any inquiries and feedback, please email us at sfcpfo@couplesforchristglobal.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Church and Catechism

Filled to the Brim ……………………………………………………………………………………………..… 6
Life of Virtue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Splendor of Faith ……………………………………………………………………………………………….19
Taking a Stand……………………………………………………………………………………………………24
Evangelization and Mission
Fullness in Mission……………………………………………………………………………………….…….28
Mission as Storytelling……………………………………………………………………………….……….31
One Heart in Christ………………………………………………………………………………………….... 33
Overcoming the World ……………………………………………………………………………………... 37
Family
In the Midst of Storms……………………………………………………………………………….……….42
Family Matters………………………………………………………………………………………….….……45
We are Family……………………………………………………………………………………………………48
Prayer
Blessed to Bless…………………………………………………………………………………………….......52
Infinite Devotion ...………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 57
Knowing God’s Will ……………………………………………………………………………………..……66
Prayer = Life…………………………………………………………………………………………………......72
Personal
Faithfulness and Order ………………………………………………………………………………………82
Faithfulness and Self-Control …………………………………………………………………………......89
Growing in Faith …………………………………………………………………………………………….....96
Joy and Sorrow …………………………….………………………………………………….……….….….102
Love and Discipline …………………………….……………………………………………..……….……108
Meekness and Aggressiveness ……………………………..………………………….….……….…...115
Overcoming the Flesh ……………………………………………………………………....………….......121
Overcoming the Work of Evil Spirits …………………………………………..………………….…126
Patience and Perseverance ……………………………………………………….…………..……..…..131
Repairing Wrongdoing …………………………………………………….…….……………..……..…..136
The Christian and Money …………………………………………………….……………..…………….142
The Image of God …………………………….……………………………………………….………...……150
Relationships
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord …………………………………………………………………..…..142
Headship and Submission ………………………………………………………….……………..…..….164
Sons and Daughters of God ……………………………………………………….…………….…….....172
Unity in Christ …………………………………………………………………………………………….…..179

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Teaching Series)
Fruits of the Spirit (Series)

The Image of God (Session 1)….……………………………………………...…………………………150
Love and Discipline (Session 2) ……………………………………………..………………………....108
Meekness and Aggressiveness (Session 3) ………………………………...……………………...115
Joy and Sorrow (Session 4) ……………………………………………………………………..……….102
Faithfulness and Self-Control (Session 5) ………………………………………………..……..…108
Patience and Perseverance (session 6) ...…………………………………………………..………131
Foundation for Christian Living (Series)

Sons and Daughters of God (Session 1) …………………………………………………..……..….172
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord (Session 2) …………….……………………………..……...…159
Growing in Faith (session 3) …………………………………………………………………..……….....96
Knowing God’s Will (Session 4) ………………………………………………………….….……...……66
Overcoming the World (Session 5) ………………………………………………………..…….…..... 37
Overcoming the Flesh (Session 6) ……………………………………………………………...……..114
Overcoming the Work of Evil Spirits (Session 7) …………………………………………...…..119
Repairing Wrongdoing (Session 8) ……………………………………………………………...……136
The Christian and Money (Session 9) ………………………………………………………………..142
Headship and Submission (Session 10) …………………………………………………...………..164
Faithfulness and Order (Session 11) ……………………………………………………….……….....82
Unity in Christ (Session 12) …………………………………………………………………..…………179
Emai Katolikos
Life of Virtue………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
Taking a Stand……………………………………………………………………………………………………24
Splendor of Faith………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

FILLED TO THE BRIM
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7
INTRODUCTION
This is a great life we are living in. Because in spite of and despite of everything, the Lord
does not stop in finding ways to make His presence felt in our lives. Our faith teaches us
many things but one of the things it seeks to highlight is rejoicing! We have a God that
wants us to be eternally happy with Him – a happy, fulfilling relationship with Him. To
sustain this happiness, He introduces us to the gift of prayer, a vital element in our life,
serving as a daily reminder that we can tell Him anything and He can assure us with
everything. Just as Paul demonstrated, what comes out of this beautiful relationship with
Him is a heart overflowing with gratefulness.
THE TORMENT OF OUR MINDS AND HEARTS
Such was the exhortation of Paul to the early Church during that time that he wanted His
fellow Christians to experience the highest point of rejoicing in the Lord. In this Christian
joy, he introduces peace, the effect of a life lived in rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks.
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus”. Phil 4:7
What do we make of peace?
Peace is a concept that is hardly recognizable in our everyday lives today. There’s so much
to do and so many things to think of, that when one thinks of peace it is most often linked
with war. Peace, which in the eyes of God meant so much more than what we experience, is
delegated to the likes of political and worldly disturbance.
Paul highlights two things about peace –

1) Its role, through Jesus Christ we are guarded and protected;
2) Its origin from God, thus illustrating a kind of peace which goes beyond our human
capability to understand.
According to the late archbishop Fulton Sheen, the peace God is giving us, aims to guard us
from:
a) The Frustration in Our Hearts
St. Augustine clearly reminds us of how we were created. We created to necessarily have a
deep hunger and longing for God. This is the start of our personal frustrations. We expect
the real, the eternal, the true, but we only end up with the fake, the temporary, and the lies.
(The Beatitudes, a video by Fr. Robert Barron)

Our growing frustrations lead us to go against our true nature and purpose. We isolate
ourselves from others and distance ourselves from God. We turn away from Him and find
no refuge or peace in the chaos we have created.
b) Anxiety in our minds
Everyone can naturally be anxious for we are composed of both body and soul. This is the
reason for anxieties – for we are both “living in the finite world and aspiring towards the
infinite”. Our anxiety is born of being worried and concerned of two things our lives on
earth and what will happen after it – “a tension between what man ought to be and what
man actually is.”
Most of us are consumed by the anxieties of our own security here on earth. We reach for
the things which will assure us of a guaranteed future. Or maybe sometimes, we become
gripped by a growing subjective fear. Though absurd and ridiculous in its nature because of
its lack of true basis, it cripples and paralyzes us from doing anything productive in our
lives. Sadly, most of us also have a tendency to be consumed with something that we have
created in our own heads, over-exaggerated by thoughts stemming from what we see and
what have experienced.
It is not that anxiety is evil but it is being anxious in the wrong things that lead us to error,
as a result of great mistrust for the One who loves us. The higher our anxieties, the lower
the trust we have in Jesus.
c) Sins of our souls
An effect of unresolved frustrations and unregulated anxieties lead us to make bad choices.
We panic and so we choose wrongly. We are unsure and so we choose halfheartedly. What
put’s a greater unrest in us are the sins of our soul. Starting with Pride, Lust and Avarice.
We are “imprisoned” by our own desire to find peace, it is a peace that we cannot
acquire ourselves, for it is almost useless just as how useless it is for a person to “pull
himself up from his own ears.” (Bp. Sheen) God wants us to be His BELOVED, not us
pushing ourselves to be loved on our own. It is ONLY God who can restore us to ourselves.
Only God can give us true and lasting peace.
A PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is shalôm. Literally, it means "to be
complete or whole" (Mauro Rodriguez, New Catholic Encyclopedia, 11, 37). It is given as a
way of greeting, wishing all good things for the other person.
(http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/a-primer-on- peace). At the same time,
peace in Latin stands for pacem which means “compact, agreement, tranquility”.
Checking on all translations of peace, this word seems to point to a certain stability and
prosperity in our lives.

Through St. Paul, however, we realize that this certain wholeness or completeness is
something that can only come from God. He describes the word as “Peace of God”. It is a
peace that surpasses our understanding because it is something that only God can give and
thus conceptualize. It is this peace that God wants us to live in, and guard us from the
torment of searching for something other than Him. It is this peace that reminds us He is
the source of all joy, the fulfillment of our longing.
“Peace of the soul comes to those who have the right kind of anxiety about attaining perfect
happiness, which is God”. Through His grace, He gives us a way out through His peace,
reminding us of the joy, the promise, and the life that He is offering us.
In a world of such unrest, it can be difficult for us to understand, comprehend, or

experience this peace. But like all other gifts of God, this gift which comes through the Holy
Spirit, is one that should be nurtured and practiced. One can never simply acquire peace
and expect to live with it forever. For there will come a time that our peace, our choices, our
faith and trust in God will always be tested. Thus, Jesus gives us the antidote to unrest,
sadness, and despair. As discussed by Bp. Robert Barron, Jesus gives us His formula in
order for us to live a life of joy and peace, the Beatitudes, in Greek – Beatitudo, which
means perfect happiness (St. Thomas Aquinas):
a) Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
How? – Practice PRUDENCE, a cardinal virtue that allows us to use reason through God’s
truth to discern properly our choices in life. Make a healthy evaluation before buying or
acquiring possessions. Do I really need it? Do I have enough resources to get it? Are any
other priorities sacrificed for this? Will I be using this for God’s Glory?
Most often, we have a tendency to yearn for material things because judgements, either
from others or from ourselves. However, “once the soul recognizes that it is made for God,
it abandons the bourgeois idea that every person is to be judged by what he or she has”.
Daily/gradual renunciation of our “seeming” addictions. To simply put it, God wants us to
live a life of detachment from material things. This is not to condemn those who have the
ability to acquire it but a reminder for us on how we use and obtain our material
possessions. In other words, we are reminded to use our material things for “our greater
effectiveness in the mission the Church”.
b) Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted
How? - Practicing HUMILITY. Be more generous of our compliment in others. Instead of

seeking to be comforted with praises and honor, be more attentive to the good that others
do. Be more grateful to what they teach you (directly or indirectly). Learn to listen to other
people’s opinions. Learn to always give that sense of importance (that you secretly do
want to feel) to others. Regard others as more important than yourself. Jesus calls us to
be mindful of our addiction to “good feelings”. Do we do what we do because we want to be
honored and praised? Do we feel bad when are not recognized at work or in our service?

Do we harbor ill feelings when others are more preferred than us? It is not that Jesus wants
us to not feel good but rather He calls for a refocus from self-exaltation to God-exultation.
c) Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the land
How? Practice Anger Management through GENTLENESS.

In times of anger, learn how to channel it into kindness. Ask for the grace to understand
and see another through God’s eyes. Refrain from saying or shouting at the peak of your
emotions. Learn to wait and contemplate before acting or saying anything. To be meek
means to have a control over our anger. It is a form of temperance seeking to control our
emotions against another person’s behavior or character. “Its Greek word is “Prautes”,
which means to not be easily provoked. “Meekness, even in its etymology, has always
implied harnessed strength, not weakness.” How often have we stressed and gone angry
when things go beyond control? As a single person, to live a happy life means to lose our
tendency to be angry over losing control, an anger caused by the need to get our own way.
How do we prevent our anger from controlling us?
d) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.
How? Have the desire to start change now, to be open to TRANSFORMATION.

Our sins, broken relationships, and past hurts have made a hole in us that only God can
only and transform into something good. Start now by making the decision to change our
ways. Do we still have our favorite sins or indulgences? Ask the community, you’re
household to help you in changing your ways. Admit to your weaknesses and ask help
through the grace of God. What do you hunger for? What is primary focus or concern?
Righteousness means to acquit, to vindicate, or to restore a right relationship. As a single
person, to be happy means to strive and hunger and crave to make everything right again,
to have a restored relationship with God.
e) Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.
How? Practice COMPASSION in the way we relate others Aside from forgiveness, we are
called to continue relating to them in kindness, encouraging them to be better, not being
too mindful of their thoughts. We can a help a co-worker who has mistreated us. Reach
out to an estranged family member who feels left out because of his/her mistakes. At the
same time, let our compassion, fueled by forgiveness lead us to reconciliation with others.
Many have forgiven but few have sought to reach out and be reconcile with another. “Mercy
consists of treating people better than they deserve from us. Forgiveness is a type of mercy.
So is aiding someone whom we have no obligation to help, or forbearing to exploit
someone’s vulnerability.” Jesus calls on our generosity to give the gift of forgiveness to
those who have a hurt us in the past. To live a happy life is to pursue forgiveness as well as
to forgive, to forget all past hurts and seek reconciliation with another. To “forgive our sins
just as we forgive those who sin against us.”

f) Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God
How? Make a habit of visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

It is in seeing Him and being totally engrossed in His presence that we begin to see
ourselves, and know how the Lord created us. It is in seeing our hearts that we begin to see
the reality of God in our lives. Be less self-seeking by finding out what God’s purpose is for
you --- to be a gift to others. Happiness comes when there is no ambiguity in you and your
priority and purpose is in God alone. Are there things in our heart aside from God? To see
God is to see with the eyes of the heart – a heart that has been purified, through a life
demonstrating integrity, total loyalty, and single- minded solely for God. “According to
the Gospel, what determines the purity or impurity of an action is the intention.”
g) Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God
How? Practice being UNDERSTANDING.

We are not born alone. We are born into a family, whose Father, the Creator, connects us
with one another. We have a God that strives to gather us and bring us closer (restore
relationships, forgiveness, mercy etc.) through a relationship of overflowing love. Thus,
to be happy is to contribute to that gathering force, to be an instrument of bringing peace
to another. Maintain and VALUE friendships with others.
h) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the
kingdom of Heaven.”
How? Practice PERSERVERANCE in doing good Uphold Christian values in the work place.
Avoid the temptation of cheating in work, being lazy, or putting blame of others. Continue
to uphold values of purity in chastity in your relationships even if it is difficult or if your
partner disagrees with you. Live out the value of simplicity and generosity through tithing
even it means the sacrifice of not going out or being with friends. We live in the world that
tends to condemn the good. This is our fallen reality. One can be condemned for doing
what is right – for many reasons, it’s not accepted or popular, it’s not easy etc. As single
people, we have the capacity to be happy by being conscious of the fact that God is the
reason why we seek to do what is right, good, and true – a keeping in mind of the higher
purpose, while living here on earth. “An evangelizer must never look like someone who has
come back from a funeral --- Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm even when it is
tears that we must sow.”
“True peace always comes from Jesus, and is sometimes ‘wrapped’ in the cross” –
Pope Francis (www.catholicnewsagency.com) Christ crucified emulates this perfect
happiness as talked about in the beatitudes for on the cross He was detached from all forms
of power, honor, wealth, and glory, persecuted for righteousness, forgiving us for our sins,
and acted as a peacemaker on our behalf. He was suffering but in this suffering He found
happiness and peace.

CONCLUSION
The word blessed is also highlighted in another situation, when Mary visited Elizabeth.
Elizabeth found herself exclaiming gratefully, “Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord’s
words to her would be fulfilled.” In this journey, we are simply called to TRUST GOD and to
ENTRUST ourselves to God in order to receive the peace that He wants us to have. A sign of
this peace is joy, because true joy is something that only Jesus can give. (Pope Francis) In
here, we have the happiest tandem of joy and peace, wherein both nourishes each other.
The more we are able to practice true joy, the more that we are able to keep the peace that
God wants to give us. A life of peace indeed further emphasizes our truest joy.
Reflection:
1. Contrast the way in how we experienced the joy that comes from God with that from
which the world offers.
REFERENCES:
"You'd Better Not Pout" by Curtis A. Martin
(https://www.ewtn.com/library/SPIRIT/NOTPOUT.TXT)
“A Church without Joy is Unimaginable” (http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-a-church-without- joy-is-
unimaginable)
“St. Thomas Aquinas” (http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/thomas-aquinas/)
“At a Glance: Blessed are the Meek” (http://www.cuf.org/2007/03/at-a-glance-blessed-are-the-meek/)
Commentaries on the beatitudes (https://www.theologyofwork.org/#!/book/matthew)

EMAI KATHOLIKOS
LIFE OF VIRTUE
“ Finally, brothers, Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy
of praise, think about these things.” - Philippians 4:8
INTRODUCTION
We realize that there is much to celebrate and be grateful for about being Catholic. And
from our Live Catholic activities, we experience our faith in action. But our being Catholic
does not end with activities made by our parish or by our community. Catholicism is not
just a community we belong to or mere religious practices that we adhere to. It is who we
are. It is the life of Christ in us.
With all the different kinds of situations that we go through every day, we make thousands
of decisions based on these situations. And so in Philippians 4:8, St. Paul says, “Whatever is
true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things.” It is not the situations in our life but the decisions that we make that make us who
we are. St. Paul reminds us of our identity as Catholics and our calling to live our lives each
day in a manner worthy of the Lord. To uphold the virtues taught to us in every decision
and action that we make. To live just as He did - with prudence, fortitude, temperance and
justice – rooted in faith, hope and love.
I. A Life of Virtue
A. The Cardinal Virtues (Human Virtues)
CCC 1804:
Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and
will that govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason
and faith. They make possible ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life. The
virtuous man is he who freely practices the good.
Human virtues are good attitudes/dispositions and principles taught to us by our Catholic
faith, our Mother Church. They are attitudes that we need to constantly remind ourselves
of, strive for and try to apply in the decisions that we make in our day to day life so that our
lives reflect Christ and His love. It entails human effort to acquire these virtues. We need to
desire it.

There are 4 fundamental virtues:
1. PRUDENCE
CCC 1806:
Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every
circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where
he is going." "Keep sane and sober for your prayers." Prudence is "right reason in action,"
writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. It is not to be confused with timidity or fear,
nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the
virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that
immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs
his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral
principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve
and the evil to avoid.
It is learning to distinguish what is essential from what is non-essential, to set the

right goals and to choose the best means of attaining them. The virtue of prudence is the
ability to recognize what is right. After all, someone who wants to lead a good life must
know what the “good” is and recognize its worth. Like the merchant in the Gospel “when
he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” Matthew 13:46.
Only the prudent person can apply the virtues of justice, fortitude and moderation so as to
do good. (YOUCAT, p173)
A prudent person striving for holiness will be able to recognize the difference between
something that shines; something that might be attractive but is not going to lead us to that
objective (holiness) and another that is hard but will lead us to that objective.
How can we become prudent? First, we ask God for it. Second, start moving forward, do
what you think is the right means to achieve a good end. Third, make a decision that if you
make a mistake, you will analyze it again in the light of prudence. You will stop and reflect if
this best means to achieve the end that God has called me for.
“Prudence has two eyes, one that foresees what one has to do, the other that examines
afterward what one has done” – St. Ignatius Loyola
a. Always choosing to do what is right even if it means doing it the hard way.
Examples:
(1) In the workplace, we don’t take shortcuts with our tasks because we do want to
compromise the people who will be affected with our actions. We do our work
excellently bearing in mind that this is the end goal that God wants for us
(2) Crossing the street using the designated pedestrian lanes or over pass simply
because it is the right thing to do. We put value in our lives and by simply following
traffic rules we are protecting our life from the danger of crossing the street
carelessly.
(3) Deciding not to steal despite financial hardships in life.

b. Learning from our past mistakes

When we have experienced making wrong decisions in the past, we learn from it
and we strive to improve ourselves because of it.
Examples:
(1) A previous loving relationship had gone sour because of lack of time, one should
strive to become a better boyfriend or girlfriend by learning how to manage his/her
time.
(2) A previous bad decision about money should make one learn how to be more
frugal in handling finances.
2. JUSTICE
CCC 1807
Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God
and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." Justice toward men
disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the
harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just
man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking
and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. "You shall not be partial to the
poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." "Masters,
treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."
The guiding principle of justice is: “To give each his due”. A child with a disability and a
highly gifted child must be encouraged in different ways so that each may fulfill his
potential. Justice is concerned with equity and longs to see people get that to which they
are entitled. We must allow justice to govern our relations with God also and give him
what is his: our love and worship. (YOUCAT p.173-174)
Practicing the virtue of justice does not only mean not doing harm to others but also not
doing anything to fight for what is right.
Justice should prompt a person to give (or do) what is due to the other person because he
acknowledges that the other person is a son/daughter of God, hence he/she deserves to be
treated justly. A just person thinks and acts “this other person who is made in the image
and likeness of God also has special needs , I have the responsibility to this person to make
sure that those needs are met .I have to find out what this person needs and try to meet
those needs. To practice justice is to uphold the dignity of a person because he is a child of
God.
“Justice without mercy is unloving; mercy without justice is degrading” – Friedrich Von
Bodelschwingh (Lutheran theologian and founder of the Bethel Hospitals)

Examples of being just in the everyday life of an SFC
a. Standing up and fighting against the culture of death – abortion, etc.

b. Being humane in our dealings with those that are working for us – house help,
drivers, baggers in the markets, janitors, security guards, etc. treating them with
respect and the dignity as a child of God.
c. Treating others with respect regardless of their race and status in life.
3. FORTITUDE
CCC 1808
Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the
pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome
obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of
death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his
life in defense of a just cause. "The Lord is my strength and my song." "In the world you
have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
In St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says “Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of
season.” Fortitude is standing up for God in whatever situation.
Example of saints who were murdered for their faith in God
Fortitude is standing by God – believing and trusting in His love and mercy. A person who
practices the virtue of fortitude know that God is faithful to His promises therefore, he will
not let fear get in the way of him achieving what God has called him to do.
The one who is practicing the virtue of fortitude says I am going to keep going and do what
God is asking of me because it is God who is asking it from me.
Practicing fortitude means “fixing your eyes on Jesus, not on your failure nor on your
success, not on your sorrow nor on your joy, not on your weakness nor on your strength,
not on other people nor on yourself, not on what you have nor on what you don't have, not
on what you have done nor on what you have not done, and not on what you have
experienced nor on what you have not experienced Simply fixing your eyes on him.”
(M. Giangan)
Examples of practicing the virtue of fortitude in the everyday life of an SFC
a. When you are having difficulty in dealing with your boss, offer it up to Jesus and ask
him to bless the other person. The difficulty you are experiencing will not make you
back out from the job but rather will lead you to sanctification

b. When you have to stand up for something that you truly believe in even if people
thinks less of you or think that you are being prude.
4. TEMPERANCE
CCC 1809
Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides
balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps
desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive
appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your
inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart." Temperance is
often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your
appetites." In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live
sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."
Titus 2:11-12 it says Transformation of Life. “For the grace of God has appeared, saving
all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately,
justly, and devoutly in this age,”
Temperance also called moderation is a virtue because immoderate behavior proves to be

a destructive force in all areas of life. Someone who is immoderate abandons himself to the
rule of his impulses, offends others by his inordinate desires, and harms himself. (YOUCAT,
p.174)
Temperance is deciding that I will not just fill up my life with many good things as possible
just because they are good. When one lives in temperance, he knows how to appreciate the
goodness in the things that he has and the goodness that he can do for others.
Temperance requires sacrifice. Giving up something for the good of one’s self and others.
Temperance is YOLO-ing in a good way. We live the YOLO (You Only Live Once) principle
bearing in mind that we only have one life and we must guard it not by seeking temporary
thrills but seeking out new experiences of serving God.
Examples of practicing the virtue of temperance in the everyday life of an SFC
a. Using the internet in good and productive ways instead of watching pornographic
materials or wasting time online when it should have been spent with loved ones.
b. Saying no to pre-marital sex.
c. Saying no to drunkenness and other vices
d. Observing moderation in consuming or acquiring things.
e. Volunteering in a Cornerstone school in your area.
B. Theological Virtues
Theological virtues give life to and drive us to keep the cardinal virtues because it
brings us closer to God. Theological virtues are from God, through God and leads to God. In

John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
God gives us the theological virtues so that we can experience life to the fullest – a life in
God’s love.
CCC 1812
The human virtues are rooted in the theological virtues, which adapt man's faculties for
participation in the divine nature: for the theological virtues relate directly to God. They
dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. They have the One and
Triune God for their origin, motive, and object.
There are 3 theological virtues:
1. Faith
CCC 1814
Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said
and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself.
By faith "man freely commits his entire self to God." For this reason the believer seeks to
know and do God's will. "The righteous shall live by faith." Living faith "work(s) through
charity."
Faith believes in God, acknowledge His truth and commit ourselves personally to him. We
practice the virtues because we have faith in God; because we have a goal of pleasing God.
We trust that by doing what is good – by doing what is virtuous, we are in fact following His
footsteps. We are doing His will.
2. Hope
CCC 1817
Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as
our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength,
but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Hope gives us the assurance that doing these virtues is possible and good and that it will
bring us to the promise of a beautiful life with God. We are hopeful for our citizenship in
heaven. We are hopeful to be with God.
Hope is the power by which we firmly and constantly long for what we were placed on
earth to do; to praise God and to serve Him; and for our true happiness, which is finding
our fulfillment in God; and for our final home: in God. (YOUCAT, p176)
We try to do good because we hope that doing well leads us to happiness. And indeed, true
happiness can be found in God alone.

3. Charity (Love)
CCC 1822
Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and
our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
Love is always the strongest force that drives us to do all these virtues. Because God loved
us first, we have that innate desire to love God back and this disseminates to our neighbors.
For we cannot love God without loving our neighbors. Loving our neighbors is not an easy
task and therefore we have to draw that love from the One who does not run empty. This
leads us back to God.
A LIFE OF VIRTUE LEADS TO A LIFE OF HOLINESS

CCC 1810-1811
Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by perseverance ever-
renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God's help, they
forge character and give facility in the practice of the good. The virtuous man is happy to
practice them.
It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ's gift of salvation
offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should
always ask for this grace of light and strength, frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the
Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil.
This is just a beginning; we are continuously called to desire for these virtues and live it out
in our everyday life. Just like the saints they developed, practiced and live out these virtues
and became who they are and lived a life of holiness.
Holiness is a life that we are called for. A call to perfection in Christ. We are called to be
saints. Striving to live these virtues every day of our lives will eventually become
something that is not just what we decide on but who we are and therefore make us like
Christ. It will lead us to holiness.
CONCLUSION
Our Catholic faith leads all of us to a saintly life, a holy life that is made possible by way of
the virtues. Our human effort in living out these virtues allows us to receive and
experience God’s grace in our lives. We should always strive to be in the state of grace so
we can practice these virtues. To live out the cardinal virtues is possible because of the
theological virtues which have been bestowed to us by God.
Note to speaker: The session will end with a challenge to the participant—to challenge
them to champion a virtue in 21 days until it becomes a habit (total of 84 days)

EIMAI KATHOLIKOS
SPLENDOR OF OUR FAITH
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
INTRODUCTION
There are a lot of reasons to be joyful about our faith. Being a Catholic, we can trace our
root that links us directly to Jesus from the first Pope Peter until the 256 th Pope Francis.
According to Matthew Kelly, there a lot of reasons to celebrate the greatness of being
Catholic, in fact there are infinite numbers of great reasons to be Catholic but he
fundamentally summarizes it into 10. Here are the ten great reasons to be Catholic in
random:
1. This is the Church that Jesus Christ started and sent the Holy Spirit to
guide. It’s unique, it’s the original.
2. The Catholic Church has relieved more sufferings than any other group in
the history of the world. We care for the sick, the hungry, the lonely, the
homeless, the uneducated and the imprisoned.
3. We have history and mystery. To really understand Christianity, you need
a historical perspective and the history of Christianity is Catholic. We
know that it’s alright not to have the answer to everything. Some things
were mystery and that’s okay.
4. We have the Saints. These are the great heroes and heroines of
Christianity; they are the most diverse group of people in history. They
have lived in every century on every continent and in every country and
they all try to be the best version of themselves.
5. We believe in the power of prayer. At every moment of everyday, mass is
being prayed in thousands of places around the world, that’s our family.
The Catholic Church praying for the whole world, we don’t just pray for
Catholics, we pray for everyone. Imagine how different the history of the
world would have been if the Catholic Church had never offered a single
prayer.
6. It’s the same all around the world. Even though Mass is done in different
language, we know that it’s the same. Catholicism is the same everywhere
and that’s a beautiful thing.
7. The Catholic Church is the premier defender of human rights. For 2, 000
years we’ve been defending the rights of people whether they are Catholic
or not. It shows that Catholicism is not just self-interest and that’s a
beautiful thing too.
8. You need to be part of something bigger than yourself. Life is not about
you. It’s about loving God by laying down your life and service of other
people. The Catholic Church has the most important mission in the world
and you’re invited to get involved and be a part of that great mission.

9. The Eucharist. Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. There’s

nothing like it, it’s the ultimate spiritual food.
10. You don’t say no to God when He invites you. There are some invitations
we don’t turn down.
“I can come up with great reasons to be Catholic all day long but ultimately,
you need to come up with some of your own. I can’t give you my love for the Church;
I wish I could and if I could I would. But in the end you have to make Catholicism
your own.”--- Matthew Kelly
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfOXBw-v9Ts&t=1s
I. Distorted Truths
The beauty of our Catholic faith has been challenge in every generation but the
church remains to uphold the truth. Many of our single adults seeks the life that is
of God but the evil plots his plan in a subtle way we become oblivious of its
presence, watching us falling into the cultural trap of:
 Relativism – the belief that different things are true for different people or at
different time. What’s true for you might not be true for me. No absolute
truth, therefore, no church or God.
E.g.
o Just settling on what you know and not trying to learn more and
search for more
o Not accepting the teachings of the Church because it goes against
what you believe in
o Not going to Mass because you came from a SFC activity.
 Pluralism—the belief or theory that there may be more than just one truth.
No absolute truth, no ultimate reality.
E.g.
o Choosing to attend other Christian denominations because it is all the
same
o Knowing that being good is important inside the Church, but outside
there is no room for religion
o I can be faithful even without being religious.
 Negativism—the tendency to refuse what is true or to do the opposite of

what is true teaching because truth is offensive.
E.g.
o Liking praise and worship but looking at the mass as boring
o Catholics are sinful thus I don’t think I can be part of that Church
o Accepts that sacrament of reconciliation is good but doing the
opposite by promoting that confessing directly to God is the same.

 Skepticism—an attitude of doubting the truth of what the church teaches to

be true. Having a default disposition of asking, does the truth really exist?
E.g.
o Choosing not to be part of the Church because there is no belief in God
o Doesn’t want to belong to any community because they don’t last
o Not listening to the sessions because they think that people can’t live
what they said.
II. Strong Pillars
The truth is with us since the beginning, we find it in the word and in the
tradition of the Church. To see the beauty of the Church we have to reconfigure on
what’s good and ground ourselves on the 4 pillars of our faith. These pillars uphold
what is true that we as part of the Church should believe in:
A. Creed
 Our most basic Catechism, serving as our summary of beliefs.
Reminding us of what we believe in as a Church
 Our pledge of loyalty, declaring our allegiance to God and his
representatives on earth, the Pope, the bishops the priests and the
whole body of Christ
 Proclamation of identity, in saying these words we declare that we
truly are Catholic, we are united and one
B. Sacraments
 Upholds the true presence of God and Christ, especially through
the Sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist.
 As SFCs we must avail of the Sacraments (specially the Eucharist)
as often as we can
 Through these Sacraments, we receive grace
C. Commandments
 More than a set of do’s and don’ts
 It is very relevant even in our current time
 Teaches us on how to live in respect with the lives of others
D. Prayer (Marian Devotion/Saints)

 Our direct line of communication with God
 Our daily tool in dealing with the challenges that we face
 Keeps our orientation to the Lord stronger
 Unites us with the Father, keeps us one
 Saints as our intercessor
 Mary as our true model of prayer in humility and obedience

III. The splendor of our Faith; the mark of Catholics
Being a part of Christ’s body we have already been marked, it is not just any mark. It is a
mark that we are one in His life, passion, death and resurrection. This distinguished mark,
reminds us that we are united as one Body with Christ as our head. We are not just
Catholics, we are ONE, a HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC believer, and thus, what it means is
to be:
A) One
“The Church is one because of her source: "the highest exemplar and source of this
mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the
Holy Spirit." CCC 813
 Our oneness as a Church resonates the oneness of the Trinity, Three persons in one
God
 As big as the Church is, encompassing all nations and races, we are one through the
Baptism that we have received and through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross
B) Holy
“but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your
conduct” 1 Peter 1:15
 We are Holy, but not because it is our own strength

 We become Holy because of God who is Holy. "The Church . . . is held, as a matter of
faith, to be unfailingly holy. This is because Christ, the Son of God, who with the
Father and the Spirit is hailed as 'alone holy,' loved the Church as his Bride, giving
himself up for her so as to sanctify her” (CCC 823)
 Thus all of us are called saints. We trust that we can be Holy, because as a Church we
look up to men and women, of ordinary lifestyle, who by the grace of God performed
ordinary acts. This is also the reason why we look up and try to emulate the life of
the Blessed Mother, because we trust that through her care and intercession we may
be able to be Holy like her Son.
C) Catholic
 Catholic is derived from the Greek work Katholikos, which means universal.
 The Church is Catholic, firstly because Christ is truly present in her, through Christ
the Church receives “the fullness of the means of salvation”
 Second the Church is Catholic, because Christ has sent her out on a mission to the
whole human race, spreading His love, truth and good news to every nation

D) Apostolic
Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 857) the Church is apostolic
because of three ways.
- The Church remains built on the foundation of the apostles – we continue to believe
that Christ himself established the Church through Peter, the first Pope of the
Church (And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18)
- With the help of the Spirit, the Church continues to hand on and teach the teachings
which she received and heard from the apostles
- Since the time of Peter, the Church has been taught, sanctified, and guided, by the
apostles, a direct succession from the first Pope.
CONCLUSION
Our Church is a great gift from the Father. We are blessed to have Christ’s presence
in the Eucharist that we share. We are blessed to be guided by men who because of
successor of Peter, who was himself handpicked by Christ to take, care of His flock. We are
blessed, but this means that we are also responsible in making sure that the faith continues
to be One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic, to continue to strive for unity, that all may hear and
to continue to direct our gaze to the teachings of the Church, that Christ himself handed to
the Apostles.

EMAI KATHOLIKOS
TAKING A STAND
“Therefore, since we have justified by faith, we have peace with God through whom we have
gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of
God.” Romans 5:1-2
INTRODUCTION
In the past two days of this conference we have learned so much. We came to know of our
identity as Catholics and how it is such a precious gift that has been given unto us. That we
are a part of the church and are all called to respond to our Lord by living a life of virtue.
So today, when we consider Matthew’s last chapter, Jesus’ last and final instructions to the
disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you and Lo, I am with you always, until the close of age”. The mission given to
the Church which we are all part of, is not just a mandate that goes with our baptism, but it
is a call to every Catholic (CCC849).
We have been chosen to be sent to the nations. Having God revealed to us Himself and a
receiver of faith this has become our missionary path to spread the gift of salvation to
everyone (CCC1816). The ultimate purpose of the mission is to make men share in the
communion between the Father and the Son in their Spirit of love (CCC850). And this
cannot be done alone, but rather together as one Body of Christ – the Church.
Being Catholic is not just a religion that we need to choose or to have. Being Catholic is
being the Church of Christ who strives to continue the mission and fulfil its goal of
communion with the Triune God.
CALLED TO CONTINUE THE MISSION
As SFCs our vision speaks a lot about this calling.

“Singles for Christ is the next generation of Couples for Christ, empowered by the Holy
Spirit, to journey and witness with single men and women in discovery and pursuit of
vocation to the fullness of the mission towards building a Christ-centered society”.
a. Empowered by the Holy Spirit – our call is grounded in the eternal love of the Holy Spirit
(CCC850). Our strength to do the mission comes from the Holy Spirit. He gives us power to
be witnesses to the ends of the earth. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8. So let us not waste this power that comes
as a gift to do the mission. Every day of our lives, let us continue to ask for the help of the

Spirit to have the courage, the humility to do the mission of sharing and living the Faith that
was given to us.
b. Journey and Witness with single men and women - The beauty of the mission is that we
are not to do it alone. As SFCs we are one ministry, a Family ministry of CFC, part of the
body of the Church. Thus,
• We should strengthen our relationship with one another, leaving no one behind
regardless of stature and culture.
• We are to share what we have, what we learn, what we experienced with each and every
one we meet every day.
• We are to journey with the poor
• We are to be witnesses of God’s goodness in our lives
c. Discovery and Pursuit of Vocation – part of the journey is to help each other with the
power of the Spirit to discover our vocation. Discover, accept and live it.
It is when our vocation is clear to us, we would know our roles, our purpose. We might not
know it exactly right now, but as brothers and sisters we should strive to discover this as
well together, supporting and helping each other.
d. Fullness of the mission –

Missionary paths. The Holy Spirit is the protagonist, "the principal agent of the whole of the
Church's mission."345 It is he who leads the Church on her missionary paths. "This mission
continues and, in the course of history, unfolds the mission of Christ, who was sent to
evangelize the poor; so the Church, urged on by the Spirit of Christ, must walk the road
Christ himself walked, a way of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice even to
death, a death from which he emerged victorious by his resurrection." 346 So it is that "the
blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians."347
e. Towards building a Christ-centered society

It us upon all of us that the church is truly built. It is more than just the physical structure
of the church that is being built. We are building a community, a communion of believers
gathered together with one heart, mind and spirit in fulfilling our mission of sharing our
own encounters and experiences of our Lord’s love with others.
III. Witnessing Christ through the Theological Virtues

We have already experienced during the Live Catholic activities the four cardinal virtues
and heard about the three theological virtues from the second session. The theological
virtues of Faith, Hope and Love are essential if we are to become true witnesses of Christ.
Faith
Acts 8:5-8
Thus Philip went down to [the] city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. With
one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and
saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of
many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was
great joy in that city.

Acts 8:14-17
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,
they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might
receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the
Holy Spirit.
 Just like the people of Samaria who encountered Christ through Philip in Faith. We
also have our own encounter that leads us to witness Christ in Faith. It is
accompanied by miracles, healing and signs.
 Our call as an SFC is to be open to witness and share the faith just like the people in
Samaria who experienced great joy and abandoning themselves in receiving Christ
through faith.
 Our outward call in giving witness to our faith is by doing good things, being gentle,
and sincere.
Hope
1 Peter 3:15-18
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to
anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence,
keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your
good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing
good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once, the
righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the
flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.
 The basis of our hope is Christ who suffered unto death in the flesh and put to life by
the spirit.
 We go through life confident in our Lord placing all our Hopes upon Him. He will
never leave our side. He continues to empower us to fulfill the call that He has
entrusted upon us.
Love
John 14:15-21
The Advocate. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the
world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it
remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a
little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will
live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And
whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
 We can witness to love by obeying God's commandments. 'Love one another as I

have loved you'
 Acts of love
1. Listen to Jesus – Let us always be open to the words of Jesus. Through the
scriptures and in our encounter of Him in the sacraments, we open ourselves to His
grace and mercy.
2. Make His words our own – let us take to heart His words and embrace what He is
saying to us.
3. Acting on it – And finally, we must actively pursue the mission that our Lord has
pressed upon us. We are the church and we are here to give testimony to His
greatness and victory for it is what we have experienced and we wish to share this
to everyone.
CONCLUSION
Through the grace of God present in the theological virtues, in the presence of our Lord, we
are enables, emboldened and empowered to accomplish the mission and calling of the
Church to spread the gospel. This will become manifest in our daily lives, in how we live,
how we think and interact with others. May we never waver in our Faith. May we always
have that Hope in our Lord that we are forever enveloped by His Love. Our advocate is the
Holy Spirit that enables us to witness Jesus.
Reference: YouTube May 21, 2017 episode of The Word Exposed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

FULLNESS IN MISSION
“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Phil. 4:13
INTRODUCTION
God entrusted the different areas of our lives to us out of love with a great purpose
of living a joyful life. The joy that goes around the different priorities in our lives is a
fulfillment and a manifestation of how God truly loves us until this very moment.
Our Purpose
Our mission asks that we always return to the very purpose of why man is created-
simply, to know, to love and to serve God. With these basic things, we will learn that our life
as followers of Christ is not that complicated. What is expected of us is just the essentials:
1. To know God
We thank God for allowing us to know Him through SFC, knowing Him leads us to
deeper sense of longing to serve Him even more.
With every “Yes” we have given to Him in our service, God reveals who he is to us.
We have come to know of His plans, His will and His promises in our lives.
Ultimately, we have come to know His love. Because we are loved, God wants our
lives to never be the same- He wants us to mature, grow and change. In response, we
must get to know God even more intimately, through our prayer time and reading
scripture.
2. To love God
It became easier to love God as we continue to serve Him because we get to be
intimate with him through the “encounters” that we experience during the mission.
We love God when we honor Him with our victories in mission. The more we do so,
the more we recognize how much enduring His love is for us. We respond in loving
Him with unwavering commitment to God the way that John the Beloved loved
Christ. He stayed with Him until His death of the cross. He continued afterwards
taking care of who Jesus loved- His Mother Mary. Above all else, he prioritized God
always assuming a posture of humility.
4. To serve God
The natural respond in knowing and loving God is serving Him. Service becomes so
natural because it is through it we can give back to God all the goodness and
blessings He provides us.
Life goes on, mission goes on. We serve God by fully living our Mission with renewed

urgency. God wants all of His children to experience His love. This is why we must
always strive for excellence in service knowing that every opportunity we serve is a
Jesus experience for us and for them. In our service we strive to be like Christ.
Our Mission Essentials

As we continue to be active in this community, we acknowledge that fullness comes
also in doing mission. Beholding on how the Lord is using us with the mission that He
entrusted and pondering on the things that He wants us to focus on. We allow the Lord to
affirm us with a message that we should always behold in our minds and ponder in our
hearts.
1. Faith (“I can”)

In facing guilty and unworthiness in service, God wants us to run after Him. We do
this by adopting the posture of Mother Mary. Despite the absurdity of God’s calling
for her, she believed in her anointing to be the Mother of God in her response: “Be
it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). And so, we must acknowledge
that in our service, we are not just filling in a position because we can do it. We are
anointed through the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what God wants us to do.
2. Hope (“do all things”)

God sees us for who we are but most importantly who we will be. Similarly in
mission, we must dare to dream big, even as our vision states that “every man and
woman all over the world experiencing Christ”. He will surely provide us directions
to do this. We will see Christ working in us and in our mission. But we must entrust
this to Him, in the way Jesus entrusted John and Mother Mary to each other:
“Behold your son, behold your mother”
3. Love (“through him who empowers me.”)

God loved us first before we even loved the people and the mission. This is what
gives us strength as we strive for excellence as missionaries. The standard of how
we do mission is how God loved us.
CONCLUSION
Our community is one of the biggest numbers of missionaries being sent to different
areas all around the world. This proves that when you get to be closer with God and found
fullness in His love, it’s but natural that doing mission is our goal.
God’s ultimate desire for all of us is to love Him and love the people that He will send
us, we can rely on God’s promise that He will take care of us as we take care of the mission
He has entrusted to us.

Activity: (one or all activities may be done depending on the time allotted)
1. Mission Statement Writing Lead the participants to prayer, ask them to write a
MISSION STATEMENT (a commitment or plans to do mission starting with their own
Chapters, Clusters, Province/Sectors/Countries, or outside of their areas) then end with
singing the song “The Mission”
2. Ask someone who have gone to mission and share how mission made his/her life
as SFC more exciting.
(Please take a groupie, post in your social media account and tag everyone from your Chapter and use the following hashtags: #GenChrist
#LiveGenesis #ChristProclaimed #iamSFC)

MISSION AS STORYTELLING
I. Introduction
It is natural for most of us to tell stories. Once we are with people, we are already
exchanging stories, even if with people we just met. If it is inherent to us to exchange
stories, why don’t we just tell stories about Christ?
II. Mission as Storytelling
The mission begins with God the Father (John 3). It is the prolongation of the love story
between God and humankind and creation.
A. What are the Elements of Mission in relation to storytelling?
1. The one proclaiming it should live the story.

 A good story is credible. If the one telling the story is an eye-witness of the
story, then it is credible. Credibility is determined by the actual experience of
the storyteller.
 We should have an actual experience of Jesus so that we will be credible to
our hearers. It is one thing to read His story and to actually sound credible.
Words may sound beautiful but not convincing.
 We have to experience the Jesus whom we are narrating. Have we
experienced the story we are narrating?
2. Our story of Jesus gives our identity and forms a community.

 Our stories tell about who we are.
 You are still a community if you have the same memories and stories.
 When we tell stories of Christ, we say that we are tied to Christ. When we do
mission there really is the challenge to root to Christ.
 What really forms the community is really the common memory and story of
Christ (eg. Eucharist as breaking bread)
3. Our story of Jesus provides meaning to our rituals and symbols and to the
principles and commitment of our communities.
 If Christ’s story is separated then the symbols lose their religious meaning.
(eg. Santacruzan becomes merely a fashion show or beauty contest)
 If an activity doesn’t have a connection to the story of Jesus, then maybe it is
not something we should do or include.
4. Jesus’ story can be told through living holy lives.

 A lot of stories happen or are told not through talking. Though the most
obvious way is direct-telling of the story, our smiles, tears, listening, our very
person can be Jesus’ story. How we are show who Jesus is. (eg. Our
compassionate smile tell the story of Jesus who cares)

 May we also tell the story of those who cannot tell their story – the poor and
the oppressed.
 Mary though did not completely understood Jesus’ story, kept all these
stories in her heart and her life told the story of Jesus.
III. Conclusion
The very foundation of mission is companionship with Jesus for how can we tell the
story of someone we haven’t seen, heard, touched or experienced. Experiencing Him
will allow us to witness to Him and to His story. May we truly be witnesses to the ends
of the earth as our lives tell the story of Jesus whom we love.

ONE HEART IN CHRIST

“I have told you this, that my own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. This is my
commandment: love one another as I have loved you!” John 15:11-12
I. INTRODUCTION: GOD’S UNITING LOVE
 Because of God’s great love for us, He did not allow us to just live our own lives away
from Him. But in His pursuit of us, He became one of us, and, as we learned in the
first talk, He also intensely desires for us to be one with Him, to be one in His heart.
 As we become one with the heart of Christ, this also naturally makes us desire to be
in union with the people around us so that we may all be one with the heart of God.
Because in God’s heart is the totality of His children, not just a few, not many, but all
of us!
 What is beating in God’s heart for His people, the Church? Simply put, it is that “He
loves us so much, that He wants us to love one another as He has loved us.” He
knows that only His love can truly unite us with one another as one Body.
 The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: The Church “is the visible plan of
God’s love for humanity,” because God desires “that the whole human race may
become one People of God, form one Body of Christ, and be built up into one Temple
of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 776)
II. THE HEART OF OUR MISSION IN SFC
 The heart of our mission is to bring Christ to all that His love may unite us all into
ONE Body, ONE Church fully experiencing His love in union with Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. This is an overwhelming task, the fulfillment of which we may not see in
our lifetime, but it is compelling because we know that is what is in the Heart of
Christ.
 This is the heart from which our mission of Building the Church of the Home and
Building the Church of the Poor emanates. We are called to be Builders of the
Church!
A. Building the Church of the Home simply means:
 Being witnesses of Christ’s love and faithfulness in our own homes, in our
workplace, and wherever we are, and working to make this happen in ALL
HOMES. It is our mission to have Christ reign in all homes!

 Thus we will not stop until our families, our friends, our officemates, and all the
people around us are already experiencing and following Christ.
B. Building the Church of the Poor simply means:
 Being witnesses of Christ’s love and faithfulness to our poor brethren, whoever
the Lord will allow us to encounter. It is our mission to let the poor experience
Christ in their lives in its fullness.
 Thus we will not stop until our poor brethren are already concretely
experiencing and following Christ in their lives.
C. Builders of the Church

 Building the Church of the Home and the Church of the Poor is actually our
means of reaching the heart of the mission which is to help build the Church—
the Kingdom of God—here and now. Before we get caught up in our programs
and dynamics we must first of all make sure we never lose sight of this, that
everything we do goes back to the heart of our mission of building the Church,
the people of God, towards union with Him.
 How do we become “Builders of the church” in our personal ways? We just need
to BUILD!
B-ecome one with the others

 We accept that we are not alone in this world but that we are
brother/sister to others. Thus we share in both the joys and sufferings of
others, especially where we know God’s plan of love and unity is not
happening. It is not enough that our lives are good and that we are
experiencing Christ’s love—the lives of others have to be this way too.
 We don’t turn a deaf ear to the cries for help of others because we know
they are part of the Church just as we are, and their weakness contributes
to the weakness of the Church.
 We strive to build a strong Church by building strong members nourished

and strengthened by Christ’s love.
U-nlimited expressions of love

 We bring Christ’s love where it needs to be experienced through genuine
caring relationships that mirror this love. This must begin with our own
families, then our own households, extending to other brothers and
sisters both within and outside the community.
 We try to find numerous ways of expressing our love for others for
different people feel loved in different ways. Some may feel loved through

our giving of our time, others through our sharing of material things or
resources, others through a loving touch.
 Who in your immediate surroundings is in need of expressions of your

love? (Parents, siblings, co-workers, the poor you encounter every day,
your parish priest, etc.) How can you express love to these persons
soonest?
 In particular, we share and give whatever we can, no matter how big or

small, to those who are in need. No one can say that he/she has nothing
to give, everyone has something to share. Oftentimes we will see that God
always allows us to encounter somebody who is in need because He will
use us concretely to address the need of that person. (Share short
personal experience where applicable.)
I-ntercede for others

 We lift up back to God every person that He allows us to encounter, for He
knows perfectly how we should respond to their needs.
 Our efforts will never be enough; what makes a Christ experience right
and complete is the power of the Holy Spirit to move us and work
personally in those who are in need.
L-ove the God of the service

 Our motivation is our love for God. We serve because our God asked us to
and we simply want to love Him by serving Him.
 We don’t love the service given to us, but we will always go back to the
God of the service. Our service is only the means by which we are able to
express our love for God through our love for others and through what
we do for them.
 If we continue to focus in loving our God, then whatever will be asked of

us to do, we will just faithfully do!
D-eeper desire for mission

 We continue to grow deeper in our desire to do our mission, not just for
the sake of doing the mission, but for as long as there are still people
around us who are not yet experiencing Christ’s love and faithfulness.
 We will continue to pray that God will give us “burden for the lost”, and
the grace to be instruments of His love, faithfulness, and power!
 With these, we realize that as we carry out our mission, we are basically asked to
put everything that we do first in the “HEART-LEVEL”, and not just in the activity or
program level! We do things not just because it is part of the schedule of activities

and programs that we have in SFC. Our ways in carrying out our mission, programs,
and activities may vary, but the heart of why we do them does not – we do things
because it is the need of our brothers and sisters as well as ours “to experience
Christ to the full!”
 Our mission goes beyond our activities and programs; rather it is personal—it is our
way of life! It transcends our activities in SFC and is carried out in our day to day
living. We are missionaries of Christ’s love wherever we are.
III. CONCLUSION
- Experiencing the fullness of life in Christ and the fullness of His love entails growing
deeper in our personal relationship with Him, being rooted in Him, and becoming
stronger in our faith. With this, God is continuously inviting us and pursuing us to go
back to Him, to see what is in His heart, and live in it.
- As we respond to God’s invitation to become one in His heart, it is truly a natural

way for us as well to bring with us our brothers and sisters in our growing
experience of the love and faithfulness of Christ. We cannot be one with the heart of
God unless we bring with us our brothers and sisters.
- Thus, we can say that everyone can do something in the mission, we just need to
make it personal first, as we go back to the heart of God. And in the heart of God are
WE, ALL OF US. In His HEART, we are ONE!
Reflection Activity: Let us check the posture of our hearts right now.
1. As we carry out our mission in SFC, in what level are we serving, in the “activity-
level” or “heart-level”?
2. Let us ask for the grace of God to continue to lead us into His heart as we carry on
with our mission.

FOUNDATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

OVERCOMING THE WORLD
A. Introduction.
1. Many people today, including Christians, are in bondage. To depression, loneliness,

anger, frustration. To sex, alcohol, drugs. To fears.
2. The sources of problems are fourfold: the world, our flesh, the devil, and our
personal wrongdoing.
3. The next four talks will cover each of these.
B. The problem: the world.
1. What is "the world"?
a) ”Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15, “We know that we belong to
God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19.
These are puzzling passages. Is the whole world evil?
b) "World" does not refer to the physical universe.
* The world is not inherently evil. In fact, God approves of all that He has
created.
“God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Evening
came, and morning followed—the sixth day” Genesis 1:31;
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when

received with thanksgiving,” 1 Timothy 4:4.
c) "World" does not refer to "all men".
* Sometimes this is the sense of John's use of the word. As in “For God so loved
the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16. However, here God
loves the world, and so we also ought to.
d) The "world" mentioned in 1 John is a system of relationships, ideas and values

opposed to the kingdom of God.
* This "world" is the Christian's enemy. It is society and culture separated

from God and locked into patterns controlled by the forces of darkness.

2. Areas of this worldly system.
a) Personal relationships.
* Warped by competition, mistrust, resentment, manipulation.
* Relationships between men and women, based on fleeting emotional

attachments, are poisoned by suspicion, fear and exploitation.
* Authority relationships in families, jobs and governments are bent by

rebellion and the will to dominate.
b) Worldly ideas.
* Some popular philosophical, psychological and artistic theories such as

existentialism and humanistic psychology view man as a completely
independent unit, sovereign in himself, with no goals other that
self-realization and the exercise of freedom.
* Scientific theories such as behaviourism tend to view man as a machine to be

programmed and redesigned for greater efficiency.
* Many contemporary thinkers dismiss objective truth. To them, truth is

subjective and relative: truth is different for different people in different
circumstances.
c) Worldly values.
* Materialism (money and possessions), hedonism (pleasure), thirst for power

and prestige (domination).
* Corrupt forms of independence and competitiveness.
3. Where is "the world"?
a) The world and the kingdom of God exist side by side in the same physical
environment.
b) Thus we must be able to discern the presence of worldly relationships, ideas and
values in our day-to-day lives.
* At times it will be clear. We need little discernment to tell that murder, civil
war, gross violation of human rights, etc., are wrong.
* However, the world's opposition to God often operates more subtly.

For example:

- The modern industrial corporation provides jobs and supplies goods and
services, yet its lord is profit and the dominant values in corporate
worker's lives tend to be ambition and competitiveness.
- The modern secular university expands man's knowledge and helps solve
man's problems, yet its efforts are usually based on the fallacious
assumption that man holds his fate in his own hands.
- Thus the influence of the world often eludes easy detection.
* To discern, ask: "Is Jesus honoured here? Is Jesus the Lord here? Do people
in this environment openly proclaim and acknowledge him?"
- However, we should be careful not to use this test to make judgments

about situations. We merely want to discern patterns of relationships,
ideas and values which are non-Christian in origin and which may cause
problems in our personal lives.
c) Effect of the world on Christians.
* No one can grow up today and remain uninfluenced by the world.

Environments mold people.
* We pick up from the world many values, ideas and ways of relating which
come from non-Christian sources and which hinder our growth in the
Christian life.
* Only a truly Christian environment can reshape our worldly patterns of

relating, thinking and valuing.
C. The solution: Christian community.
1. What is it?
a) A Christian community, such as ours in SFC, is a group of people who openly

proclaim the lordship of Jesus and declare their love of God by sharing their lives
with other Christians.
b) Members of a Christian community gather together in order to live an explicitly

Christian life operating by the patterns of relationships, values and ideas of the
kingdom of God.
* Not just a series of Christian activities.
* But central is a firm commitment of love between each member of the body.

Thus our covenant in SFC.
* Many Christian groups today are not Christian communities. Thus they do
not provide an adequate antidote to the world.
c) The Christian community is God's family.
2. Means of personal growth in SFC.
a) Teaching.
* Our various courses (CLP, COW, KT/PD, CCW, CPRW, CPW, etc.)
* An environment in which members can observe, learn and practice the new
ways of thinking and relating. This gives life to teachings.
* Teaching reinforces community life, and community life reinforces teaching.

The learning process thus combines both formal instruction and personal
experience.
b) Personal relationships.
* Receiving God's love through other Christians is one of the most effective
means of healing and change in the Christian life.
c) Pastoral guidance.
* We have the help of our household leaders, couple coordinators and other
mature brothers and sisters.
D. Christian community: the light of the world.
1. In SFC we can become free from bondage to the world. But SFC has another
purpose, ultimately more central to God's plan of salvation.
a) John 17:15-16. “Do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you
keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I
belong to the world.” Jesus wants us to be in the world still, though not of the world.
b) SFC has two purposes: to free men from their bondage to the world, and also to
be a source of life for the world.
* John 17:18. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
* Matthew. 5:14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain
cannot be hidden. “We are to be a light to the world.

2. Thus a Christian community does not stand isolated from the world, but instead
stands in the world as a visible, tangible witness to the love of God.
a) Expressed in love and unity among our members, in service to others, and in our
work of evangelization and renewal.
b) We in SFC are to love the world but combat its ways. We are to help liberate
men from worldly bondage but call on them to return to serve in the world.
E. Conclusion.
1. If you want to become a new person, commit yourself to our Christian community,
to your covenant, to the life and mission of SFC. Make these your priority.
2. Jesus wants to free us from bondages. We can grow in a new life in the Spirit. SFC
is our help and God's gift to us.

SFC Family Evangelization

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM
“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his
family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heirs of righteousness that comes by
faith.” Hebrew 11:17
I. Introduction
Since God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, the family has
been the basic unit of society – a father, a mother and children are God’s plan for a family.
Because of the importance God has placed in the family, it is constantly under attack by the
devil. This is why we have family problems, age gaps, disagreements or broken families.
As SFC, our role is to keep our family united in God, especially during times that our
families are tested. Noah kept his family safe and united by building an ark in preparation
for a great storm. Let us learn how we can be “Noah’s” of our own family by striving to
build an ark of love, faith, and hope in the midst of the storms in our lives.
II. The Storm That Ruins
Our families today are subject to a lot of things. Although we do not realize it, our families
are slowly being brought to the midst of a great storm. Storms that can hurt, inflict pain,
cause division among family members.
(Note: speaker should share own experiences within the family)
A. The Storm of Disagreements
We’re used to having petty arguments, with our parents, with our siblings. These may
seem all petty at first but even these petty fights may all roll into one big argument of pain
and hurt. It could cause siblings to grow apart from another, and cause children to have
hidden resentment against their parents or vice versa.
B. The Storm or Sickness and Financial Trials
These things we can never avoid and some may not be our own fault. Although this is so,
it could cause the family to be disheartened, failing to see God in each other. This can also
be a source of arguments as to who is to be blamed for all these things.
C. The Storm of Our Own lives
We may not realize it but most of the time we are focused on our lives. We are focused
on our work, business, our friends, our own problems that sometimes we fail to interact
with our family members. Some of us may have been branded as a “dormer” (someone

who treats his house as dorm) by our own parents, always out of the house and only comes
back when it’s time to sleep. There are times that we don’t share problems with our
families. As a result, we grow distant to one another.
III. The Ark that Saves
Even though we feel that our families can be drowned in the midst of these storms, God
gives us the grace and the ability to save our own family from sinking. Just like how He
instructed Noah, He is also instructing us to make an ark that will save our family. The
storms, if handled properly can make the family stronger and more united.
A. An Ark of Faith – Hebrews 11:6-7
Faith is confidence and trust based upon evidence that is seen, heard and experienced in
the family. “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned
about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household.
Through this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes through
faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7. Our families are subjected to a lot of crisis and most of the time; it is
when our faith is tested. We have tendencies to respond to these trials with rebellion,
depression, anger, and bitterness.
God is asking us to build an ark of faith and influence our whole family to place our trust in
God and His promise. With faith and Christ‘s presence in the home, our Biblical
response to crisis should include family prayer time, perhaps fasting always and
attendance at worship to give praise to God.
B. An Ark of Common goals – Genesis 6:13-14
Although we have our own lives to live, we should remember that we are in living in the
midst of our families. It is our goal to live in harmony with the rest of them. Our parents
maybe setting goals– for the children’s needs (e.g. education, health...), to own one’s own
home, an exciting vacation, a common time spend for Sunday mass, etc.
As SFC we need to respect and honor our parents for keeping goals for the family to grow
in a loving relationship with one another. At the same time, we are called to inspire and
help set spiritual goals within the family as well.
C. An Ark of Unity – Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of
them become one body.” Genesis 2:24
Things may be getting hard and trials can cause us to walk out on our own families. What
we should always remember is our families are gifts from God. There may be a lot of things
to turn to but our families will always be there for us. Though imperfect, though slightly
dysfunctional, it is given to us by God and we should do all things to keep it united.

We should:
Accept whatever happens, the good and the bad and keep on loving still.
Accept that you have your own responsibilities within the family.
Accept that storms are part of our lives. We need to put our trust and faith in the Lord that
He will deliver us through it.
IV. Conclusion
God has told us that another disaster awaits this world, our family may not be
spared from this, and you need to be prepared like Noah prepared for the flood. We must
always invest on love and unity in our families so that when storm comes, we are strong
and we are intact.
As SFC, we need to realize that no matter what, our families will always be God’s gift to
us. We always need to be an instrument of love, joy, peace and unity in our homes.
Our family is God’s gift to us. This is part of our covenant. Our family is our covenant. The
love of the Lord should not end in us. It must be shared most especially to our family. This
is also our way of living both the vision of SFC and CFC. Our families are included in the
every single man and woman who should experience Christ. And in turn, leads to Families
in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth.
If we do this, God is pleased, because, if there is love, joy, peace and unity in our families,
God is there.
Guide Questions:
1. What are the storms in your family right now?

2. How can you be a true instrument of unity in your family? What kind of ark does your
family need?
3. What kind of goals do you feel need to be set for your family?
(Outline is based in the CFC YFC Manual. This has been revised to tailor-fit the SFC members)


FAMILY MATTERS
“So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed
himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
I. INTRODUCTION
If we take a look back at our personal history we would be surprised to know that most of
it will speak about our very own family - our experience with them. Most of our memorable
moments of our lives were about them. More so, they are our great influencer. Look at your
beliefs, manners, traditions and values.
There’s an old saying that says, “You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your
family.” God gave you your parents, father, mother and siblings. They are yours. Even if you
have a broken family or your family is too much complicated, they are your family. When
God gave that to you, He has a standing policy – No exchange. No return. They are yours for
life.
II. CREATED FOR A PURPOSE / FAMILY MATTERS
When God creates, He creates with a purpose. He has a reason for everything He creates. He
created us for the purpose of Him loving us. Furthermore, we are created to be part of
family. In Hebrew 2:10 it says, “For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all
things exist, in bringing many children to glory.”
Your family is part of His plan. He put you there for a reason. It doesn’t matter whether
your parents or siblings are good or bad. You may have a dysfunctional family but it doesn’t
cancel His purpose for you in that family.
Every person is born into a family. It doesn’t matter what your social status is, color of your
skin, your nationality, we all belong to a family. The family plays a crucial role in God’s plan.
The family is the very foundation of God’s creation. To prove that, He let Himself born into
one. When God revealed Himself to us through His Son, He came to us through a family. He
grew up in the family. He first experience how it is to love and be loved in the family. He
learned most of his ‘firsts’ in the family. It occupies a special place in His heart. The family
matters to God.
Simply put, our family is our first community. Our Catholic Church even called our family as
domestic church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1656). Within the family is the best
place to learn about our faith and love others the way God loves. It’s a place where the Lord
gathers us, teaches us, forms us. Our family is a place where our schooling begins.

III. UNDER ATTACK
However, since time immemorial, families have been under attack by the evil one. He seeks
to destroy the very fabric of society. He knows that his work will be a lot easier if he can
successfully destroy family.
What God loves, Satan hates. We are under attack.
(Note: speaker should share own experiences within his family)
Redefining the meaning and composition of a family

Increasing number of children born out of wedlock
Spousal abuse
Violence against children
Absentee parent
Sibling fight
The revolution of values within our culture
Rapid pace of social change
Divorce and separation are on the rise
Burdened by the economic demands
Technology provides easy access to media that is contradicting to God’s values
Racial, cultural and even religious discrimination
Security issues (conflict and war)
Let us also look into ourselves as to what is preventing us from having this ideal
relationship with our family.
How am I treating my father/mother?

Am I grateful for all the sacrifices they’ve done for me?
How’s my relationship (if there’s any) with my siblings?
All these are taking a heavy toll in the family. We need to stand up and fight the good fight.
We are to defend our families. No matter what our families are facing right now, we are to
hope. God is not yet with us. Our love for every member of our family is our weapon. Our
prayer for them is our shield. Our faith in God is our source of unity. It sounds simple, but it
takes a lot of time and hard work.
IV. NEVER GIVE UP
It is unavoidable among family members to fall short in loving and understanding each
other. There will be conflicts, tensions, pains, disappointments and even hatred.
Let us not lose hope nor give up. Let us not throw in the towel. These occasions are
opportunities to love and forgive. It is at these times that we are to remember the never-
ending love and forgiveness that God has for each of us.

“In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that
we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he
loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must
love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
This is the very path we need to take. We are to love as God loves us. We are to imitate the
way He loves. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved
us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
Love brought you to life as a family. Love sustains you through good and bad times. When
our Church teaches that the family is an "intimate community of life and love," it identifies
something perhaps you already know and offers you a vision toward which to grow.
What you do in your family to create a community of love, to help each other to grow, and
to serve those in need is critical, not only for your own sanctification but for the strength of
society and our Church. It is a participation in the work of the Lord, a sharing in the mission
of the Church. It is Holy.
CONCLUSION
When one is dying or in his deathbed, he never says, “bring me my smartphone. I want to
hold it before I die.” Neither “bring me my medals, awards and trophies that they gave me
for all the hard work I’ve done.” But what he wants just before he takes his last breath is to
see his loved ones. People who are close to him. People who are dear to him. His family. He
wants to hear them. Touch them for the last time.
We all need to defend the cause of the family and to love at all costs. Our families are
created to reflect God’s unconditional love. Let’s go and love our family.
“Follow the Way of Love. A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Catholic Bishops to Families On the Occasion of the United Nations 1994
International Year of the Family.” http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/follow-the-way-of-love.cfm


WE ARE FAMILY
“if it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your
ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are
dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Introduction
The family is where love begins. It is where the children are born and nurtured. It is where
Christian values are taught and first practiced. It is where relationships are honored and
cultivated.
The Family is where the seeds of faith are sown and eventually cultivated. It is a small
church where a community of believers is founded.
God created and designed the family to be a channel of His love and blessing to all mankind.
The plan of God for each of the families has been always perfect but because of different
conflicts that bring about pain, jealousy, envy and other difficulties to each member, it
creates barriers in their relationship that leads to brokenness.
We need to see and understand the family in light of God’s wonderful creations. To fulfill
the plans of the Lord for our family, we need to understand who we are as family and the
source of our conflicts so that we can help one another to cope with the hurts and pains.
Our Parents
We’ve all heard the stories of our family especially the stories of our parents. How and
where they met each other. How their love story started. Their union as husband and wife.
Their life after having you and your siblings. How they struggled in raising you and etc.
Every family has their own story to tell. Whatever story we may have heard from our
family, that story continues on as we journey forward together as a family.
Our parents do have their own issues. They have different perspectives with career and
different way of raising you and your siblings or on how to give you a better life.
a.) Our parents were never exempt from the threat of fear.
Fear of failing, or losing, of doing things alone, of being left behind. Which is why our some
of our parents are so protective at times.
b.) They have their own obsessions and fixations.

And these could be passed on you through their unfulfilled dreams that they want you to
pursue. Forgive them though and know that they will understand that you want to use the
God given gifts that you have.
Our parents are not perfect. They were also affected by their own brokenness and past
experiences and relationships.
Remember despite their weaknesses they will remain to be your parents, whom we should
accept, take care of, respect, honor and love. They remain to be God’s gifts to us.
My siblings and me
God gave us not only our parents, but our siblings as well. We can use our status and
position in the family to fulfill God’s plan for us. Amazingly, God even uses this for a
purpose. It is true that our parents love all of us, so with all the family members around us.
But sometimes, or maybe most of the times, our personal differences affect our relationship
even in the family.
Children are born differently. They have different needs. So we also have different roles
and expectations depending on our status in the family. These are culture based
expectations. But God has been using these roles as our mission. For us to be a gift to
everyone in the family.
a. The Eldest – often overshadowed by the burden of responsibility, expected to be

the most mature among his/her siblings
b. The Youngest – the one always being taken care of, often looked at as the one who
will not mature easily
c. The Middle Child – they say that they don’t know exactly where they are at,
he/she constantly fight for the identity he/she haven’t found yet
d. The gifted – the parent’s joy and pride, they fear the time that they will fail
because they are not allowed to fail.
e. The seemingly ungifted – he/she drown himself/herself to the idea of being

”ordinary” because he/she have a gifted sibling. He/she feels that he/she will always be not
enough.
These are some of the realities of our family members nowadays. Maybe we have
experienced being compared to our other siblings or children by our parents. If we allow
our weaknesses to take the better of us and believe only on what we want to believe, this
can become obstacles to our own growth as Christians.

What are these common attitudes/obstacles that we should be aware of:
a. Feelings of Superiority – do we feel superior because of our exulted position in the

family? Maybe because we are the breadwinner or we are highly gifted we forget that we
have a big brother or big Sister and more so, we have a father and a mother that needs
respect too.
b. Feelings of Inferiority – do we think everyone else is better? You think that you will
always be an underachiever and will never be like your siblings.
c. The Favorite – Do you always get the choicest part of the dish? The favored one. But you
tend to be selfish, a taker, self-centered?
d. The Neglected – you feel the need to be in perpetual search of attention. Of course you
won’t accept that. But do you feel no one wants you? And keep insisting that “I am left
alone, neglected and deprived. No one loves me”
We must recognize and accept who we are today. But we must also know what God wants
us to be. We need to decide to move on towards the fulfilment of God’s dream for our lives.
Our role, even if it’s accompanied with either joy or brokenness has a purpose. God’s
purpose for your mission.
Where do we go from here?
We might have been broken, lost, or stuck in the middle of nowhere. We might be
experiencing our own issues within our families. That these even affect our situations
today, our plans, our dreams, our entire life. We might have even asked God why it had to
be me or my family.
But the Lord has always seen a family as a gift. You, your parents, your siblings – you
belong to a family and your family is a Gift to this world. If there are brokenness and pains.
The Lord simply wants us to:
Let GO – admit our brokenness, our sinfulness, our wrong doings and let GO. Leave it all
behind. Change your attitude and believe that God will give you the grace in moving
forward.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of
malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ
God forgave you.

”Allbitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all
malice. [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has
forgiven you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Let LOVE – what we need is to LOVE MORE. We might felt unloved, but the love of the Lord
sustains us. To love without giving is not love. Give more and love more. “So faith, hope,
love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love...” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Less US – Move. Change will not start from your mother or your father or your brothers
and sisters. Change must start with you. You have to decide to move and change and to love
more despite of all those pains and hardships “Better a little with righteousness than much
gain with injustice.” Proverbs 16:8
Let GOD – Trust in the Lord’s grace. Allow God to work through you. Have faith that God
will help you. He can make you whole again. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your
own intelligence do not rely; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight
your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Conclusion
We know that society is changing. And all the more, the Lord needs us in this battle. Yes the
call for us and our family remains the same. The family He created must remain to be the
family He will use to spread love. Let God use our family to be a vessel of hope and this can
start through us.
We have a past to learn from and we are assured of God’s provision and protection. We
need not fear because God has armed us with integrity. Whatever dreams and aspirations
we may have lost, have the courage to take them on again. God will walk with you and He
will make you victorious. We are stronger because of the Lord. God has been faithful and
will always be.
Group Sharing Questions:
1. What are the current areas in your family that needs improvement to foster better
relationships?
2. How do I use my role in the family to bring them closer to God?

BLESSED TO BLESS
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus...
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Introduction
Paul’s Reminder
St. Paul’s triad of Christian practice – joy, prayer and gratitude – are all intimately bound
together. Paul’s reminder to the Thessalonians and to us is very much interconnected.
First, joy springs from gratitude. Whenever we remember things, events of people for
which or for whom we are grateful, our joy grows.
Second, prayer supports the other two virtues. A posture of prayer causes us to be
aware and attentive to seeing life’s blessings.
And finally, joy moves us to gratitude. Our gratitude over good news can lead to joy. Joy
can also move us to pray. In our joy we want to be with God to share our great joy,
gratefully, in prayer – just as we would share joy with a close friend.
Each virtue supports the others. Prayer awakens gratitude. Gratitude leads to joy. And
joy moves us to prayer. All these three virtues are the marks of a life in union with Christ.
By being united with Jesus, we become joyful, prayerful and grateful.
1. Mary’s Example:
A life blessed with joy, prayer and gratitude is the kind of life desired by our
Lord for us. These, like all virtues, can only be achieved by God’s divine
grace and by man’s daily perseverance. With Mother Mary as our model, let
us then faithfully practice the 3 S’s:
a. Submission – submission is uniting our will with God’s will. This should
always be born out of our desire to do His will. It is to commit or yield our
own plans and unite it with God’s plan.
“Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the
disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray
that you may not undergo the test.” After withdrawing about a stone’s
throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing,
take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” And to
strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such

agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood
falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his
disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, “Why are you
sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” Luke. 22:39-
46
i. Mary’s Submission:
1. Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a
town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man
named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was
Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is
with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and
pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to
her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall
name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most
High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom
there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in
reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be
called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived[c] a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month
for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for
God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be
done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from
her.
2. Mary submitted to what God was asking from her. Mary, for
sure, had her own plans but she submitted to God’s plan for
her life.
3. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to

me according to your word.” Luke. 1:38
How often do we profess these same words in agreement

(or sometimes, even in disagreement) to what God is asking
from us?
Do we do this out of fear because we are afraid to disappoint
God? Or do we submit out of our great love for Him and our
great desire to do His will?

b. Service – submission is to God while service is to man. Our submission to

God naturally leads us to the service of our fellow man. The service that we
give not only meets the needs of our ‘neighbor’ Luke 10:25-37, but it also
expresses thanks to God and leads others to praise Him. Matthew 5:13-16
i. Mary’s Service:
1. Luke 1:39-40
Mary Visits Elizabeth. During those days Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of
Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted
Elizabeth.
2. Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth and stayed

with her for 3 months serving her relative during her
pregnancy.
3. After submitting to God, the 1st thing that Mary did was to
serve her cousin. Actually, Mary’s ultimate service was to bring
Jesus to Elizabeth and to all of us. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled
with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most
blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your
womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my
Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your
greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for
joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you
by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Luke 1:41-45
How often do we bring/share Jesus to others because we see Jesus as our

greatest blessing?
Do we do this in haste and with a sense of urgency?
c. Sacrifice – sacrifice is the perfection of submission and service. It is to

surrender something prized or desirable for the sake of something
considered as having a higher value. This happens only when it is “no
longer us who lives but Christ who lives in us.” Galatians 2:20
i. Mary’s Sacrifice:

1. Mary, upon saying ‘Yes’ to God, has immediately

sacrificed her simple desire to have a simple life being a
simple wife while nurturing a simple family.
2. She embraced something ‘higher’: the life and call of

being the Mother of Jesus Christ.
3. And she did not only embrace this call. She embraced all
the challenges and pains that went with it as well.
E.g. the danger of being persecuted by law “Now this is
how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his
mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they
lived together, she was found with child through the
Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a
righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19; all
the hardships that will go with being Jesus’ mother
“(and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:35
How faithful are we to our call?
Do we trust God enough that we are willing to sacrifice the things that we value
(time, talent, treasure, career, family, love life, etc.) in obedience to Him?
3. Jesus’ Invitation:
Have you ever wondered why on Easter Sunday morning when they found the
tomb of Jesus empty, the stone was rolled away?
If Jesus can already pass through walls and enter through locked doors, surely,
He doesn’t need the stone to be rolled away for Him to come out of the tomb.
No, the stone was rolled away not for Jesus to come out but for you and me to
enter in and believe. Believe that He is risen from the dead! Therefore, we are
saved. And therefore, we are blessed!
And now, He’s inviting us daily to enter in to commune with Him, to be in union
with Him. And this union will bless not only us but everyone else around us.
Conclusion cum reflection

Note to speaker: leads the audience to a reflection. The speaker reads the reflection below
in a prayerful manner while pausing occasionally.
I now invite you all, just like the women of that Easter morning, to put down everything
that you are carrying. Picture the tomb with the stone rolled away.
Close your eyes and hear Jesus’ tender invitation for you to enter in. Slowly approach the
entrance. Feel and touch the heavy stone rolled away for you. Smell the cold yet
refreshing air from within. Take a deep breath and gently make your first step going in.
Your eyes begin to adjust to the dimly lit cave. But the lack of light cannot hide the
miracle. The tomb is empty except for you and that indescribable yet reassuring presence
that He is alive.
Feel that same presence in your hearts right now:
- Is there something in you that you have not submitted and surrendered to Him yet?
- Is there something in you that holds you back from fully serving Him?
- Is there something in you that is stopping you from fully embracing your mission?
In the Lord’s presence, let your hearts answer these questions. Talk to Him...commune
with Him. Allow this union to pacify your hearts. Ultimately, let this union bless you to
bless others. Reflection Song: “Have your Way” by Dexter Suban

INFINITE DEVOTION
Introduction
Some of us pray because we are grateful. Some of us because we are contrite. For some of
us because we are asking for something. Some because we are desperate. Whatever our
reason is, we all pray because we need to.
Some of us pray using formula prayers. Some of us pray as if we are talking to a friend.
Some of us reflect. Some of us change our technique and style. Some sit. Some stand. Some
kneel. Some use music. Some use the words of other people to help them. Whatever form
we use, the more important thing is the posture of our hearts when we pray.
Some of us say that prayer is a form of communication with God. For some of us, it
is a relationship. Some of us pray as a last resort, for others, it is the initial response. Some
treat prayer as the answer to their questions. For some, it is an obligation, a given. However
we see prayer now, it should allow our relationship with Christ to flourish and grow until it
becomes a way of life.
Just like any other relationship, we have to know who the person to whom we would want
to have a relationship with. As we deepen our relationship with God, we have to know who
God is.
- Who is God in your life?
- How do you see Him?
- What is your image of Him?
Note to speaker: Lead the participants to EXAMEN exercise. You can follow the process of
EXAMEN to be guided. Speaker will not say that the exercise is EXAMEN only until after
the actual exercise.
In this exercise we want you to experience solitude with God

1. What is it that you want to thank God the Father for?
2. As Jesus, God the Son, your brother, the Savior. What do you want to say sorry to?
3. What do you hope for? Tell the God the Holy Spirit to give you what you wish for?
Note to speaker: Allow the participants to find time to do the exercise. After 5 minutes. You
can start processing the experience by asking them several questions which will lead them
into recognizing the grace they received from the exercise.
After the exercise, ask the participants on the experience.

1. How was your experience? What feelings surfaced during the exercise?
Did you feel peaceful? Guilty? Warmth? Unworthy? Loved? Etc.
2. Where there moments when God seemed so close? Did you experience His presence?

We have just experienced the EXAMEN, this is one practical way of prayer. The Daily
Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect
God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the
Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience.
The method presented here is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in
His Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius thought that the Examen was a gift that came directly
from God, and that God wanted it to be shared as widely as possible. One of the few rules of
prayer that Ignatius made for the Jesuit order was the requirement that Jesuits practice the
Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It’s a habit that Jesuits, and many
other Christians, practice to this day.
Reference: http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the examen#sthash.I6zrNaEt.dpuf
In prayer we experienced being one with God. It is something beautiful. Once again, we
discovered who God is and what is our relationship with Him – of how close or far are we
from Him.
Let us learn from Jesus himself by reflecting on the occasions when He devoted himself in
intense prayer, with parallelism in our circumstances today.
a. In the morning before heading to Galilee.

“Jesus Leaves Capernaum. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted
place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him.” Mark 1:35-36
We all start the day with a prayer.
b. after healing people (“The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds
assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments,” Luke 5:15) and even before
care through prayers of those that are afflicted with physical illness and broken
relationships.
c. Praying all night before choosing His 12 disciples

“In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom
he also named apostles” Luke 6:12-13
We pray and discern in selecting our fellow servants/leaders in community.
d. Before teaching His disciples the Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:1

The Lord’s Prayer. He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one
of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”
We pray for one another every time we share God’s word through teachings and other form
of glorifying His name.

e. Giving thanks to the Father before feeding 5000 “Then Jesus took the loaves, gave
thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as
they wanted.” John 6:11
We say grace every time we partake of God’s provision.
f. At the return of the seventy two

At that very moment he rejoiced [in] the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the
learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious
will. Luke 10:21
Praising the Father and rejoicing after every mission and CLPs.
g. Prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all believers just before heading to
Gethsemane.
The Prayer of Jesus. When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said,
“Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as
you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom
you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me
to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world
began. “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged
to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that
everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to
them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have
believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you
have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of
yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world,
but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I
protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was
lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I
am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I
gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but
that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I
belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into
the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also
may be consecrated in truth. “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in
me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given
them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in
me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent
me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish

that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also
does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to
them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in
them and I in them.” John 17:1-26
We pray for ourselves, our fellow servants and other people as we do the works the Lord
has entrusted to us. As missionary disciples, we pray when we are at the height of
temptation of giving up or when we are tested.
g. Right after being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know
not what they do. They divided his garments by casting lots. Luke 23:34
We pray and forgive those who have wronged us. We pray especially in moments of great
persecution and confrontation.
h. While dying on the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken
me?” Matthew 27:46
We pray and cry out our emotions in complete surrender and in full faith that our Father is
in charge.
Our knowing of Christ forms the basis of being a Church. Our encounter of Christ will be
the basis of our belonging to the Church and doing the mission of the Church.
The Apostles witnessed firsthand the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus. It would be
Jesus’ exemplary devotion to the Father in prayer that eventually led the apostles to
approach Him and humbly ask him to teach them how to pray.
II. Teach us to Pray: The Lord’s Prayer
When the apostles asked Jesus to teach us to pray, Jesus taught us the Lord’s Prayer.
“The Lord’s Prayer is the template of all Christian Prayer”
(David L. Fleming, SJ Prayer is a Conversation) “He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name your kingdom come “Give us each day our daily bread and
forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to
the final test” Luke 11:2-4
a. The God to Whom We Pray To
According to Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2804, the first series of petitions
carries us toward him, for his own sake; thy name, thy kingdom, thy will. It is the
characteristic of love to think first of the one whom we love. In none of the three petitions
do we mention ourselves; the burning desire, even anguish, of the beloved Son for his
Father’s glory seizes us. “Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done…

“These three supplications were already answered in the saving sacrifice of Christ, but they
henceforth directed in hope toward their final fulfillment, for God is not yet all in all.
1. Omnipresent - all present

2. Omniscient – all knowing
3. Omnipotent – all powerful
b. The Person in Prayer
In CCC 2805, we humbly offer petitions that concern us presently: “give us…forgive
us…lead us not…deliver us… “The fourth and fifth petitions concern our very life, to have
something to eat, and to be freed from our sins. The last two petitions concern our battle
for the struggles in life – the battle of prayer.
Our life in SFC has brought us into daily battles in prayer. There were times that we were
challenged to keep on our commitment to meet God and yet because of the things that we
face each day it lead us into doing otherwise because of different tensions in our life.
Just like the apostle Paul, an encounter with the risen Christ called him to a constant
communion with Jesus. St. Paul had many mighty forces in his ministry. His remarkable
conversion was a great force but he did not achieve the results of his ministry by the power
of his conversion nor did he depend on his call to the apostleship. Paul's journey and
ministry became successful because of prayer more than any other force. He so deeply felt
the need of prayer that he was given the habit of personal praying and would urge the
brethren everywhere to pray for him.
By prayer, enemies are to be swept out of the way, prejudices are to be driven out of the
hearts of good men, the will of God and the good of the saints would be accomplish. He is
committed to prayer because Christ is in it. He needs help, help which comes alone through
prayer. So he pleads with his brethren to pray for him and with him. This is the same
communion that he exhorts everyone in Philippi and the early church. And it is the same
exhortation for us in SFC is called to today.
II. Tensions We Face – Stretched Too Thin
But there are many tensions that we as SFC face in our daily lives. We find ourselves
between opposing elements or tendencies that pull on us in differing directions. We
receive pressure from these forces and find ourselves strained and stressed by these forces.
But these tensions are not evil in themselves rather they reveal the delicate interplay that
we experience in our reality today. If we look at the lives of the saints, we can see how
holiness is possible amidst all of these tensions in life.
1. Posture of our Hearts - Action vs Contemplation
In our vocation, we want to make every moment or every detail of our life count. We want
to maximize the limited amount of time that we have. We struggle between acting and

contemplating. After every action, we tend to ask ourselves, would it be better if i reflected
on it more before i acted on it. Even in moments of contemplation, we even question,
maybe i should be acting now instead of contemplating. We go through this every single
day. The moment we wake up and realize that there are a million things to do today. We
ask ourselves is it better to spend minutes, hours in just sitting down and coming before
the Lord. Or is it better to act and just offer every action to Christ.
In both, integration is needed. Our moments of contemplation should affirm the actions
that we take. Our moments of contemplation should lead us to the best choice of action
there is. Our moments of contemplation allow us to find the deeper meaning of our actions.
It is only in prayer, in God's grace that we find the guidance we need.
Note to speaker: You may refer to the life of St. John of the Cross (Contemplation) and St.
Paul and St. Francis of Assisi (Catholic Action)
2. Commitment to Purpose (time, talent, treasure): Duty vs Self Fulfillment
Facing many choices and with the limited resources available to us, we struggle between
duty and self-fulfillment. When we get our monthly income, for example, we ask ourselves -
is it ok to get this or do this for myself? To travel? To get that Master's degree? To finally
ask my girlfriend to marry me? To save up? But with limited resources can I really do that
with my responsibility to my family? Even in the usage of my time - should I be pursuing
this now, knowing that someone needs me? We wrestle with what comes first, our duty or
our self-fulfillment? If we put duty first all the time, the anxiety of being burned out comes
to mind. If we put self-fulfillment first, the guilt of being selfish burdens the heart. We need
to see that integration of both happens only in prayer and in God's grace. We need to find
self-fulfillment in our duties. The duties that we have should allow us to be fulfilled all the
more. As we take responsibility for the lives of everyone around us - family, friends,
community and special someone - we also find fulfillment through our love for them.
Whether it is in the use of our time, talent and treasure, our being fulfilled allows us to do
our duty and doing our duties allows us to be fulfilled.
Note to speaker: You may refer to the life of St. Thomas More (Duty) and St. Catherine of
Bologna (Self Fulfillment)
3. Pursuit of true identity: Secular vs Sacred
We have this tendency to compartmentalize our lives. Some we place in the realm of the
sacred, and the secular has no place there. Or the other way around - this is the realm of the
secular, the sacred does not belong here. When we begin to do this and compartmentalize,
we end up always asking ourselves - is this sacred or is this secular. It’s almost saying that
there is only a specific aspect of our life for God. Can something spiritual be even
considered relevant and practical? If we continue with this posture of the secular vs sacred,
we end up with lost identities or even double lives. We put on a different face when inside
the church and when in our workplace.

We need to integrate the sacred and the secular. We need to bring the sacred into the
secular and the secular into the sacred. Through prayer and God's grace we are able live in
such a way that every part of our lives is a place for God to reign. And that all of these
belongs to God. Like what Paul said that we are in the world but not of the world. We need
that identity that doesn't change with the changes on where and how we are.
Note to Speaker: You may refer to the life of St. Louis (King Louis IX) of France (Secular)
and St. Philip Neri
4. Expression of Ourselves: Passion vs Purity
Our struggle with passion and purity happens in expression. We are told to express our
emotions, our thoughts - with so much passion. That these should not be censored as they
say with the arts. This is art. We want to get away with all of it by saying that we are just
being passionate. In our means of expression, we lose our purity in thought, word and
deed.
Our expression should be the integration of our passion and purity. Our passion should be
guided by our purity. And our purity should be reflected in our passion. The perfect
example of this integration is reflected with the crucifix. When you look at the cross, we see
the passion and purity in the love of Jesus Christ. Like the previous three tensions, it is only
in prayer and God's grace that we are able to express our emotions, words, deeds and even
ourselves with both passion and purity.
Note to Speaker: You may refer to the life of Sta. Rosa de Lima and St. Therese of Avila
Triad Sharing Activity (10 minutes maximum)

Together with your seatmates, form groups of three. You will be answering with your
triads the following question:
1. What practical steps should you take to improve your prayer time?
B. From Prayer Time to Prayer Life – Sacred Space
Prayer is to be in communion with the Lord. Our covenant in SFC calls us to spend time in
prayer. To set a specific time and place and commit each day to meet God and receive His
grace in our prayer. Our Lord is lovingly devoted to us and always welcomes us when we
come into His presence. To experience our Lord it is also necessary for us to take the time
to be silent, to take a break from our everyday lives, rest our hearts in His presence and
detach ourselves from the noise of our world. Let us get to know our Lord more intimately
and to deepen our relationship with Him through prayer.
Sometimes we think that our service in the community is an expression of prayer life. But
we know that our prayer life is not merely the service that we do. It should be a life where
we live on prayer.

The great challenge in learning to deepen our prayer time into prayer life. Let’s make it a
habit to say a little prayer, in every occasion that you feel that you are being lead to pray.
In the end, whenever we utter or end our prayer in Amen, we are to recognize that
according to CCC 1065 Jesus Christ himself is the "Amen." 648 He is the definitive "Amen" of
the Father's love for us. He takes up and completes our "Amen" to the Father: "For all the
promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the
glory of God":649
When one says "amen" in response to a prayer, it serves as an affirmation of agreement

with the content of the prayer. Otherwise, if you pronounce a blessing [with] the spirit, how
shall one who holds the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving,
since he does not know what you are saying? 1 Corinthians 14:16
III. Conclusion
Prayer is God’s gift to us. We must treasure it, value it and make use of it. He provides us
with the way to respond to His constant invitation to know Him, experience Him and
celebrate His great love for us.
Bartimaeus’ story reminded us that our prayer changes us and leads our prayer into a
deeper faith in God.
Bartimaeus also prayed despite his circumstances. This exemplifies his faith that though he
can't see a thing, he still believed that Jesus will come near to him. Let us not be anxious
about our circumstances. Let us pray always and have faith.
1. Schedule your prayer time.

2. Find a quiet place.
3. Spend time praying and live it out.
Like Bartimaeus, who was born blind, we also pray for our own poverty. As he was healed
through his faith, it is the same thing with our prayers. Our prayers may not be answered
as specific as our prayer request but praying teaches us to be dependent on God and be
transformed through him.
Prayer is a relationship that changes our way of life - a life that brings us all back to God. To
be in communion with our God sustains our purpose, provides meaning and reveals His
presence. God’s devotion to us can never be extinguished and He will not allow anything to
come between us and His love. Let us embrace the great gift of prayer that he has
bestowed upon all of us.
Note to speaker: basis comes from the “Story of Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight”
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable
crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On

hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have
pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the
more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the
blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak,
sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for
you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way;
your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:46-52
REFLECTION QUESTION:
1. What do you want Jesus to do for you? Tell Jesus in your prayer time.


KNOWING GOD'S WILL
A. Introduction.
1. God's guidance for man is basic and indispensable to the Christian life.
a) The essence of Christianity is a loving relationship between God and man. God
loves and cares for man; man responds in love by surrendering his will to God.
b) Such an intimate personal relationship cannot exist without communication.

Thus God must be able to reveal His nature and desires to man.
2. Balance between guidance by principles and guidance by inspiration.
a) Many Christians see guidance as a vague set of principles which they should
apply to specific situations. Generally, these principles have to do more with
prohibition of certain behaviour.
* Most would understand that lying, cheating and stealing are contrary to
God's will.
* Few however would follow a positive vision of a life submitted to God.
* Thus, many Christians submit to God's prohibitions while retaining a firm

grip on the direction and daily decisions of their lives.
b) Other Christians, having been baptized in the Spirit, go the other extreme.
* They daily search for God's will through signs, inspirations, prophecies and
Scripture passages.
c) There must be proper balance.
* Such balance is central to Christian growth.
* God will speak, but God's people must know how to listen.
2. The Advocate. John 14:16-17, 26.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you
always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor
knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-
17

a) Jesus promises us the Spirit, who will give us guidance, direction, formation and
correction.
b) The Lord wants His people to be without doubts, without confusion, and to grow
in knowing His will.
* The Lord will not tell us everything we want to know, but He will tell us what
we need to know to be able to follow His will.
B. Kinds of guidance.
1. Teaching.
a) God imparts wisdom and understanding which allow His people to think through
decisions and arrive at the direction He desires.
* We need to use our minds.
b) Primary ways of teaching:
* The word of God as found in the Bible, Christian tradition, spiritual writings,
and the spoken word of the body of Christ.
- Importance of our daily Bible reading, monthly reading of a Christian

book, discussion of topics in the In His Steps, attendance at prayer
meetings where there are prophecies and inspired Scripture reading.
* Personal experience.
- God orders the circumstances of life so that His people can learn from
their experiences.
- We learn from our failures as well as successes.
2. General direction of our lives.
a) God makes His will known to us as we reflect on the fundamental life decisions
and long-range commitments that we have made.
* For example, God is unlikely to want a married man to leave his family for a
year to evangelize in another land. Such a man has more basic
responsibilities for the life of his family.
b) Much of God's guidance is hidden in the Christian's general life direction. We

need to reflect on our life to receive this direction.

3. Specific direction.
a) Specific direction is given either directly to a person (immediate) or through the

mediation of another Christian (mediated).
b) People most often experience God's immediate specific guidance in two ways:
leadings of the Spirit and signs.
* A leading of the Spirit is a person's internal sense that God wants him to
perform a certain action or speak certain words.
- Because leadings are subjective experiences, one can be misled by

personal desires, an over scrupulous conscience, or even an evil spirit.
- However, the possibility of error should not prevent one from following
leadings. Be willing to risk mistakes. Such a willingness allows the
beginning of growth in sensitivity to the Spirit.
* Signs.
- “Praying for a passage". This is asking the Lord to indicate His will
through a passage in Scripture selected at random. This can be helpful
but is not conclusive.
- Circumstances in life. These form an accurate indicator of God's will only

sometimes. Even Satan can form circumstances.
- "Laying a Fleece"
Gideon said to God, “If indeed you are going to save Israel through me, as
you have said, I am putting this woolen fleece on the threshing floor, and
if dew is on the fleece alone, while all the ground is dry, I shall know that
you will save Israel through me, as you have said.” That is what
happened. Early the next morning when he wrung out the fleece, he
squeezed enough dew from it to fill a bowl. Gideon then said to God, “Do
not be angry with me if I speak once more. Let me make just one more
test with the fleece. Let the fleece alone be dry, but let there be dew on all
the ground.” That is what God did that night: the fleece alone was dry, but
there was dew on all the ground. Judges 6:36-40.
This is to ask God to arrange circumstances in a particular and

extraordinary way through supernatural intervention to show us that He
wants us to take a certain course. This is the least desirable of all ways of
seeking a sign. Some people often lay a fleece because they are unwilling
to accept guidance God has already given.

* A constant reliance on signs can be dangerous. People can use signs as a

substitute for listening to God, or to avoid making difficult decisions. Also,
Christians can interpret Scripture passages and circumstances in many
different ways according to their personal preferences.
c) God not only speaks immediately to individual Christians about specific

decisions, but He also speaks in a voice mediated through the body of Christ.
* God often uses others to guide individual Christians.
- Importance of household heads, couple coordinators and other elders in SFC.

“For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors.” Proverbs
11:14
* Christians should seek consultation in all major decisions.
- Not required for us in SFC, but major means of knowing God's will. “The way of
fools is right in their own eyes, but those who listen to advice are the wise.”
Proverbs 12:15.
- One's head in SFC, and also other more mature brethren, are special channels of
God's love, care and guidance.
C. Growing in receiving guidance.
1. No method of obtaining guidance from God is fool proof.
2. A central truth concerning guidance: the Christian's trust is in God, not in methods.
We grow in receiving guidance by growing in a loving relationship with God.
a) Thus our first step toward hearing God speak more often and more fully is to
enter into a deeper personal communion with Him.
b) We need to surrender our life into God's hands. The essence of this surrender is
the desire to know and do God's will.
* Whenever confronting a significant decision, we should ask ourselves: "What

does God want me to do? How can I most please the Lord?"
* Man's surrender enables God to reveal His purposes without constantly

struggling against stubborn human wills.
* We should decide to obey God's will before God reveals it.
- We can joyfully submit to God because His plan for us is the best.

- We can hear God's voice and discern His will more easily and clearly if we
surrender without qualifications.
* We can deepen our surrender to God by offering our life to Him each day.
D. Practical steps to receiving guidance.
1. Prayer.
a) Pray specifically for God's guidance.
b) Pray for special areas needing direction, as well as for general wisdom in daily
decisions. “But if any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives to all
generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.” James 1:5
2. Study and meditation.
a) Read the Bible every day and provide some times for more specific study.
b) Read one spiritual book a month.
c) Meditate on our personal experiences during the day or week. “Reflect on the
law of the Most High, and let his commandments be your constant study. Then
he will enlighten your mind, and make you wise as you desire.” Sir 6:37
3. Faithfulness to our life as SFC.
a) Many resources for receiving guidance exist within SFC.
* Direct guidance from SFC leaders.
* Encouragement from our brethren.
* Instruction through our many teachings and formation programs.
4. Trust in God.
a) God will always make His will known to us if that is what our hearts desire.
b) Reject the false humility that makes us think God would not stoop to speak to us
directly, given our sinfulness, or given our inadequate mental capacities. Such a
posture denies God's love and power.
E. Conclusion.

1. God loves us and wants to know His will for our lives.
2. Growth in receiving guidance is a process, thus requiring patience. We grow in

receiving guidance as we grow in our personal relationship with God.
3. God's will is for all of us to have the mind of Christ so completely that we would
know and obey the Father's will instinctively. If we cooperate with God, this will
happen.

PRAYER = LIFE
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Introduction
Prayer is an important tool in our Christian life. Henri Nouwen in one of his books said that
“A spiritual life without prayer is like a Gospel without Christ”. He added that “To pray
means to think and live in the presence of God”.
As Single Christians of today, in the midst of all our busy schedules, building our careers,
preparing for our own families in the future, maintaining our relationships, how is our
prayer life? Do we even have a prayer life? Are we thinking and living in the presence of
God?
2. What is Prayer?
Prayer is commonly defined as our way of communicating with God. But more than that
Prayer has a deeper and more personal meaning:
Prayer is our response to Go d’s c all ( CCC 2 567 )
i. After Adam and Eve believed the lie the serpent told them (The Fall), God look for them.
But the two hid from Him because they know that they are naked. They know that they
disobeyed God. (Genesis 3: 9-13). Just like Adam and Eve, God in His love for us look for us
and “called” us. And Prayer is our response to this call
ii. This “call” and “response” unfolds the whole history of salvation as a reciprocal call
between God and Man (CCC 2591):
- God untiringly calls us to go back to Him.

- God desires to enter into a relationship with us and wants us to love Him in return
- He sent the patriarchs (Moses, Abraham, Isaac, etc), the prophets
(Jeremiah, Elijah, etc), the Kings (David, Solomon) to bring us back to Him
- Ultimately He sent us His only Son who taught us how to pray just for us to answer to
His call.
b. Prayer is raising of one’s mind and heart to Go d ( CCC 2 59 0 )
It is the opening of our mind and heart to God. Prayer involves the heart, the emotions, the
affective side of a person, and the will (Green, 2010)
c. Prayer is a personal encounter

More than just a response and opening our hearts and mind to God, prayer is a personal
encounter with God in love (Green, 2010)
- God untiringly calls each one of us to this mysterious encounter with Himself
(CCC2591).
- It give us a share In God’s friendship, in His most tender and infinite love (St Guido)
- Prayer allows us to meet our God, the Lord of encounter (T. Green)
- Through Prayer we desire to meet God and be with God
- Prayer lead us into an intimate relationship with our God. He, who is all beautiful and
holy in Heaven and on Earth. (St. Guido)
3. God wants us to pray
If prayer is our response to God’s call, opening of hearts and mind to God and a personal
encounter, why God wants us to pray? He wants us to pray, because:
a. He loves us and continues to seek for us.
i. God desires for us.

ii. God loves us in spite of our sinfulness and He invites us into a deeper
relationship with Him every day.
iii. Our response to God’s call is manifested in prayer. We are blessed, because God
gave us endless opportunities for us to respond to His call. (H. Nouwen)
b. He is our Father.
God is our Father and He wants us to have Him as our Father. And just like any Father to
His child…
i. He wants to be in constant communication with us. He wants to talk to us, to listen

to us every single minute of our life.
ii. He wants to know what’s inside our hearts, even He knew it already. He wants to
hear our cries, to know our feelings, etc.
iii. He wants us to seek strength from Him because He is our Father.
- I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear
much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. John 15:5
- In prayer we rely everything to God and allow Him to do is for us.
- On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. John 16:23
iv. He wants us to surrender ourselves to His parental love

- In His parental love we are nurtured and secured.
c. He wants us to be in union with Him.

According to Nouwen, the desire of being in union with God, is a God given desire. Though,
this desire causes immense pain and joy. Remember Jesus praying in the Garden of
Gethsemane, He was joyful because He was with the Father. But, in His humanity
experience pain as He follows the will of the Father.
i. It is through prayer that we enter this communion with God.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
ii. It is also in prayer where He reveals this first love. In this love we find ourselves to be
rooted in God who called us. It is through this love that we will be free from distractions.
Then, we will be able to hear His voice and recognize our own unique call (H. Nouwen)
d. He wants to be where we are and He wants us to be where He is.
i. Just like the father of the prodigal son, He loves us unconditionally and wants to take us
back. He wants to bring us back where we first belong – in His kingdom.
ii. He will not require any explanation on what happened to us, He will just be glad to see us
back home. (H. Nouwen)
e. He wants us to know Him more.
i. The more we learn to love God, the more we learn to cherish ourselves as a unique and
special person He created in love.
ii. Self-knowledge and self-love is the fruits of knowing and loving God. (H. Nouwen)
f. God wants us to be intimate with Him.
- God wants a relationship with us.

- An intimate relationship with Him.
- Knowing God is also knowing.
- His will and how He loves. It is through understanding Him and being in His love
that our sense of responsibility for other people grows (H. Nouwen)
i. Our being intimate with the Father will draw us to share this love to others.
g. On top of it all, He wants to reveal Himself to us in prayer.
i. In prayer, in coming in union with Him, in building this relationship with Him, we
learn about our God, we know Him more.
ii. In prayer God reveals to us in all mystery who He is.

iii. In prayer we encounter a God that is not just a friend, a brother, a father, a King, a
warrior, a lover or our partner. We encounter a God who loves us dearly in spite of our
unworthiness.
4. Praying at All Times
a. God wants us to pray and He wants us to pray at all times.
He wants us to pray when:
1. We are happy
2. We are joyful
3. We are grateful
4. We need something
5. We are away from Him
6. We are lonely
7. We need someone
8. We need guidance
9. We are content
10. There is no reason at all but to respond to His love
He wants us to pray even if:
1. Life is difficult
2. Things doesn’t happen the way we want it be
3. We can’t hear Him
4. We can’t feel Him
5. We feel rejected
6. We are broken
7. We are burdened
8. We have sinned
Why? Because we are His Beloved.
b. Even if we are surrounded will all the negativities of this world (e.g. brokenness,
rejection, hatred, lies, etc.), He wants us to see the light of His blessing. In spite of the
darkness we are in, He is blessing us. He loves us.
c. When we continue to listen to His voice calling us Beloved, it becomes our

opportunity to purify and deepen the blessing He rests upon us. All our difficulties becomes
light and easy when we lived in the light of blessing (H.Nouwen). What seemed to be a
rejection becomes a way to a deeper communion with Him and things get lighter. We
become joyful and grateful in spite of the challenges and difficulties we are in.
d. He wants us to pray for us to continue nurturing the seeds of virtues He planted in us

(T.Green). God gave us virtues to help us live our Christian life and in prayer, in

encountering God, in coming in union with Him we nurture these virtues and lead us to
praying for each other. Praying for each other is what God wants us to do as well.
5. Hindrances to Prayer
a. Our Prayer Status
i. As Christians, why do we pray? For some we pray because others taught us to pray
as part of a norm. Maybe for others, because our parents taught us that prayer is important
in our Christian lives.
ii. Individually, how do we pray? Some pray using the vocal prayers (the formula
prayers – rosary, novenas, etc). Some pray using the Scriptures. Some uses reflection points
to help them in their prayer. Some pray during praise and worship (like in SFC activities) or
when they participate in the Holy Eucharist. Some doesn’t pray at all.
iii. In our prayer, we usually ask God for something or for someone. We raise to Him
our petitions, everything that we need. In prayer we ask for forgiveness. In prayer we give
Him thanks.
iv. Right now, are we praying? How do we pray?

If we are not praying, why can’t we pray?
Why I am not praying?
b. There are 3 basic reasons why:
i. Fear
1. We are not praying because we are afraid of God. We are afraid because we know that
we are sinners and we have sinned against God. Like Adam and Eve, they hid from God, not
because they are naked, but because they know they have disobeyed Him.
2. Fear creates suspicion, distance, defensiveness and insecurity. (H. Nouwen)
3. When we are in fear, we do not trust anyone. Including ourselves, we feel unworthy.
Feeling of unworthiness blocks our spiritual life, believing that we need to be lovable,
before God can love us.
Overcoming Fear:
1. Remember that God loves us with an unconditional love and desires our love (H.
Nouwen). He loves us without any cost on our part. He freely gives His love to us.
2. When fear becomes overwhelming, let us pray more and call on Jesus (H.
Nouwen). Just like the disciples during the storm, they were covered with fear and woke up
Jesus. They asked Him to calm the storm.

ii. Distractions
1. We cannot pray because of the distractions around us. It would be hard for us to center
ourselves and focus in praying when we are distracted.
2. Common distraction in prayer:
a. Physical distractions
i. The basic distraction is the noise around us. It prevent us from focusing and centering
ourselves into prayer
ii. Other physical distractions would be the weather (too hot or too cold, etc) and
connected to noise is once location. If one is located in a busy place, most likely, it is harder
to focus in prayer.
b. Emotional distractions
i. When we are pre-occupied by our emotions, our worries, our feelings, we cannot
focus as well.
c. Intellectual distraction
i. When we become focused on fighting distractions itself. We focus on overcoming it

instead of living with it.
ii. When we are pre occupied with tasks, we tend to focus on the good insights we have
during prayer and not on prayer. It becomes a conversation with ourselves and not with
God. (H.Nouwen)
Overcoming Distractions:
1. Acknowledge the distracting thought and let it go. If it continues maybe it is something
you should already pray about (K.O’Brien)
d. Spiritual Dryness
i. When we are used to listening and hearing God, then suddenly does not hear anything,
does not see anything, does not feel anything, we ask ourselves, what’s happening? Is God
still there?
ii. The experience of not being touched, not experiencing the same kind of feeling of being
present and deeply immersed into prayer leads us into spiritual dryness and darkness.
iii. When we spend time in reading, reflecting and meditating in the word of God, sit
longer in front of the Blessed Sacrament or in our prayer room, and gave so much effort

than what we gave before, and yet, we “feel” nothing happens, we experience darkness, and
we thought that God isn’t there anymore, or He could have abandon us in prayer. Then, we
stop praying.
Overcoming Spiritual Dryness:
1. Remember that most of these feelings and thought s are just feelings and thoughts, and
that God dwells beyond feelings and thoughts.
2. It is a grace to be able to experience God’s presence in our feelings and thoughts, but
when we don’t, it doesn’t mean that God is absent. It doesn’t mean that God abandoned us.
3. It is time for you to pray more and be faithful in praying.
Our model of Prayer
God our Father, gave us models in living a prayerful life. First and foremost He gave us
Jesus. He gave us Mary and He gave us the saints. God wants us to pray like them. In their
simple lives, they teach us by example, how to pray to God.
a. Pray in humility.
Jesus, the Son of God possesses the same power with God. But, He prays to the Father in
deep humility. He ask God the Father for what He needs and for everything that He and His
people received, He give thanks to the Father. (“Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said,
“Take this and share it among yourselves” Luke 22:17 – The Passover Celebration). Jesus
thank the Father for answering His prayer (So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised
his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. John 11:41- story of Lazarus).
Mary, when she prayed the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55),
The Canticle of Mary. And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

49 The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

50 His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him.

51 He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.

52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.

53 The hungry he has filled with good things;

the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,

55 according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
She poured out her great adoration to the Father. She thanked Him for favoring her, a lowly
servant. She called God, the Mighty One, the just One, and the powerful One. Mary in her
lowliness, recognized the greatness of God.
b. Pray unceasingly, full of passion and perseverance.
Jesus’ life was a life lived in the presence of God the Father. He kept nothing hidden from
the Father. He tells the Father every joy and sorrow He has. Every hopes and despairs He
shares to the Father (H. Nouwen)
Jonah prayed persistently when He was inside the whale’s mouth, asking God to put Him
out.
David passionately prays to the Father, he even dances in prayer as words are not enough.
c. Prays in solitude.
When Jesus prays, He looks for a place where He could pray alone, where He could quiet
down and be in solitude.
St Anthony (The Father of the Monks) chose to live in the mountains and spent his life in
prayer.
In silence, in our aloneness, when we get into the realm of solitude, we will often hear two
voices, one of the world and the other of the Lord. St Anthony was tempted and
experienced extreme boredom, but, God showed Him how to fight the temptation and
remain in prayer. God taught him the prayer and work could go together. He was able to
work but remains in solitude and prayer.
Just like Jesus, during times of temptation lets us focus in centering ourselves to
God and return faithfully to the place of solitude.
In solitude, we will hear clearly the voice of the Lord getting stronger and stronger helping
us to understand with mind and heart the peace that we are looking for. (H. Nouwen)
d. Pray in obedience and confidence.
Jesus obedience led him to the cross, to suffering (saying, “Father, if you are willing, take
this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” Luke 22:42).

But in His suffering Jesus surrendered everything to God, trusting Him fully, trusting His
will and plan fully. And in this complete surrender, He found unity and freedom (Jesus cried
out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said
this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46)
When Mary accepted the call and gave her yes (Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of
the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her .
Luke 1:38), she also said yes to the suffering she will endure. (Then Simeon* blessed them
and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in
Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be
revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ Luke 2:34-35).
Mary said Yes inspite of all the possible consequences it may bring. She relied everything to
God.
e. Pray attentively. Listen
Jesus listened to the Father and is always attentive to His voice. He is always alert for any
directions the Father will give Him. He was “all ears” to the Father. He listened not only
with His ears, but with His heart.
Listening with the heart makes us stand in the presence of God with all we have and all that
we are (our sins, our fears, our anxieties). Even with all these, listening with a heart allows
us to listen to God’s voice and allow Him to speak to us. This is only true prayer. The core of
all prayer is listening, obediently standing in the presence of God. (H. Nouwen)
Jesus was faithful to the voice, to the call, and after listening He responded (H.Nouwen)
f. Pray for Others
Mary interceded for others. When the wine was consumed in the wedding both Mary and
Jesus together with the disciples attended, Mary requested Jesus to handle the need. Mary
interceded for the new couple.
During the Pentecost, the apostles, the disciples and Mary gathered in the upper room and
prayed. Mary in an attitude of deep communion prays for the gift of the
Holy Spirit for herself and for the community. She received the Holy Spirit when she said
“Yes” during the Annunciation, she believed that this should be repeated and reinforced in
order for her to perform her new role as a mother to the disciples. But, she asked for the
Spirit not for her alone, but for the Church as well.
Jesus prayed for the sinners. In the cross He prayed for those who hurt Him, for those who
persecuted Him (The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted . Luke
23:24).

Just like Jesus and Mary, God wants us not to pray for ourselves alone, but to include our
brethren in our prayer. He wants us to seek strength not for ourselves alone, but for the
entire Church as well. Only in knowing God’s heart, we would know his great love for all of
us and how He wants us to love, not only Him but our brethren.
7. How to Pray at All Times?
a. Decide to pray like Jesus.

b. Have a discipline and set your heart for the kingdom.
c. Decide to have your personal prayer time
d. Be faithful and committed to it. Make it your most important task. It will be difficult at
the start but be faithful to it. Our faithfulness to our prayer time will create a new hunger
and this is our hunger for God’s presence.
e. Call for a persistent endeavor to be with others, who are also praying. Seek guidance
from a spiritual director as necessary.
f. Practice your discipline. By praying daily, God can become fully present to us as a real
partner in our conversation.
g. Ask for the grace. Let us always ask for the grace from God to help us to be faithful and
committed to our prayer life. It is through His grace, that we will be able to live a life of
prayer.
Conclusion
God loves us so much, that apart from giving His Son, He wants us to be in union with Him.
And this is not possible if we do not have a personal and consistent relationship with God,
our Father. He wants our response to His invitation of love and eternal life in the Kingdom.
God in His goodness wants us to remain in His Presence, thus He wants us to pray
unceasingly at all times. Paul in his letters reminded the early Christians that God doesn’t
want prayer to be a part of our life, He wants prayer to be our life.
God wants us to pray day and night, in all situations, in all places whether we are at work or
at home, He wants us to pray without intermission or breaks. Praying at all times, doesn’t
mean spending your entire day and night in front of the Blessed Sacrament or inside the
church or alone in the mountains. Praying at all times mean thinking and living in the
presence of God. As Nouwen said, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer
moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue.
References:
Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Only Necessary Thing: Living a prayerful life (A compilation of write ups/manuscript by Henri Nouwen)
The Ignatian Adventure (Kevin O’Brian)
God’s Passionate Desire (William Barry) www.guidoconforti.com www.gty.org/resources/sermons
http://www.ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/jp2bvm52.htm http://www.coptic.net/synexarion/Anthony.txt


FAITHFULNESS AND ORDER
A. As Christians, we are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.
“In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness” Gal 5:22
Three important qualities:
1. Generosity.
a) A Christian is a person for others.
* Meet the needs of others.
b) But we need wisdom for meaningful generosity.
* Not just give to everyone who asks.

* Not just accept all requests for service.
2. Faithfulness.
a) A Christian ought to be like a rock, one who can be counted on, one whose word
is reliable.
b) A faithful servant.
45 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in
charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
46 Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. 47 Amen,
I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. Mt 24:45-47
“It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and
entrusted his possessions to them.” Mt 25:14
c) Crucial for working together. We must be able to count on one another.
3. Peace.
a) "Peace" means "good order". Since he is not the God of disorder but of peace. As in
all the churches of the holy ones. 1 Cor 14:33.
b) Order is necessary not so that our lives are nailed down or regimented, but so
we can answer for ourselves.

* Not to inhibit spontaneity, but to have the peace to be freer.
B. Daily Order.
1. The modern world presents us with the problem of having infinite possibilities, with
constant choice and decision.
a) People make no definite commitments. People have no roots.
* Take life from day to day. Be "charismatic".
b) Result: a life led and controlled by circumstances.
c) For us, we have a definite direction and goal: we're on our way to heaven.
2. The solution: order our daily lives.
a) Some situations are outside our control, and some are subject to our control.
* We bring "accidents" into God's plan through faith.
* We bring those things under our control into God's plan through faithfulness
and order.
* We should not focus on what we don't know but on what we do know.
b) Practically, we should make a list of priorities by areas.
* Five major areas: family, SFC, Church, work, personal.
* We should subdivide each area into 1st and 2nd priority. Perhaps, even a 3rd
priority.
* We should aim to know ahead of time if we can do something before

committing ourselves to it.
c) We should make a weekly and term-length (month, year) schedule.
* Put in all the things we have to do regularly.

- Note: block out all SFC activities.
* Have a weekly planning session for ourselves.

- Plan on Sunday for the rest of the week.
- Review as needed and keep on track.

C. Reordering our Lives (elements to consider).
1. As we enter into a life in the Lord and in SFC, we need to make changes in our lives.
a) Growth in the Lord = complete changeover, overhaul.
b) We need to reorder priorities and put more order in our daily schedule.
* So we reflect the Lord's priorities.
* So we can be in a better position to serve the Lord.
2. Principles.
a) The Lord is our first and highest priority.
* First and greatest commandment.

* We must be ready to give up everything for Him. The kingdom of heaven is
like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out
of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Mt 13:44.
b) We need to trust in God.
* Anxiety is a real enemy to a committed life.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink],
or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body
more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they
gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you
more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment
to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the
wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even
Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the
grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will
he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and
say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to
wear?’ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you
need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given you besides. Mt 6:25-33.
* God is a loving Father who has our best interests at heart.
c) We need to strike the right balance among our many important activities.
* Not over emphasize one to the detriment of other.

* Often we don't have as much time for everything as we would want. Thus,
need for prioritization.
D. SFC is a high priority for us.
1. We entered freely into a solemn covenant with God. We ought to take it seriously
because God takes it seriously.
2. SFC can be our primary help in becoming the persons God intends us to be.
a) A way for the Lord to be first in our lives.
b) A way for us to grow in holiness and righteousness and the fruit of the Spirit.
c) A way to learn about the other priorities (4 other major areas) from the
Christian perspective.
* Not according to the desires of our flesh or the wisdom of the world.
* SFC is a strong support environment.
d) A way of caring for the family.
* CFC is a family renewal ministry.
* CFC has various ministries for our children.
e) A way of serving the Church.
* SFC is a servant to the Church and is committed to its renewal and

strengthening.
* Our members perform many services in the parishes.
3. We should build our lives around our life in SFC. Block out all SFC schedules.
E. Aspects of faithfulness and order in SFC.
1. Attendance at meetings.
a) A part of our covenant.
b) Very necessary if we are to move on.
* Fraternal care and support.

* Formation courses.
* The Lord speaks through sharings, prophecies, exhortations, etc., during our
meetings.
- Don't miss the Lord's special word for you.
c) Don't just excuse yourself on your own from meetings.
* Inform your head/leader if you cannot come.
* Don't say "I'm old enough to decide". This is true but:
- Most of us are still young in the Lord. Informing the head will afford an
opportunity to learn more about priorities in the Lord.
- We don't lead individual lives but are part of a body. The decisions of one
will affect the others.
d) Don't allow the blessings in your life to become the obstacles.
* Children.
- Let go and let God.
* Work / Career / Business.
-It is the LORD’s blessing that brings wealth, and no effort can substitute for it.
Proverbs 10:22.
* When we honor God by our right priorities, He will bless us.
e) Pray that the Lord will protect your SFC schedule.
f) Faithfulness and order includes punctuality.
* Shows our respect for God. We should not be late for the time of worship
which precedes every meeting.
* Shows our respect for our brethren.
- We do not keep them waiting.

- We do not waste their time.
- We afford some time for fellowship before the meeting starts.
* A practical tip : have "arrival" and "starting" times.

g) Acceptable nights out in SFC:
* Most would experience Church meetings to be monthly or bi-weekly.
* Meetings in SFC are necessarily more often.
- For members -- weekly.
- For leaders -- twice a week (you handle a group and you belong to a
group).
- For other leaders and elders -- thrice a week (you handle a group, you
belong to a group, and you do further service such as giving a talk in a
CLP).
- Some might have 4 nights a week and some weekends out.
2. Service.
a) There is a place in SFC for all levels of involvement.
* At the lowest level, one could just be a member and not have a specific
service.
* However, our unique pastoral structure (one leader couple for every five or
so household member-couples) necessitates the raising up of many leaders
to lead households.
- At any one time, about 20% of the body are leaders.
- Thus, part of the vision for being a SFC member is to think in terms of
serving as leaders at some time.
- Leaders move up the "pastoral ladder", i.e., HHs become UHs, UHs
become CHs, etc.
b) How do we handle requests for service?
* Be open. But also consider your other priorities.
* Be creative and flexible when doing service.
- Overall leaders do not have to be at all events all the time. members
should not expect them to be.

- You can pop in on an activity and then leave, if your continued presence is
not required.
- It is not necessary to always be there as a couple.
c) We stress service, but we should not neglect our family.
* And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members
has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim 5:8
* A well-ordered family life allows us to serve.
4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under
control with perfect dignity; 5 for if a man does not know how to manage his
own household, how can he take care of the church of God? 1 Tim 3:4-5
3. Other considerations.
a) It often is necessary to cut back on some fronts.
* Sometimes good things (golf, socials), but necessary to make room for better
things.
b) Get free of things running you.
* Addiction to work, family, TV, sports, etc.
c) You may lose old friends.
* Try to bring them to the community. This is the way to keep the relationship
going.
d) Seek out your leaders for inputs.
* Greater wisdom and experience is available.
* Have humility.
F. Conclusion.
1. We need order so that our life would be at peace, so that we do not neglect all the
important elements of our life, and so that we can serve the Lord.
2. Let us be faithful to God's call to us and to our covenant in SFC.

THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

FAITHFULNESS AND SELF-CONTROL
I. Faithfulness
A. Two Great Models of Faithfulness
1. God the Father is faithful.
a) “A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of your mercy forever, LORD proclaim
your faithfulness through all ages.” Psalms 89:1-2
You love all the words that create confusion, you deceitful tongue. God too will
strike you down forever, he will lay hold of you and pluck you from your tent,
uproot you from the land of the living. Selah The righteous will see and they will
fear; but they will laugh at him: “Behold the man! He did not take God as his refuge,
but he trusted in the abundance of his wealth, and grew powerful through his
wickedness.” Psalms 52:6-9
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
b) God is a rock.
 solid, unchanging
 reliable: you can "build" on Him
 a protection, refuge
2. God the Son is faithful.
a) Hebrews 3:1-2, 5-6. "Faithful over God's house as a son".
Jesus, Superior to Moses. Therefore, holy “brothers,” sharing in a heavenly

calling, reflect on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was
faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was “faithful in [all] his house.”
Hebrews 3:1-2
Moses was “faithful in all his house” as a “servant” to testify to what would be
spoken, but Christ was faithful as a son placed over his house. We are his house, if
[only] we hold fast to our confidence and pride in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

 someone upon whom God can rely
b) The most prized quality in a servant is faithfulness.
B. What does it mean for us to be faithful?
1. To be faithful is to be reliable.
Reliability is expressed in the following ways:
a. Dependability.
 We can be counted upon to fulfill responsibility.
- “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master
has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food
at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his
arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge
of all his property. Matthew 24:45-47
 You can give them something to do with the confidence that they will
do it. This is the essence of a servant in SFC.
b. Honesty
c. Integrity
 Our word is good.
- Like God's promise to David. Psalms 89:4-5,31-38
I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to

David my servant: I will make your dynasty stand forever and
establish your throne through all ages.” Selah
Psalms 89:4-5
If his descendants forsake my teaching, do not follow my decrees,

If they fail to observe my statutes, do not keep my commandments,
I will punish their crime with a rod and their guilt with blows.
But I will not take my mercy from him, nor will I betray my bond
of faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant; the promise of my
lips I will not alter. By my holiness I swore once for all: I will never
be false to David. His dynasty will continue forever, his throne, like
the sun before me. Like the moon it will stand eternal, forever firm
like the sky! Selah Psalm 89:31-38

- Like God's promise to Sarah.

By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past
the normal age—and Sarah herself was sterile—for he thought
that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
Hebrews 11:11
- 2 Corinthians 1:15-20. Paul's faithfulness is derived from that of

God the Father and Jesus.
15 With this confidence I formerly intended to come to you so that

you might receive a double favor, 16 namely, to go by way of you to
Macedonia, and then to come to you again on my return from
Macedonia, and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 So when
I intended this, did I act lightly? Or do I make my plans according
to human considerations, so that with me it is “yes, yes” and “no,
no”? 18 As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and
“no.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to
you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,”
but “yes” has been in him. 20 For however many are the promises
of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes
through him to God for glory
 We should be thoughtful and responsible about making commitments,

and utterly reliable in fulfilling them.
- Service commitments: we do what we say we'll do.

- Covenant agreements: the basis of marriage and family life.
- Our covenant/commitment in SFC.
 Especially revealed in little things.

 Our reliability is not just in specific instances but all the time. It is not
merely sporadic good behavior, but an enduring character trait.
2. To be faithful is to be loyal.
a. Loyalty = faithfulness in relationships.
 Standing by someone in adversity, sickness.

 Standing up for someone who is attacked or abused.
 Loyalty is an element of a personal relationship. It is focused on the
other person. It does not presume that the other person is perfect. It
does mean you do not back off from the relationship because they
have erred, or because the relationship has become difficult or
embarrassing.

b. “If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. “

2 Timothy 2:13. God is loyal to us beyond our deserving it.
c. Revelations 2:10-11,13. Loyalty is the martyr virtue.
Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil
will throw some of you into prison that you may be tested, and you will
face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you
the crown of life. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to
the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death.
Revelations 2:10-11
“I know that you live where Satan’s throne is, and yet you hold fast to my
name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of
Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan
lives.” Revelations 2:13
d. Loyalty to each other is especially important for us in SFC, so we can

remain united for mission.
II. Self-Control
A. Self-Control = being in control of your self
1. Master of your self, self-possessed.

2. Being able to be answerable for your actions.
B. Our Need for Self-Control
1. We need self-control in specific areas.
a. Emotions
 Anger, fear, etc. -these are from God, but can begin to dominate us.
b. Natural Desires
 Food, drink, sleep, sex -these are good, but can become unruly.
c. Addictions
 "A physical and/or psychological dependency on a drug or on some

form of behavior that serves a drug-like function".

 Alcohol, drugs, overeating, masturbation/use of pornography,

gambling, smoking.
d. Hobbies and Outside Interests
 These are important ingredients of human life, but we could go

overboard.
e. Speech
 Gossip, compulsive talking
f. Media
g. Curiosity
 "Lust for knowledge.”
2. We need self-control as a general quality.
a. To help us be of maximum service to the Lord.
 Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race,
but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises
discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we
an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I
were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that,
after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Like an athlete in training.
- Without self-control, we can't win the prize no matter how good

our intentions.
- The athlete practices self-control not just in obviously related
areas but "in all things". It should be the same for us.
 “The patient are better than warriors, and those who rule their
temper, better than the conqueror of a city.” Proverbs 16:32 highlights
the value of self-control.
b. A city breached and left defenseless are those who do not control their
temper. Proverbs 25:28.
Without self-control we are defenseless against the world/flesh/devil.

c. Self-control produces confidence and inner strength.
 Your behavior becomes predictable; you can trust yourself.
d. Self-Control is the virtue that makes the other virtues possible.
 E.g., It is hard to be faithful without self-control.
C. How to Grow in Self-Control
1. Decide for it.
a. Get clear that you want it more than you want the fruit of the problem
("But I like to sleep in/eat chocolate /etc.")
b. Overcoming a particular weakness requires a declaration of "limited
war".
2. Trust God for it.
a. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:13
b. Not a will-power exercise, but letting God's strength do it.
3. Live in an ordered environment.
a. Personal order is important. Chaotic circumstances put pressure on areas

of weakness.
b. "Basic order spreads" – getting schedule nailed down, tidying workspace,
etc., helps focus on other areas of disorder.
4. Map out a course of action and pursue it patiently.
a. Be like a general planning a military campaign.

b. "Crash programs usually crash" – they produce discouragement, guilt.
5. Guard your thoughts.
a. Don't be undermined by past failure, or familiarity with how tough it is.

b. Repent of the "It's no use" mentality, etc.
6. Get help.
a. From our leaders and brethren in SFC.

b. They can help us sort things out, set priorities, map strategy; they can
also give encouragement, reminders, etc.
D. Limits to Restraint
1. Self-control is not an end in itself.
a. We want it for what it brings us (ability to love and serve God and other
people better), not for its own sake.
b. We can go overboard: waking up without alarm clock, etc.
2. Some things shouldn't be restrained: love for God and others.


GROWING IN FAITH
A. Introduction.
1. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the
gift of God” Ephesians 2:8. The good news is that all men can enter into a new
relationship with God by believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
a) Faith is the key, Jesus is the door, and salvation is the room to be entered.
b) Faith in God is the foundation of the Christian life.
2. But many Christians today lack a complete understanding of faith.
a) They see the importance of faith just at the beginning of one's Christian life.
b) But faith is not only the key to salvation, it is also the way one receives all of
God's gifts: healing, guidance, answers to prayers, tongues, etc.
* Thus faith is vital not just at the beginning but throughout our Christian life.
B. The Meaning of Faith.
1. True Christian faith is a reliance upon God which allows Him to fulfill His purposes
within and through His people.
a) What are these purposes?
* To form us so our character reflects His own.

* To make us His instruments to touch and speak to others.
* To teach us to pray in such a way that He can guide circumstances which are
beyond our control.
b) Faith releases this threefold action of God.
c) Faith is a way for us to rest in God.
* We abandon ourselves into the hands of a loving God, acknowledging His

greatness and our smallness.
* Faith is not a task, hurdle or obligation, but a gift from God.
2. The basis of faith.

a) Faith is not a blind leap or an arbitrary act of will. Rather, faith is a Christian's
response to God's revelation of His own nature and plan.
* God reveals Himself in the Bible, in human history, in one's personal

experience, and in the experiences of others.
* Since God's nature is consistent and His word is faithful, we can count on Him
to act in the future as He has acted in the past.
Mark 5:25-34
25 There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She
had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had.
Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus and
came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 28 She said, “If I but
touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” 29 Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She
felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Jesus, aware at once that
power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has
touched my clothes?” 31 But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is
pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around
to see who had done it. 33 The woman, realizing what had happened to her,
approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the
whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace
and be cured of your affliction.”
b) We can know God's nature, desires and purposes in at least three ways.
* Through His universally binding promises. The Bible contains many such
promises with clearly stated conditions: Luke 11:13; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16.
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who
ask him?” Luke 11:13
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 1 John 1:9
For God so loved the world that he gave[a] his only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. John 3:16
* Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Since God lives within us, we
should expect some direct personal communication from Him.
* Through an understanding of God's nature. God is merciful and has

compassion for us.
3. Three kinds of faith.
a) Believing faith.
* Acceptance of the basic doctrinal truths of Christianity.
* Such faith is essential, but is not sufficient. “You believe that God is one. You
do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble.” James 2:19. Even the
devil has such faith.
b) Trusting faith.
* The belief that God is good, that He loves His people, and that He will care for
them always.
* This is not merely assent to a creed, but entrusting one's life into God's
hands.
c) Expectant faith.
* God wants His people to believe, to trust, and to expect. Expectant faith
reaches out to Jesus and expects him to act in specific situations.
* Expectant faith differs from the other kinds of faith in its active, dynamic
nature. Not just a yielding to the will of God and a willingness to endure
difficult circumstances, but asking much from God.
* For example, it might be God's will for us to accept physical illness, financial
distress or other difficulties as part of purification; or He might be using
difficulties as a way of testing and building our faith.
* Jesus taught his disciples to pray forcefully, even for minor needs. Matthew
7:7-11.
The Answer to Prayers. 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will
find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks,
receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks
for a loaf of bread, 10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who
are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
4. Faith is an active, external response, not an internal emotion.

a) If tied to emotion, faith becomes a sputtering and inconstant flame.
b) Faith is not primarily an emotion, but a way of thinking, speaking and acting
which contains an emotional element.
c) Faith is an external response.
* You have faith if you act in faith.
* However, faith is not just a set of specific actions, but also an outlook which
should characterize one's entire Christian life.
d) A Christian filled with faith will rejoice in all circumstances, hope in God's
providential control of human events, and avoid attitudes of anxiety, fear,
negativism, hostility or discouragement.
C. Growing in Faith.
1. Faith is formed by God. We cannot grow in faith by our own efforts.
a) Nevertheless, we can contribute to our growth in faith by confronting some

important hazards and by following some helpful steps.
b) We cannot build our own faith, but God cannot build it without our cooperation.
2. Hazards to faith.
a) Fear.
* Usually stems from personal insecurity, fear of failure, and an over-intense

approach to faith.
* To overcome these, we should relax, rest in the Lord, remember God's

promises, trust His word, and venture forth with a willingness to make
mistakes.
* If we are just starting to grow in faith, we should begin by praying for small
things.
* We should be eager to exercise our faith. We should view failures as

opportunities to learn about how to exercise faith more effectively.
b) Emotions.

* We sometimes try to work up intense feelings of faith for our prayer

requests, believing that God will not work unless we have the right feelings
or intensity.
* Feelings of faith are helpful, but God's power does not depend on them.
* We should just stand firmly on the rock of God's word.
c) Self-doubt.
* We should disregard distorted guilt feelings.
* We should trust more fully in the Lord.
d) Satan.
* Some difficulties in exercising faith are caused by satanic opposition.
* We should be aware of the realities of spiritual warfare.
* As thoughts of doubts or fear are planted by satanic forces in our mind, we

can rebuke them with God's authority and replace them with the truth.
3. Positive steps toward faith.
a) An environment of faith.
* We need to associate with people who will foster growth in faith. This is
what we have in SFC.
* We should be faithful to our meetings and activities in SFC, seeing these as a

big help to our faith.
b) Spiritual reading.
* Books and magazines which communicate a faith-filled Christian worldview.
* Our three-year Spiritual Reading Guide. At least one book a month.
c) Hearing God's word.
“Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the
word of Christ.” Romans 10:17.
* Through the Bible, teachings, prophecy, books, exhortations, and direct

words from the Lord.
* We should be diligent to hear, absorb, contemplate and love God's word.
d) Personal prayer.
* God has adopted us as His sons and daughters, and He delights in answering
our prayers. Thus confidence should pervade our prayer.
e) Prayer for faith.
* A final step is also the most direct: ask God to increase our faith.
D. Conclusion.
1. We in SFC are to be a people of faith.
2. God raised us up and intends to use us. Let us stir up the gift of faith that God wants
to bestow on us.


JOY AND SORROW
I. Introduction
A. Joy and Peace. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Philippians 4:4.
Joy is a fundamental characteristic of a Christian.
B. Joy, as well as sorrow, are appropriate human responses.
1. Jesus and the apostles responded to situations in an appropriate and fully

human way.
a. For some, it is difficult to picture Jesus as a genuine, flesh-and-blood

human being. They see Him as an austere figure. One who seldom smiles.
"Holy", detached, aloof.
b. But Jesus was indeed fully human. The Gospels often show Jesus acting
normal, i.e., displaying authentic human responses to typical human
situations.
 He rejoiced at good news. Success of 72 on mission. Luke 10:21. "Jesus

rejoiced in the Holy Spirit", i.e., "jumped for joy"
“At that very moment he rejoiced [in] the Holy Spirit and said, “I give
you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have
hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed
them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.”
Luke 10:21
 He experienced sorrow. “As he drew near, he saw the city and wept
over it.” Luke 19:41
 He was moved with pity. “Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Mark 1:41
 He was angry.
Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of
heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out
and his hand was restored. Mark 3:5

 He was deeply troubled. When he had said this, Jesus was deeply
troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will
betray me.” John 13:21
 Thus, these responses of joy, sorrow, compassion, and anger show

that Jesus was truly human.
c. St. Paul expressed deep affection in his letters.
 Philippians 1:7-8
It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold
you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, both in my
imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For
God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ
Jesus.
 2 Timothy 1:3-4
Thanksgiving. I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear
conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my
prayers, night and day. Yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so
that I may be filled with joy,
2. Some Common Misunderstandings About Emotional Responses
a. The Stoic Approach
 "Christians should be above emotion.”

 But Christianity is not opposed to human feelings.
 Emotions are created by God. They can help us.
b. The Focus-on-Feelings Approach
 Being introspective, controlled by emotions.

 World’s view: Feelings = true identity. "You are what you feel".
 We tend to think that being a good Christian = feeling the right way,
rather that doing the right thing.
3. Our goal is a redeemed human response.
a. Avoid the two extremes.

b. Experience the right emotion at the right time.

 “
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” 1
Corinthians 13:6. We need to know what to rejoice in, what not to.
Emotions play a part, but in the right way, at the right time, for the
right reason.
 Ecclesiastes 3:4. "A time to weep/laugh, mourn/dance".
c. Develop an authentic human response.
 Distinguish between reaction and response.

 God gave us emotions. He wants them to work right, in a way that
serves us.
II. Sorrow, Grief, and Mourning
A. Sorrow is the appropriate response to pain or misfortune. It's the opposite of joy.
1. Sorrow is not incompatible with being a Christian. Being a joyful Christian

does not mean never being sorrowful.
2. In fact, Jesus expressed sorrow.
a. John 11:32-36. Jesus joins Mary, Martha, and the others in weeping over
Lazarus' death – even though he no doubt knew he was going to raise
Lazarus! Why? Because even the momentary triumph of death was evil,
and because the loss of Lazarus brought sorrow to those around him.
b. Same with us: we know those who die in the Lord will rise again. But even
though a funeral can thus be cause for celebration, mourning and grief
still have an appropriate place.
c. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans
12:15. Jesus did so. It is right for us to do the same.
B. Sorrow is the appropriate response to sin.
1. Ezra 9:1-7, 10:1,6. Ezra is moved to grief at the sin of God's people. In this he
shares in God's response to sin.
Ezra 9:1-7 The Crisis of Mixed Marriages. When these matters had been
concluded, the leaders approached me with this report: “Neither the Israelite
laymen nor the priests nor the Levites have kept themselves separate from
the peoples of the lands and their abominations—Canaanites, Hittites,
Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites— for
they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their

sons, thus intermingling the holy seed with the peoples of the lands.
Furthermore, the leaders and rulers have taken a prominent part in this
apostasy!”
Ezra’s Reaction. When I had heard this, I tore my cloak and my mantle,
plucked hair from my head and beard, and sat there devastated. Around me
gathered all who were in dread of the sentence of the God of Israel on the
apostasy of the exiles, while I remained devastated until the evening
sacrifice. Then, at the time of the evening sacrifice, I rose in my
wretchedness, and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees, stretching
out my hands to the LORD, my God.
A Penitential Prayer. said: “My God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to

raise my face to you, my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our
heads and our guilt reaches up to heaven. From the time of our ancestors
even to this day our guilt has been great, and for our wicked deeds we have
been delivered, we and our kings and our priests, into the hands of the kings
of foreign lands, to the sword, to captivity, to pillage, and to disgrace, as is the
case today.
Ezra 10:1 Response to the Crisis. While Ezra prayed and acknowledged
their guilt, weeping and prostrate before the house of God, a very large
assembly of Israelites gathered about him, men, women, and children; and
the people wept profusely.
Ezra 10:6 Then Ezra left his place before the house of God and entered the
chamber of Johanan, son of Eliashib, where he spent the night neither eating
food nor drinking water, for he was in mourning over the apostasy of the
exiles.
2. Mourning for sin is not just "getting depressed" and Ezra's action is not just a
tantrum. Rather, he is making use of his culture's mourning customs to
express his grief and repentance.
 Having such concrete, active expression is helpful – something our

culture is lacking.
III. Joy
A. Joy is the appropriate response to something good.

B. Joy is not just a feeling, but an active response.
1. Luke 15:4-6.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep “What man among you having a hundred sheep
and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go

after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his
shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his
friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have
found my lost sheep.’
a. Not just an emotional response: "Let's all feel good", or "feel happy with
me".
b. But an active response: "Let's have a party!"
2. Nehemiah 8:9-12
Then Nehemiah, that is, the governor, and Ezra the priest-scribe, and the
Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: “Today is holy
to the LORD your God. Do not lament, do not weep!”—for all the people were
weeping as they heard the words of the law. He continued: “Go, eat rich foods
and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing
prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for
rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!” And the Levites quieted all the people,
saying, “Silence! Today is holy, do not be saddened.” Then all the people
began to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,
for they understood the words that had been explained to them.
a. Rediscovery of the Book of the Law
 Disobeyed for many years, thus remorse (v.9). Right reaction.

 But in the Feast of Tabernacles, the people are supposed to celebrate.
So they are told to do so (v.9-10, 12).
 They are not just told to feel differently. But do active rejoicing.
b. To rejoice was appropriate regardless of how they felt, regardless of any

contrary reaction.
C. But joy that is the fruit of the Spirit is something more.
1. It is not just an active response to a particular situation, but an abiding

character trait; something that is to characterize us at all times.
2. St. Paul was quite emphatic.
a. Joy and Peace. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Philippians 4:4,
Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16. Joy is not just an isolated response,
but an abiding trait.

b. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer . Romans 12:12.

It is based on our hope of salvation.
3. According to James, even when undergoing difficulties.
 Perseverance in Trial. Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you

encounter various trials, James 1:2. Not because they are good in
themselves, but because God uses them for good.
D. How can these be? What does it mean to be joyful at all times? If its OK to grieve,
how can we rejoice in all circumstances?
1. First, joy is not something we muster up. Rather, it comes from the work of
the Holy Spirit.
 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of
righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit;” Romans 14:17
2. Beyond this, we can be people who always rejoice because we are people
whose fundamental situation is good.
a. We are in Christ.
We are restored to fellowship with God. We are His children.
We are temples of the Holy Spirit.
b. Our joy is simply an unchanging response to these unchanging truths.
3. Even with trials, we can rejoice. Not because the trials are enjoyable, but
because of what they produce in us.
IV. Conclusion
A. Joy and sorrow are appropriate human responses. Sorrow for pain or
misfortune. Joy for good fortune.
B. Joy is an active response, not just an emotional reaction. We can rejoice even
when reaction is contrary.
C. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. An abiding character trait. Rejoice always. Because our
fundamental situation is good.


LOVE AND DISCIPLINE
I. Introduction
A. Paul's list of the fruit of the Spirit begins with "love".
1. Love is the preeminent Christian virtue. “If I speak in human and angelic
tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing
cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and
all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have
love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body
over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians
13:1-3,
“Sofaith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1
Corinthians 13:13
2. Love is the trait that most characterizes God.
B. This talk will explain together three character traits in “ In contrast, the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness ”
Galatians 5:22 -love, kindness and goodness.
II. God's Revelation of His Love and Goodness: Exodus 32-34 (golden calf)
A. God's Forgiveness – Exodus 32.
1. A quick summary: While Moses is away on Mount Sinai, Aaron and the people
reject Yahweh and make themselves an idol, a golden calf. In anger, Moses
threw down and broke the tablets of the Ten commandments.
2. What we need to appreciate is God's response.
a. God forgives the sin of the golden calf, despite His anger and the people's
(not unreasonable!) expectation of being wiped out. Those most
responsible were punished, but God did not destroy them as a nation.
b. God's forgiveness seems routine to us, but not to them: they had, after all,
seriously violated the covenant.
 The "gods" of the other nations would have wiped them out for a
similar infraction, but this God shows Himself different.

B. God's Favor – Exodus 33
1. Vv. 1-3: God answers Moses' prayer of intercession by renewing His

promises and sending them on again to take possession of the land. However,
this time God refuses to go on with Israel, for their own sake: He knows His
holiness and their sin won't mix.
2. Vv. 12,15-16a: Moses is understandably upset: "If you're not with us, what's
the use of our going on?"
3. V. 13: Moses sees that if God's chosen people are not compatible with God,
then the people must change: they must become more like God. But to do
that, they must first know what He is like. So Moses asks God to reveal
Himself: "We need to know you in order to relate to you properly, so that you
can go with us".
4. Vv. 17-23: "My holiness is too much for you to gaze upon, but I'll make a way
for you to catch a glimpse".
C. God's Self-revelation – Exodus 34
1. Because of His loving nature, and in response to Moses' prayer, God reveals
Himself as a pledge of His enduring faithfulness.
2. Vv. 5-10: The Lord reveals His ways, His glory, His goodness.
3. Central to all is love. God is saying: "I am a God of love; My nature is to be
loving".
III. Six Biblical Words That Reflect God's Love
A. Goodness
1. The LORD answered: I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will
proclaim my name, “LORD,” before you; I who show favor to whom I will, I
who grant mercy to whom I will. Exodus 33:19. "I will make all my goodness
pass before you.”
2. Goodness means having the good of others at heart. To be good involves
acting and speaking in such a way that the highest good of these around us is
our highest priority.
 We can count on God to have our good at heart in everything He does.
3. Opposite of malice (desiring harm for others) and of selfishness or

indifference toward others.
4. We too are to be "good", to always act with the best interests of others at
heart.

a. "Will this be for the other person's good?"

b. Even though it may be difficult or painful.
B. Kindness
1. Exodus 33:19. Same Hebrew word "tub" is translated by two Greek words: In
English, "goodness" and "kindness".
 Very similar in meaning to goodness.
2. Kindness means doing good to others, loving them by putting ourselves at

their service.
3. Goodness describes our motive in relating to others; kindness describes the
things we do as a result of that motive.
C. Mercy, Compassion
1. So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God
gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity,
Exodus 34:6. "The Lord, a God [who is] merciful..."
2. To be merciful is to be personally moved by another's need.
3. God loves us in just that way.
 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion

on those who fear him. Psalms 103:13. As a parent is moved to care for
his child (same word translated here as "pity").
 His love is not merely dutiful on mechanical, but warm and affectionate.
D. Grace, Generosity, Favor
1. “So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God
gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity.”
Exodus 34:6.
2. This is loving others even though they do not deserve it and have no "right"
to it. Love that is a free and undeserved gift.
a. For the leader. A psalm of David, Psalms 51:1 – God pardons "according to
his mercy."
b. Psalms 86:1-7 – God answers prayer because He is "gracious"

A prayer of David. Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and
oppressed. Preserve my life, for I am devoted; save your servant who trusts in
you. You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day. Gladden
the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. Lord, you are good and
forgiving, most merciful to all who call on you. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to
my cry for help. On the day of my distress I call to you, for you will answer me.
3. We need to grow in learning how to naturally give of ourselves.
E. Steadfast Love
1. Exodus 34:6-7. "...abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping

steadfast love for the thousandth generation".
2. Hebrew "chesed": "loving kindness", "constant love", "loyalty", "committed
love", "loyal care".
a. Often coupled with "faithfulness" (more in Talk 5).

b. Especially connected to covenant relationship, loyalty.
3. This is what God is like in relationships: when He has committed Himself, you
can count on His love and care.
 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:13.
4. This is also what we are to be like in our relationships. Indeed it is the basis
of our covenant relationship with one another in CFC Singles for Christ.
F. Agape
1. This is the word Paul uses in “In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22.
 This summarizes all we have said about God's love.
2. Agape is the kind of love that motivated God to make the ultimate sacrifice in
Christ: become man, suffer, and die for us.
a. An unselfish love, given with no expectation of return.

b. Ephesians 2:4-9. Note "mercy", "great love", "immeasurable riches of
grace in kindness", "for by grace you have been saved".
3. The foundation of all God's action is His loving nature. This is also to be true
of us as we grow in the Spirit.

a. Our love should be unconditional.
“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate
you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the
person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from
the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to
everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not
demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you
love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those
who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit
is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from
whom you expect repayment, what credit [is] that to you? Even sinners lend
to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and
do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be
great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the
ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36
b. Our love derives not from what we see in the other person, but from the
kind of person God has made us to be.
c. Our love must not be a stern, unpleasant duty, but something joyful.
IV. God's Firmness
A. God is loving, but He is also firm.
1. God is not indulgent or "soft-hearted" in the sense of being unconcerned

about how we respond to His love.
2. There are limits to what God allows and discipline is an important part of
how He relates to us.
 Thus love and discipline go together.
B. Limits
1. Exodus 34:7b. The same passage that reveals His love and kindness speaks of
judgment!
2. God's love and God's justice exist together.
a. There are no limits to God's love but there are limits to what He allows us
to do and still be in relationship with Him.

b. Because of our sinful condition, God knows that an "anything goes"

approach will lead to actions on our part that will block the very thing He
wants: a love relationship with us.
c. Thus it is precisely an act of love on God's part to set limits.
C. Discipline
1. Hebrews 12:5-10. God's fatherly discipline of His children.
You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: “My son, do not
disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the
Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” Endure your
trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father
does not discipline? If you are without discipline, in which all have shared, you are
not sons but bastards. Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us,
and we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of
spirits and live? They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he
does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.
a. Not just punishment, but also teaching, training, and correcting.
 The root word is "disciple".

 Discipline = everything a master does for his disciple to raise him up
to be like himself.
b. His purpose is to bring us to righteousness, to holiness (v. 10).
2. We, like God, ought to love, but our love should also be tempered with a
desire to help others grow in righteousness.
a. Be generous, but don't just give money if what they most need is to grow
in financial responsibility.
b. Be forgiving, but don't just "let things pass" if what they need is to
overcome a weakness or right a wrong.
c. Be gracious, but don't let a brethren do anything that will harm
him/herself.
3. How do we reconcile love and discipline?
a. We cannot love too much, give too much, and be too affectionate. But we
can love, give, and show affection in unhelpful ways.
 Love without discipline is "sloppy agape".

b. It requires wisdom to combine love and discipline properly in various

relationships and situations.
V. Conclusion: 1 John 4:7-11
God’s Love and Christian Life. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of
God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without
love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to
us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In
this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as
expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.
A. Our love shows we are born of God and share His nature (v. 7).
B. God's grace is free, but not cheap. It cost God the life of His son (v. 10).
C. We too are called to lay down our lives in love (v. 11).


MEEKNESS AND AGGRESSIVENESS
I. Introduction
A. Meekness is a quality very much misunderstood. In modern culture, it has come

to mean "weakness", being spineless or timid.
B. In fact, meekness has to do with strength. It is "strength under control".
II. The Great Reversal – God's Ideal vs. The World's Ideal of Greatness
A. Matthew 18:1-4
The Greatest in the Kingdom. 1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and
said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child over,
placed it in their midst, 3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and
become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
1. Modern interpretation: we are to imitate a child's simplicity, innocence, trust,

etc.
 But children are also stubborn, rebellious, selfish, etc.
2. We are to imitate not the qualities of a child, but the position of a child as
understood in society at that time: the lowest position, the position of a
servant.
B. Philippians 2:3-9
“ Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as

more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but
[also] everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is
also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard
equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the
form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he
humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of
this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every
name” Philippians 2:3-9
1. We are usually taught, "look out for Number One", "Have it your way", "
Nobody tells me what to do".

2. But Jesus willingly takes the role of a servant (literally "slave").

3. We are to imitate Jesus in becoming servants, looking to the interests of
others.
III. Meekness and Humility
A. "Meekness" comes from Hebrew "anavah" = "Lowliness".
1. Refers to both:
a. Objective condition: belonging to the lowest social class.

b. Way of behaving: as a servant, the way the "lowly" would relate to those
above him in the social order.
2. "Anavah" translated by two Greek words and in turn by two English words:
humility (Philippians 2:3) and meekness (Galatians 5:23).
a. Humility
 To consciously consider ourselves the servant of others.

 Not to think ourselves worthless, but to count others as deserving of
our service.
b. Meekness
 Meekness is not weakness. It is not being a pushover or a doormat.

Meekness is the inner quality of relating as a servant.
 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and
humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” Matthew
11:29. Jesus says He is "humble of heart". But Jesus is anything but a
pushover.
B. Some Aspects of Being Meek
1. Respectful
a. Sirach 4:8 – "To the poor man lend an ear, and return his greeting
courteously" ("in meekness"). Be respectful to all and not just to those
whose positions demand it.
b. Titus 3:2 – "Show perfect courtesy toward all men." I.e., even those
outside the Christian community.

c. Opposite: arrogance
 Hot arrogance – challenging, insolent, abusive.

 Cold arrogance – aloof, indifferent, "cool."
2. Teachable.
“ Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word
that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” James 1:21
a. Eager to lay hold of the truth.

b. Can consider other points of view.
c. Not opinionated or rigid in insisting on one's own understanding of
things.
3. Obedient.
“He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross”

Philippians 2:8
a. Does what the master instructs.

b. Seeks to meet the master's needs, not his own.
c. Even when in a position of authority, the meek person is a servant.
4. Non-defensive
a. Not personally hostile in the face of abuse or attack.

Numbers 12:1-8. We might tend to fight back; Moses lets God handle it.
Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam. Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses
on the pretext of the Cushite woman he had married; for he had in fact
married a Cushite woman. They complained, “Is it through Moses alone
that the LORD has spoken? Has he not spoken through us also?” And
the LORD heard this. Now the man Moses was very humble, more than
anyone else on earth. So at once the LORD said to Moses and Aaron and
Miriam: Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting. And the three of them
went. Then the LORD came down in a column of cloud, and standing at the
entrance of the tent, called, “Aaron and Miriam.” When both came
forward, the LORD said: Now listen to my words: If there are prophets
among you, in visions I reveal myself to them, in dreams I speak to them;
Not so with my servant Moses! Throughout my house he is worthy of
trust: face to face I speak to him, plainly and not in riddles. The likeness of
the LORD he beholds.

b. Why, then, do you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?
c. “ correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them
repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth,” 2 Timothy 2:25. We do correct
opponents (stand up for the truth), but we do it with gentleness (meekness).
5. Leading as a servant.
a. Not power-hungry.
b. Not out to glorify self at others' expense.
c. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of
heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:29. Jesus is
describing Himself as a master over His disciples (there is definite
authority), but unlike those in the world, He will not "lord it over." He will
teach, discipline, and correct as a servant.
d. Meekness is not just for subordinates: it is emphatically for those in
authority as well.
C. The Source of Meekness: Brokenness
1. Meekness is not our innate response. Something needs to happen inside us to

enable us to respond in meekness: we need to be "broken".
2. Two senses of brokenness:
a. A broken man – crushed, dispirited, has lost the will to fight, has given up
on life.
b. A broken horse – preserving and channeling strength and vigor.
3. Two things that need to be broken:
a. Self-will
 Not insisting on our own way or preferences.

 Able to surrender our will to the Lord and to others when
appropriate.
 Surfaces especially when we are crossed or criticized.
 Important in small matters as well as in large.
b. Wildness
 Not pushed around by impulse, fear, anger.

 Able to ask "How would the Lord's servant respond?" and act
accordingly.

IV. Meekness and Zeal
A. Matthew 21:1-13 – The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)
Matthew 21: 1-13 The Entry into Jerusalem.” When they drew near Jerusalem and
came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them,
“Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and
a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say
anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at
once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be
fulfilled: “Say to daughter Zion, ‘Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on
an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as
Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over
them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The
crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to
the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken
and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from
Nazareth in Galilee. The Cleansing of the Temple. Jesus entered the temple area
and drove out all those engaged in selling and buying there. He overturned the
tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And he
said to them, “It is written: ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you are making
it a den of thieves.
1. Jesus comes as a meek king (v. 5), yet he is bold and aggressive (v. 12).
 John 2:17 – "Zeal for your house consumes me".
2. Zeal is not mere enthusiasm, but aggressive dedication to accomplishing

God's purposes.
3. Having a "one-track heart".
B. Accusation of Weakness. “Now I myself, Paul, urge you through the gentleness
and clemency of Christ, I who am humble when face to face with you, but brave
toward you when absent, I beg you that, when present, I may not have to be
brave with that confidence with which I intend to act boldly against some who
consider us as acting according to the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 10:1-2
“Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle
spirit?” 1 Corinthians 4:21. Paul's behavior will be determined by how the
Corinthians respond. Sometimes he may be aggressive, sometimes gentle. But
meekness (servanthood) underlies all.

C. Three questions to help us decide on the appropriate response:
1. Whose rights/claims/preferences are at stake?
a. If ours, lean to submissiveness.

b. If God's, lean to aggressiveness.
2. Are we in authority?
a. If yes (e.g. in our own home), lean to aggressiveness.

b. If no, lean to submissiveness.
3. What will be most helpful? What will best serve the Lord and the people
involved?
 Requires wisdom and experience.
V. Conclusion
A. We are to be strong, aggressively dedicated Christians whose strength is

channeled into serving others.
B. Whether gentle or aggressive, we are at all times servants, modeled on Jesus.


OVERCOMING THE FLESH
A. Introduction.
1. As we grow in the Christian life, we will encounter personal problems.
2. The sources of personal problems are the world, the flesh and the devil. The last
talk was on "Overcoming the world". Now we will take a look at the flesh.
3. The world and the devil are external forces. As we recognize their work and get set
to do battle with them, we find something wrong: there is another enemy force
lurking within us. This is the enemy within--the flesh.
B. What is "the flesh"?
1. "The flesh" is not:
a) The body.
* The body can be good or evil, depending upon how and for what purposes
man uses it. The "flesh" is always bad.
b) The emotions.
* Emotions are God-given, to act as our servants.
c) Sexual desire.
* This is the most common modern understanding of the term.
2. "The flesh" refers to human nature separated from God, functioning apart from Him
and thus acting in opposition to Him. It is the sum total of man's tendencies and
desires which run contrary to God's law.
a) This conflict between God and the flesh clouds every sphere of human
activity.
b) The works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) include sexual, social and spiritual sins.
19
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery,
hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of
envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such
things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
3. The flesh is a clear obstacle to growth in the Christian life.

C. Reordering behavior.
1. In Romans 7 and 8, Paul discusses two alternative methods for ordering desires and
behaviour so man can please God.
2. The first method is the law approach.
a) One hears God's word, attempts to understand God's desires for human conduct,
decides to obey, and then exerts all his will power to fulfill God's laws.
* This does not work very well. It usually causes frustration.
b) Paul experienced this. Rom 7:14-15.
“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into slavery to sin. What I
do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate.” Romans
7:14-17
* It is impossible to attain righteousness through human effort.

* Why does this happen? Rom 7:17-19.
So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that good
does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the
good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Romans
7:17-19
* The presence of the flesh--corrupted human nature-- makes significant

human self-improvement impossible.
c) What is needed is a transformation in our nature, a transformation beyond the

power of man.
3. The second method of pleasing God is to rely upon the transforming power of the
Holy Spirit.
a) This is made possible in Jesus. This is the approach of the new covenant in Jesus.
Rom 8:3-4.
“For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do, this God has
done: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for the sake of
sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous decree of the law might
be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.”
Romans 8:3-4
b) Man needs more than a set of rules to live by. Man needs a transformation of his
nature, a new birth and a new sustaining power.

c) To overcome the flesh, we must constantly yield to the Holy Spirit.
D. The solution: yielding to the Holy Spirit.
1. Decide to let Jesus be the Lord of every area of our life.
a) Not a teeth-gritting effort, but surrender.
* Give God permission to completely change our life.

* Cooperate and allow the Spirit to make the needed changes.
b) Characterized by an active desire to obey, not by grudging acceptance of the

truth.
* We must want to be changed.
* Unless we actively desire freedom from depression, resentment, self-pity,

etc., Jesus cannot intervene to make the needed change. He does not override
our will.
2. Have faith that transformation will indeed occur.
a) Expectant faith! Romans 8:31-32
What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who
did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also
give us everything else along with him? Romans 8:31-32
b) Don't be resigned, don't despair, don't just live with the problem.
* It may take time and effort, and may even involve a fierce struggle.
3. Maintain an attitude of thankfulness and rejoicing in the midst of personal

problems.
a) “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this
is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. All
circumstances!
* Because we trust God and know that He can bring good out of the bleakest
circumstances.
* This attitude both expresses and inspires faith, and faith opens the door to
the changing power of God.

b) Rejoicing is an action and attitude we can pursue regardless of our emotional

state.
* We need not be captive to the flesh with its negative emotions.
* As the attitude of rejoicing becomes habitual, it pervades our entire life. We

will come to live a stable life in true Christian joy.
c) A word on accepting "crosses".
* For some, accepting "crosses" is a means God uses to purify and strengthen
them.
* This is view can be helpful, as long as:

- One understands that God is not the author of evil.
- The approach is not used to disguise an unwillingness to let the Lord
change a problem area.
- The approach is not used to hide a lack of faith that the Lord will work.
* God sometimes permits problems to linger in order to accomplish important

ends, but His final intention is that Christians be healthy and whole.
* We should not think that a problem is good or that it will never be taken
away. Rather, seeing a problem as a cross should build endurance and
patience.
4. Do not passively accept problems, but instead actively declare Jesus' victory over
the flesh. Exercise God's authority.
a) We are simply applying the Good News to our lives: Jesus has overcome the flesh
through his death and resurrection; the Holy Spirit dwells in us and gives us the
power to live free from sin.
b) A personal declaration of independence from sin both expresses and inspires

faith. In turn, greater faith leads to a greater working of God.
5. Set aside all resentments.
a) Many people live for years with chronic hostility, stored grudges, and masses of
unresolved and unsatisfying relationships.
b) Bitterness towards others is both a grave offense against love, and also a source
of problems seemingly unrelated to the bitterness.
c) The Bible constantly admonishes us to forgive and forbear.

* All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you,
along with all malice. [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving
one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Eph 4:31-32. The key: look to
what Jesus did.
d) Do this: write the names of people closest to you; beside the names, write your
resentments; pray and surrender these to the Lord; ask Jesus to remove all
bitterness and malice. Repeat as necessary.
6. Be part of a committed Christian community. SFC for us.
a) Many problems need more than just one's faith or determination. They need
God's healing.
b) SFC is an important source of this healing.
* Through healthy, loving relationships.

* Through help in understanding one's problems.
* Through the corporate prayer of God's people.
E. Conclusion.
1. We can overcome the flesh, as we live more and more God's life in us.
2. God has given us SFC to be a strong support in our growth.
3. God has started a good work in us and will complete it. 1 Thes 5:23-24.
Concluding Prayer. May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may
you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.


OVERCOMING THE WORK OF EVIL SPIRITS
A. Introduction.
1. We have seen 2 major sources of personal wrongdoing: the world (our social and
cultural environment whose trends, values and ideas are opposed to God), and the
flesh (self-sufficient human nature which operates independently of God).
2. We are not only a psychological, social and cultural being. We are also spiritual
creatures. We need to confront a 3rd source of personal problems: Satan and evil
spirits.
B. The reality of Satan
1. The modern world dismisses the notion of a personal evil force as fantasy. Even
Christians share this view.
2. This modern disbelief in demons is largely attributable to the increasing

secularization of society. Our culture has tried to reduce all of life to natural cause
and effect, the interplay of atoms, the reactions of chemicals.
3. Yet Scripture, tradition and personal experience all testify to the presence of a
personal evil force opposing God.
a) We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the
evil one. 1 John 5:19
Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no
longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is
called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to
earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Rev 12:7-9
b) Satan wields tremendous power. A fallen angel.
c) Satan opposes God everywhere and fights Him with all the weapons he can find.
Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy the kingdom of God.
4. This spiritual war rages in world events. Satan is the "prince of this world".
a) Satan is implicated in political events, in international crises, and in the causes of

human suffering: war, racism, famine, crime, poverty, disease.
b) Satan also works more subtly to undermine the social order, often using well-
intentioned individuals and popular movements for his destructive purposes.

* Freemasonry
* New Age
* Contraception
c) Satan's schemes affect even the body of Christ, causing division and spreading
weakness.
d) Satan also works in the lives of individuals.
* He tries to distort man as a creature created in God's image.

* He subjects men to emotional, physical, mental and spiritual bondage.
C. Obvious areas of Satan's work.
1. The occult.
a) Satanism, witchcraft, spiritualism, divination.
b) Do: renounce it, destroy any objects associated with its practice and be prayed
with for freedom from its effects.
2. The bizarre.
a) Uncanny and inexplicable happenings which involve changes in our normal

sensory perception.
* An eerie sense of the presence of someone or something.

* An unusual perception change in sight, sound or smell.
* A hallucination-like experience, sometimes involving temporary loss of sight,
hearing or smell, or a new intensity of sensory perception which alters or
mixes together colors, sounds or smells.
b) Such can be induced by drugs, alcohol, fatigue and illness. If these are not the
cause, then may be the work of evil spirits.
3. Irrational feelings.
a) Satan lies at the root of many crippling, persistent, neurotic fears which have no
rational basis: fears of people, high places, dogs, death, etc.
b) Satan also causes sudden irrational impulses: to drive a car off the road, to leap
from a tall building, to commit a homicidal or suicidal act.
c) Such may have complex psychological causes. But very often are caused by evil
spirits.

D. Hidden areas of Satan's work.
1. Temptations.
a) Not just to sin, but to become anxious, frustrated, doubting, depressed, fearful,
condemned.
b) Satan is "the accuser of our brethren" (Rev 12:10) and "the father of lies" (John
8:44). He is often behind unfounded guilt feelings, self-condemnation, and false
or evil thoughts about God, oneself and others.
2. Addiction.
a) “At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by
nature are not gods” Galatians 4:8. Such spirits are often strongly implicated in
addictions to alcohol, drugs, compulsive eating, homosexuality, masturbation,
etc.
b) We need to consider also many natural and psychological factors behind

addictions. But often Satan is at work.
3. Emotional problems.
a) Depression, self-hatred, anger, etc.
b) Satan often complicates psychological and emotional disorders.
4. Illness.
a) Satan can hold people's bodies in bondage.
He was driving out a demon [that was] mute, and when the demon had gone out,
the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed. Luke 11:14
And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. Luke 13:11
b) No foolproof method for discerning when an illness is the direct work of an evil
spirit.
5. Spiritual problems.
a) Satan works to enslave Christians in their spiritual lives. Ways:

* Incite overly rigorous self-denial or a severely legalistic approach to

Christianity.
* Foster self-condemnation disguised as humility.
* Judge each other harshly.
* Adopt an extremely self-righteous posture toward others.
6. Fear of God's work in our lives.
a) Whenever God is beginning to work in power, Satan can be expected to try to

obstruct the path.
b) Some experience unnatural fears before giving their lives to God, being baptized
in the Spirit, taking some significant step in their Christian lives.
E. The Solution: The Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17.
Battle Against Evil. 10 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his
mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against
the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the
principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the
evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to
resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast
with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your
feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a
shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1. Truth.
a) Satan is a liar and the father of lies. He tempts Christians by deceiving them
about God, themselves, other men, and the external world.
b) Sometimes Satan is able to make a Christian believe a lie by attaching it to a

truth. "You shouldn't have yelled at your wife yesterday. You sure are a poor
husband".
c) God's truth--our awareness of His love and protection-- shatters Satan's lies.
2. Justice or righteousness.
a) We live righteously when we submit to the commandments of God. Sin is an

invitation to Satan.
3. Faith.
a) The source of our authority over Satan is the power of God.

b) “You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who
is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” 1 John 4:4
We need not fear Satan.
4. God's word.
a) The Bible. Search the Scriptures and find out God's truth about an area under
attack.
b) Authoritative preaching, teaching and prophecy.
c) A verbal command spoken directly to Satan or an evil spirit. Deliverance.
F. Conclusion.
1. Be aware of spiritual realities. Satan and evil spirits do exist, they operate in our
personal lives.
2. Do not over-simplify or over-spiritualize the causes of personal problems by

attributing every difficulty to Satan. To attribute everything to Satan can itself be
his deception.
3. Do not be afraid. Satan has already been defeated.

Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Luke 10:18
Respect Satan's power, but have the confidence of God's greater power.
4. Be faithful to your life in SFC. The body of Christ is a fortress against the onslaughts
of Satan. To be outside its walls is to be dangerously vulnerable to enemy attack.


PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE
I. Introduction
A. Poster: "Lord, give me patience…and give it to me now!"
B. Patience and perseverance are common New Testament words, very similar in
meaning (not opposites, as with some other talk titles). Both are qualities that
have to do with situations when things don't go our way (at least right away).
Thus they are very helpful, since a lot of things don't go our way!
II. Patience
A. The meaning of the word.
1. Greek "makrothumia" = "great-tempered".
 Opposite of "short-tempered", irritable, easily frustrated.
2. Hebrew Word = "slow to anger".

3. "Calm determination" – the ability to not react in anger or frustration when
things don't go the way we want, but to keep at it until the right thing
happens.
B. A quality of God's Love
1. God is patient.
 So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God
gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity
Exodus 34:6 – "Slow to anger"
2. Jesus is patient.
 I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord,
because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry.
I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I
have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my
unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the
faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and
deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated,
so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience

as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting
life. 1 Timothy 1:12-16.
God sticks with Paul until He gets the right thing to happen.
3. God does the same with us. He desires to save us, and He pursues this
purpose with "perfect patience".
C. An Active Quality: Determination, Not Resignation
1. We tend to see patience as passive: "putting up with it" when things go

wrong; being resigned to it.
 Webster defines it as "bearing pains or trials calmly and without

complaint". However. . .
2. By planning and persistence they subjugated the whole region, although it

was very remote from their own. They also subjugated the kings who had
come against them from the far corners of the earth until they crushed them
and inflicted on them severe defeat. The rest paid tribute to them every year.
1 Maccabees 8:4
Tells how Romans, "by their plan and patience" conquered Spain. Typical
military strategy of the day: lengthy sieges (5-10 years).
 Patience is "The Warrior Virtue".
3. Patience and Oaths. Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the
Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being
patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be
patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:7-8.
A farmer keeps working hard over long periods.
4. To be patient = to stick with something, to see it through.
D. A Quality of Our Love
1. Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;

convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. 2 Timothy
4:2. "Be unfailing in patience and in teaching."
We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the
weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14. "Be patient with them all."
2. Patience is an important component of loving people, especially helping them
to grow and change.

 Examples: childrearing; teaching; evangelization; pastoral care;

intercession
III. Perseverance
A. The Meaning of the Word
1. Greek "hupomone" = "holding on" or "keeping at it" in the face of opposition,

trial, hardship, suffering.
2. This Greek word can be helpfully translated by two English words:
a. Perseverance – conveys an active aspect: "sticking with it".

b. Endurance – brings out the "holding on" aspect.
B. The Need for Perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-3
1. Background: A letter exhorting Christians to faithfulness in a time of

persecution.
2. V.1: "Run with perseverance the race set before us".
a. As in athletics -"You can't win if you don't finish."

b. Often in Christian life we fail, not because we get defeated, but because
we quit. We have to stay with it, even if it hurts, or we don't feel like
continuing, or we're tired, or we want a change, etc.
3. V.2: "Looking to Jesus. . . who. . .endured the cross"
 In his suffering on the cross, Jesus is the great example of

perseverance/endurance.
4. V. 3: "Weary", "Fainthearted". Two enemies of perseverance.
a. Weariness has to do with getting tired of hanging in there day in, day out.
b. Faintheartedness relates to lack of courage in facing significant obstacles.
c. We need perseverance/endurance to get through both.
C. The Root of Perseverance: Christian Hope
1. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not
only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also
groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our
bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.

For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we
wait with endurance. Romans 8:22-25. "Waiting for our hope with patience.”
2. Hope = active confidence
a. Not just wishful thinking, not what you do when you know "there's no
hope".
b. We know with assurance that the thing we cannot yet see is going to
happen: God is going to triumph.
3. “This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the
interior behind the veil,” Hebrews 6:19. Hope is the "anchor of the soul".
 An anchor holds something firm despite surrounding circumstances.

Thus does hope hold us steady so we can persevere.
D. The School of Perseverance: Trials
1. James 1:2-4
Perseverance in Trial. 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter

various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance. 4 And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing.
a. Testing, as we face it and endure it makes us stronger and more able to

endure.
b. We should welcome trials, not for their own sake, but for the opportunity
they give us to grow.
2. James 1:12
Temptation. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when

he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those
who love him.
 We should want to be "tested and proven" Christians.
E. The Reward of Perseverance
 You will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who perseveres to
the end will be saved. Mark 13:13. Those who endure to the end will be
saved.

IV. Conclusion to the Fruit of the Spirit Course
A. Our Goal: To be Formed in Christian Character
This is what makes us effective as Christians. It makes us useful to the Lord. We

become a known quantity that has been tested and proven, that can be relied
upon.
B. Character Multiplies Gift
1. Gifts are strengthened and made more effective by solid character.

2. Even modest gifts can be very fruitful when character is strong. Conversely,
even powerful gifts can be ineffective when character is weak.
3. Misshapen character can make gifts work for bad instead of good (like
multiplying by a negative number).
C. Christian Character = A Life Formed in the Image of Christ
1. Able to take the right course, not just the easy course.
2. Able to respond when called upon, to obey, to serve, and be fruitful.
3. Able to be used by God in pursuing the life and mission of SFC.
His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and
devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
power. 4 Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great
promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after
escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this
very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with
knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance,
endurance with devotion, 7 devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with
love. 8 If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from
being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Anyone who
lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past
sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election
firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble. 11 For, in this way, entry into the
eternal kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for
you. 2 Peter 1:3-11


REPAIRING WRONGDOING
A. Introduction.
1. We have seen that the world, the flesh and the devil are at the root of problems in
every sphere of life (last 3 talks). The world, the flesh and the devil also cause
wrongdoing in our lives.
2. We need to look at wrongdoing and see how to repair it. This is important because:
a) Wrongdoing is a particular form of sin. Thus it disrupts our relationships with

God and others.
b) Wrongdoing is an important factor in personal relationships. It can result in

ruined friendships, broken marriages, conflicts between parents and children,
even the break-up of a whole Christian group.
c) Many Christians handle wrongdoing wrongly.
* They avoid the person wronged.

* They pretend it didn't happen, or hope others would not notice.
* They try to be extra nice to compensate.
3. The above ways of handling wrongdoing do not repair the effects of the wrongdoing.
At best these are covered up. Often the results are guilt, bitterness, etc. Thus we
need an effective way to repair wrongdoing.
B. What is wrongdoing?
1. Wrongdoing refers to specific human actions and attitudes which disrupt a

Christian's relationships with God and with others. It is sin in the realm of actions
and attitudes.
a) For example, competitiveness, a value acquired from the world, is a personal

difficulty a Christian must struggle to overcome. However, competitiveness can
cause wrongdoing if an aggressively competitive Christian harms others and
offends God.
2. Wrongdoing can be serious (murder, adultery, etc.) or minor (being always late,
invasion of privacy, etc.). “All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.”
1 John 5:17.
3. Wrongdoing always disrupts one's relationship with God, but it does not always
disrupt his relationship with other people.

a) For example, a Christian who entertains a hostile thought against another

commits a wrongdoing against God. However, he commits wrongdoing against
the other person only if he somehow expresses these thoughts through words or
actions.
b) Another example: a Christian's neglect of personal prayer is wrongdoing because

it disrupts his relationship with God, but it disrupts other relationships only
indirectly.
4. Wrongdoing is neither subjective (I think ...) nor relative (Most people think ...). It is
based on God's objective standards of right and wrong.
5. Misconceptions (these are not wrongdoing):
a) Temptations. These become sin only if we follow through. Even Jesus was
tempted but did not sin.
b) Emotions. Difference between reaction and response.
c) Mistakes.
d) Actions which may displease others but which do not violate Christian standards
of conduct.
6. If wrongdoing is left unresolved, its consequences in the Christian's life are serious
and far-reaching.
a) Unresolved wrongdoing results in guilt, mistrust, suspicion, fear and lack of

confidence.
b) Time alone will not repair the damage wrongdoing causes in relationships.
C. The solution: repentance and reconciliation.
1. Since wrongdoing consists of actions performed by people who are responsible for
their behavior, the simplest solution to the problem is for people to stop committing
wrongful acts.
a) However, this is simple but hard to implement. We continue to struggle with the
world, the flesh and the devil, and we are likely to commit wrongdoing from time
to time.
b) What we need is a way of repairing wrongdoing. This is almost as important as

preventing wrongdoing.

2. We repair wrongdoing through repentance and reconciliation.
a) Repentance is a conscious decision to change a pattern of thought or action

which has caused wrongdoing.
* Repentance also means the act of taking a new path away from further
wrongdoing, deciding not to commit the sin again and then proceeding to live
free from sin.
b) Reconciliation is the process through which a person responsible for

wrongdoing restores damaged relationships.
c) Repentance and reconciliation are tools intended to help build and re-establish
durable, loving, Christian relationships.
D. Four basic attitudes.
1. Eagerness to repent.
a) Repentance is a precious gift from God, a way to undo evil and to gain the
freedom to live in righteousness. Christians should be eager to repent.
b) Repentance is not a confession of worthlessness or an act of self-humiliation. It

is instead an opportunity to grow in humility, submission and love.
2. Sin is sin.
a) There are objective standards for right and wrong.
b) Our actions are not to be judged according to our intention or sincerity.
3. Personal responsibility.
a) We must believe that we are personally responsible for our conduct.
* Man is inventive in attributing wrongdoing to something other than oneself.
b) We often ask: "What forced me to do that? What can excuse me from

responsibility?" Rather we need to ask: "Was my action wrong? Did I hurt
someone? Was I wrong?"
4. God's love.
a) We must possess an unqualified acceptance of God's love.
* Many people have difficulty with repentance because they see God as

someone who punishes the slightest disobedience and withholds acceptance

and approval from everyone who does not comply perfectly with his
commands. They often hesitate to acknowledge wrongdoing because they
fear God's rejection.
* Sometimes people are harassed by severe guilt feelings and

self-condemnation.
b) We must realize that we do not have to be perfect to be worthy in God's eyes.
E. A procedure for repairing wrongdoing.
There are four steps in the process of repentance and reconciliation. The first two
(repentance) are taken by the person who committed the wrongdoing. The next two
(reconciliation) are taken by both parties.
1. Honesty. Admit the wrongdoing.
a) We tend to look for factors that excuse us.

* "My intentions were good". "I didn't really mean it"
* "I'm not responsible"
* "He's more to blame than I am"
b) But don't be over scrupulous. Temptations, feelings and mere mistakes are not
wrongdoing.
2. Renunciation.
a) Renounce the wrongdoing, decide to no longer indulge in it, and be sorry for
having disobeyed the Lord and hurt another person.
b) Renunciation should be accompanied by sorrow for the wrongdoing.
* Not self-condemnation, but Godly sorrow.
8 For even if I saddened you by my letter, I do not regret it; and if I did regret it
([for] I see that that letter saddened you, if only for a while), 9 I rejoice now, not
because you were saddened, but because you were saddened into repentance;
for you were saddened in a godly way, so that you did not suffer loss in anything
because of us. 10 For godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without
regret, but worldly sorrow produces death. 11 For behold what earnestness this
godly sorrow has produced for you, as well as readiness for a defense, and
indignation, and fear, and yearning, and zeal, and punishment. In every way you
have shown yourselves to be innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

* Self-condemnation is focused on self and leads to despair, self-hatred,

self-pity. Godly sorrow is focused on the person injured and on the Lord, and
leads to a deep resolution to repair the damage and avoid further
wrongdoing.
3. Asking forgiveness.
a) After one has repented, he must then be reconciled with the injured party. The
first step is asking forgiveness.
b) Formula: "I have done this (specify). It was wrong. Will you forgive me?" The
reply should be: "I forgive you".
* This formal "ritual" of reconciliation allows the injured party to participate

fully in the act of restoring the relationship.
* The ordinary method of expressing regret for wrongdoing--an "I'm sorry"

followed by "that's OK"--is inadequate to bring about reconciliation.
Wrongdoing is not "OK". The person saying "I'm sorry" does not take
responsibility for his action.
* Thus the formula must involve mutual acknowledgment of wrongdoing, the

resolution to change, and the gift of forgiveness.
c) Asking forgiveness is usually difficult. There is resistance born of pride, fear of

humiliation or rejection, and guilt. We need to overcome this.
d) We must also avoid scrupulosity in asking forgiveness. Sometimes we ask

forgiveness unnecessarily.
e) We must give forgiveness as well as ask for it.
* Why forgive? Because the Lord commands us to. It is not our option.
f) For Catholics, we should also go to sacramental confession.
4. Making up for wrongdoing. Restitution, penance.
a) This is not an attempt to earn forgiveness, which is freely given. Rather, it is an

outward sign that a person is sincere.
b) This should not just take the place of the other 3 steps. Conversely, the first 3
steps without restitution can be rendered ineffective.
c) How? If material loss, then repay. If damaged reputation, then go to people and
restore the person's reputation. If cannot quantify, do special favours.

F. Conclusion.
1. When repentance and reconciliation are practiced correctly, they yield both
personal and communal peace.
2. Repentance and reconciliation heal memories; uproot guilt, mistrust and anxiety;
and restore confidence.
3. Repentance and reconciliation will not only repair relationships but will also make
us all closer than ever to one another.


THE CHRISTIAN AND MONEY
A. Introduction.
1. We proclaim that Jesus is Lord. If so, Jesus ought to be in charge of our lives, of
everything.
2. One difficult area to surrender: money and possessions. This area is often one of the
last to go under Jesus' lordship.
3. People often apply worldly wisdom and come up with many excuses for continuing
to run after the things of this world. For example:
* My work is my prayer.
* The bigger my business, the more employment I can provide.
* I just want to earn enough so that I can work fulltime without having to be
paid.
4. The above are not by themselves wrong, but often disguise a more worldly
motivation.
B. Money or the Lord: who runs my life?
1. Money (like sex, power, and concern for reputation) is a strong candidate to rule our
life.
2. If such were the case, then Jesus is not Lord.
God and Money. 24 “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love
the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and
mammon. Matthew 6:24.
3. However, it is easy to stereotype a man whose god is money. But how about the
story of the rich young man?
The Rich Man. 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt
down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal
life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God
alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit
adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of
these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to
him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and

you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face
fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and
said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom
of God!” Mark 10:17-23
* He was a good man, was righteous, and in fact wanted to do more. But wealth
still had the dominant influence. Therein lies the danger.
4. Paul was more emphatic.
9 Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into
many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and
destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their
desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many
pains. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
* Warned not to love money.

* Leads to other problems. Foolish and harmful desires. Can lead to anxiety, envy,
and loss of personal integrity (compromise).
* Will ultimately destroy us.
5. Jesus gave the right posture.
Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may
be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15
6. Jesus must rule over our money and over our desire for money.
C. Scriptural teaching on money.
1. God provides for His disciples.
a) Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he
has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Thus we may say with
confidence: “The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to
me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
* Love for money is connected with anxiety.
* Love for money comes from our fearful, insecure, fallen natures, in a fallen
world.
* For Christians, the situation is different.

- We are reconciled with God, are under His protection, and are citizens of
the age to come.
- We are children of a father who provides for all our needs.
b) God will provide!
Dependence on God. 22 He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do

not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what
you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than
clothing. 24 Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither
storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you
than birds! 25 Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? 26 If
even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the
rest? 27 Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not
even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. 28 If God so
clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven
tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 29 As for
you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry
anymore. 30 All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father
knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things
will be given you besides. Luke 12:22-31
* Very explicit: stop worrying!
* The unbelievers are the ones running after these things. Are you an
unbeliever or a Christian?
c) However, this does not mean we can be irresponsible in just depending on God.
Neglect of Work. 6 We instruct you, brothers, in the name of [our] Lord Jesus
Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not
according to the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know how one must
imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat
food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and
day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the
right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you
might imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if
anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 11 We hear that some
are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy
but minding the business of others. 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the
Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. 2 Thessalonians
3:6-12.

* If we do not work, then we should not eat or be fed. This is not to condemn
those who are unemployed but are willing to work; what it condemns is
idleness.
* And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members
has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:8.
* If we have faith, we will rely on God but also do our part.
* We also need to work so that we can provide for others.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help
the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It
is more blessed to give than to receive.’”Acts 20:35.
d) The Lord will provide in various ways.
* He will help us find jobs or our livelihood.
* He can provide promotions and pay raises when our pay is insufficient to
meet our needs.
* In SFC, we have brethren who can assist us.
But how much will God provide? Just enough for us not to starve? Or a bounty?
2. The ideal: sufficiency and abundance.
a) “Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all
things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every
good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8. Enough for our own needs (sufficiency) and
more than enough for help to others (abundance).
b) Sufficiency -- for basic needs and responsibilities.
* Paul's definition of "enough": For we brought nothing into the world, just
as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. 8 If we have food and
clothing, we shall be content with that. 9 Those who want to be rich are
falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful
desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:7-9.
- Enough for the necessities of life.

- will be different for people depending on their life situations; different
people have different needs.

* What about providing for the future? Our most basic provision is to have
Jesus as Lord.
* What about providing for our children? Inheritance?
- What is important is to train our children to work, earn and support

themselves.
- Rich kids who have everything are not necessarily better off; often
they are worse off.
- The most important thing is for our children to truly know Jesus.
* This does not mean that we should not have savings, insurance policies,
etc. We may have these, but our trust is in God and not on these things.
c) Abundance = more than sufficient.
* For helping others and the Lord's work ("good works").
* Abundance is not given to us so we can automatically raise our standard

of living, but for good works.
- Parable of the Rich Fool. 16 Then he told them a parable. “There was
a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 17 He asked
himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my
harvest?’ 18 And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my
barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other
goods 19 and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many
good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be
merry!”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be
demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will
they belong?’ 21 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for
himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” Luke 12:16-21.
Another rich man who had the blessing of a good harvest but acted in
a wrong, selfish way.
* We can use abundance for:

- Almsgiving (in or out of SFC)
- Resource sharing.
- Promotion of God's work.

3. Our responsibility for financial giving.
a) Principle: Every Christian is to support the body of Christians to whom they

belong, where they receive their life support.
* This support is to be part of our basic expenses (like food, etc.).
* This support is our responsibility, and not to be looked on as an act of

charity.
b) How? Basically through tithing.
* Tithing is by definition giving 10% of our income (gross after tax).
* This is a serious obligation. Mal 3:8. If we do not tithe, we rob God.
c) Contributions are used for the basic support of the life and mission of SFC.
4. The rich and the poor. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12.
“10 AndI am giving counsel in this matter, for it is appropriate for you who began not
only to act but to act willingly last year: 11 complete it now, so that your eager
willingness may be matched by your completion of it out of what you have. 12For if
the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to
what one does not have;” 2 Cor 8:10-12
a) All should give, whether rich or poor. 2 Corinthians 8:11-12.
* The rich should give more, because of their abundance.
- Not just those who are very wealthy, but anyone who has means beyond
one's needs to live. 1 Timothy 6:8.
* The poor should give too.
41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put
money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor
widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his
disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put
in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all
contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has
contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44 (widow's
mite).

b) The principle of equality.
“Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a
matter of equality 14 your surplus at the present time should supply their
needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be
equality. 15 As it is written: “Whoever had much did not have more, and
whoever had little did not have less.” 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.
* Some are afraid to be generous lest they themselves be in need later.
* This does not mean that everyone should dress the same, have the same type
of vehicle, etc. What it does mean is that everyone's need is met.
c) We should exchange worldly wealth for eternal wealth.
* “17 Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so
uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all
things for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to
be generous, ready to share, 19 thus accumulating as treasure a good
foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“32 Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give
you the kingdom. 33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags
for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that
no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 34 For where your treasure is, there also
will your heart be.” Luke 12:32-34.
5. The rewards of giving.
a) Material wellbeing.
* Since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and
have not kept them. Return to me, that I may return to you says the LORD of
hosts. But you say, “Why should we return?” 8 Can anyone rob God? But you are
robbing me! And you say, “How have we robbed you?” Of tithes and
contributions! 9 You are indeed accursed, for you, the whole nation, rob
me.10 bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
house. Put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, and see if I do not open the
floodgates of heaven for you, and pour down upon you blessing without
measure! Malachi 3:7-10
* Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce; 10 then
will your barns be filled with plenty, with new wine your vats will overflow.
Proverbs 3:9-10

* Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken
down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with
which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”Luke 6:38
* It's not that we give in order to receive. But we need to know that God
cannot be outdone in generosity.
b) Emotional wellbeing. Freedom from anxiety over money.
c) Eternal wellbeing. Our riches are in the life to come.
D. Conclusion.
1. Jesus is Lord over our money. We are stewards.
2. Our generosity is important for the furtherance of the SFC vision and mission.


THE IMAGE OF GOD
I. Introduction
A. The call to us in SFC is to be holy as God is Holy, to be Christlike, to be filled with

the Holy Spirit.
B. More and more we ought to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
“In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
1. "Fruit" not "fruits". Singular not plural.

2. The fruit of the Spirit is a life conformed to the character of Jesus.
3. Thus learning how to grow in the fruit of the Spirit means learning more
about what God is like.
C. God's original intent was that we be just like Him.
Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let
them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame
animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth. God
created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and
female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27
II. The Concept of Sonship
A. Sonship had a specific meaning in Jesus' culture that we might miss.
1. The son was cared for by the mother until age 5-7.
2. Then he went, not to school, but under the direct care of the father, whose job
it was to raise him up to be a man.
 The father taught the son the Law, a trade, basic life skills, Godly
character, and found him a wife.
3. The son was the father's heir; everything the father had was his.
4. The son represented the father, succeeded to his position, and carried on his
name.
5. The son became sort of the "replica" of the father. There was one "identity"
between them such that when you related to one you related to the other.

B. Sonship in Adam
1. Luke 3:23-38. Genealogy of Jesus (read v. 38)
a. Adam was God's son. Not of biological descent, but of the total
relationship of sonship.
b. God related to Adam as a father related to his son.
 He taught him the law. “The LORD God gave the man this order: You
are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden 17 except the tree of
knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when
you eat from it you shall die” Genesis 2:16-17
 He established him in an occupation. “Then God said: Let us make

human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame
animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the
earth.” Genesis 1:26
 He got him a wife. “The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken
from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man,”
Genesis 2:22
2. Adam's sonship gives us some clues as to what God had in mind for us.
a. “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our
likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the
air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl
on the earth. 27 God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he
created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and
God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it Have
dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living
things that crawl on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
 "image and likeness" = Man shares God's nature and character.

 "dominion" = Man shares God's role and responsibility.
b. "Adam" = A specific person (“The LORD God said: It is not good for the
man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him” Genesis 2:18) or
entire human race (“Then God said: Let us make human beings in our
image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,
the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the
creatures that crawl on the earth.” Genesis 1:26).

 The story of Adam is not just of an individual, but of the entire human
race.
 Thus, "God created Adam as His son." = "God created the human race
as His son."
c. The human race was to have a sonship relationship with God and,
ultimately, become just like Him.
3. But man turned away and forfeited his sonship.
a. God needed a way to restore us to His original purpose for us.

b. God's way was Jesus.
C. Sonship in Jesus
1. Jesus is the new Adam.

- “But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin
after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was
to come. Grace and Life through Christ. 15 But the gift is not like the
transgression. For if by that one person’s transgression the many died, how
much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus
Christ overflow for the many. 16 And the gift is not like the result of the one
person’s sinning. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought
condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought
acquittal. 17 For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign
through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of
grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one
person Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:14-17
- 45 so,
too, it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being,” the last
Adam a life-giving spirit.
- 47 the first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from
heaven. 48 As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the
heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of
the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. “
1 Corinthians 15:45,47-49
a. God decides to re-create the human race to counter Adam's fall and
achieve His original purpose. He does it the same way: through one man
who begins a new race.
b. Just as God made the whole human race to be His son through Adam, so in
Jesus, God takes to Himself the entire body of Christ as His son.

2. Jesus is truly God's Son.
a. image/likeness (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15)
“Who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had
accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of
the Majesty on high” Hebrews 1:3
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
Colossians 1:15
b. heir (Hebrews 1:2)
”in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all
things and through whom he created the universe,” Hebrews 1:2
c. seated at right hand (Hebrews 1:3)
d. faithful over God's house as a son (Hebrews 3:6)
“But Christ was faithful as a son placed over his house. We are his house, if
[only] we hold fast to our confidence and pride in our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
3. We regain our sonship in Christ.
a. Where Adam failed, Jesus did it right. He thus created a new human race
that fulfills God's purpose.
b. Galatians 3:26-27 – Sons of God through faith.
26 Forthrough faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of
you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3: 26-27
c. Galatians 4:4-7 – Adopted as sons, heirs; given Spirit to live as Jesus.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a
woman, born under the law, 5 to ransom those under the law, so that we
might receive adoption. 6 As proof that you are children, God sent the
spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no

longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Galatians 4:4-7
D. Note: The term "sonship" is used because it is faithful to the biblical metaphor,
but it refers to a relationship available to both men and women.
III. God's Purpose for Our Lives Now
A. To make us mature sons and daughters.
1. We are God's sons and daughters, but are still babies. We need to grow up
spiritually.
a. “My
children, for whom I am again in labor until Christ be formed in you!”
Galatians 4:19. "Until Christ be formed in you" --a process.
b. An enduring relationship.
 We confuse "son/daughter" with "little child".

 In Jewish culture, sonship was an identity and a relationship that
remained lifelong.
2. How does growth to maturity take place?
a. Colossians 3:9-10, 12-13
“9 Stoplying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its
practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for
knowledge, in the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10
“12 Puton then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and
forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has
forgiven you, so must you also do.” Colossians 3:12-13
 "Old self" (old nature) vs. "new man" (new nature). The creation of a
new human race.
 We trade in our old humanity for the new humanity offered us in
Christ.
b. An active process.
43 “Youhave heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those
who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father,

for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall
on the just and the unjust. Mt 5:43-45
“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
 Matthew 5:43-45,48 --"Do this so that you may be sons."

 Though in one sense, we already are sons and daughters, we still need
to become sons and daughters in another sense by learning to act like
our Father and reflect His character.
B. To make us spiritual men and women.
1. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
“1 Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as
infants in Christ. 2 I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to
take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now, 3 for you are still of the flesh.
While there is jealousy and rivalry among you, are you not of the flesh and
behaving in an ordinary human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
a. The Corinthians already had the Holy Spirit, but are still not "spiritual".
b. To be "spiritual" is not to manifest the gifts of the Spirit, but to manifest
the fruit of the Spirit.
c. True spirituality consists in living as God's sons and daughters, reflecting
the character of Jesus.
2. Matthew 7:21-23
The True Disciple. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter
the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in
heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy
in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do
mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never
knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ Matthew 7:21-23
 True spirituality consists not in displays of charismatic activity, but in a

life of holiness.
3. Galatians 5:19-23
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity,

licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of
fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking
bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who
do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of

the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,

faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians
5:19-23
a. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.
b. Refers not to feelings but to characteristic ways of behaving.
C. Thus the fruit of the Spirit is:
1. What grows in us as a result of the Spirit's presence.

2. The character traits of God expressed in our lives.
3. A life conformed to the image of Jesus.
IV. Four Principles of Spiritual Growth
"Fruit" implies a process of growth. The fruit of the Spirit doesn't arrive full-grown
when we are baptized in the Spirit, but grows as we live in the Spirit.
"Spiritual growth" means growth in character, not just in gifts or religious
experiences. It means coming to a point where people see Jesus in us.
A. The "New Life" Principle
1. “You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed,
through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23. We are born anew
through the word of God.
a. Spiritual growth does not result mainly from our effort. We feed, bathe,
clothe human children, but they grow because the "human life principle"
is in them. Without that, the other things we do would have no effect.
b. It's a matter of the "seed". If you start with a puppy you won't wind up
with a bear/deer/human no matter how you raise it.
c. We are born of "spiritual seed", the life of God. We cultivate and nurture
our spiritual growth, but it would have no effect if God's life weren't in us
from the outset.
2. To grow spiritually: Have God's life within you.
B. The "Communion with God" Principle
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18. Behold God's glory; changed by degrees.

“All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is
the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 3:18
a. We grow as we behold God.
 Kids are like their parents partly due to genetics, but also because
they live in their parents' presence.
 The more we are in God's presence, the more we become like him.
b. We come into God's presence through prayer, scripture, corporate

worship, household meetings, and fellowship with brethren in SFC.
2. To grow spiritually: Dwell in God's presence.
C. The "Imitation of Christ" Principle
1. Ephesians 5:1-2. Be imitators of God, walk in love.
“So be imitators of God,[a] as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ

loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a
fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
 We all grow and develop via imitation.
- As we imitate Jesus, we become more like him.

- We imitate not by being infinite or omnipotent, being messiah, being a
carpenter, etc. We imitate by walking in love, by taking on God's
character, His love, His joy, and His peace.
2. To grow spiritually: Imitate Jesus and the Father.
D. The "Discipline" Principle
1. Hebrews 12:5-11. Chastised as sons
5 You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: “My son,
do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;
6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he
acknowledges.” 7 Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons.

For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are
without discipline, in which all have shared, you are not sons but
bastards. 9 Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and
we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of
spirits and live? 10 They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to

them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his
holiness. 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,
yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained
by it. Hebrews 12:5-11
a. God's hand is on our lives to train us (disciple/discipline us).
 He works in the circumstances of our daily lives.
b. God also entrusts it to others who are over us and around us.
 Fraternal correction in SFC.
2. To grow spiritually: Embrace God's training and discipline.
V. Conclusion
A. God has brought us to new life in Christ and to CFC Singles for Christ in order to
accomplish His original plan for us.
B. Let us learn about the fruit of the Spirit in the coming talks, and begin more and
more to grow in the character of God.


BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE LORD
A. Introduction.
1. In the last talk, we saw how we are sons and daughters of God. Being such, we are
also brothers and sisters to one another.
2. This basic relationship as brethren is crucial to our life together as SFC and to the
pursuit of the SFC vision and mission.
B. The New Testament understanding.
1. The most common term for Christians in the New Testament is "brothers".
2. "Brothers (and sisters)" refer to a special and unique way of relating.
a) Let mutual love continue. Hebrews 13:1.
Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual
love, love one another intensely from a [pure] heart.1 Peter 1:22.
b) We have a special kind of love among us because we are brothers and sisters in
the Lord.
3. In the modern world, we have lost its scriptural meaning.
a) Today it refers to children of the same parents. Or it refers to some vague

kinship among all men, such as found in the slogan "brotherhood of all men".
b) Scripture, of course, also uses "brothers" in referring to children of the same

parents. But Scripture never uses "brothers" to refer to all mankind.
4. In the New Testament, "brother" is used to refer to a special and definite

relationship among a group of people. This relationship is the BROTHERHOOD OF
CHRISTIANS. We are brothers and sisters because we are joined together in Christ.
a) Non-Christians were considered as "outsiders". Conduct yourselves wisely

toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Col 4:5.
b) However, we should love all men, even our enemies. 43 “You have heard that it
was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you,
love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be
children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the
good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Mt 5:43-45.

* But we love our enemies not because they are our brothers, but because God
loves them and God wants us to imitate Him.
c) The early Christians understood that their faith gave them a distinctive identity
which they shared with all Christians.
* They were all members of the same family, "begotten of the Spirit" (John 3:8)
and born of God (John 1:13).
* They had the same spiritual blood running in their veins.
* This relationship as brothers and sisters transcended relationships with

countrymen, with members of the same social class or political group, and
even with members of the same natural family. Mt 12:48-50.
48 Buthe said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are
my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my
heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:48-50
C. The Old Testament background.
1. Before the Christians, the Jews, our ancestors in the faith, also understood
themselves as brothers.
a) For the Jews, "brother" meant more than blood brothers. It meant also the
relationship all Jews had with one another as members of the Jewish people.
b) Jewish law spelled out the responsibilities of this relationship in some detail.
Deut 15:1-3, 7-8, 23:20-21.
Debts and the Poor. 1 At the end of every seven-year period[a] you shall have a
remission of debts, 2 and this is the manner of the remission. Creditors shall remit all
claims on loans made to a neighbor, not pressing the neighbor, one who is kin,
because the LORD’s remission has been proclaimed. 3 You may press a foreigner, but
you shall remit the claim on what your kin owes to you. Deuteronomy 15: 1-3
7 If
one of your kindred is in need in any community in the land which the LORD, your
God, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor close your hand against your
kin who is in need. 8 Instead, you shall freely open your hand and generously lend
what suffices to meet that need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
20 You shall not demand interest from your kindred on a loan of money or of food or
of anything else which is loaned. 21 From a foreigner you may demand interest, but
you may not demand interest from your kindred, so that the LORD, your God, may

bless you in all your undertakings on the land you are to enter and possess.
Deuteronomy 23:20-21
2. The Jews of the Old Testament understood this relationship with each other as
different from their relationship with all men. Theirs was a relationship of full
commitment.
D. The Situation Today.
1. Today Christians are increasingly fragmented and limited in their relationships.
a) Divisions in the body of Christ.
b) When in trouble or in need, one might seek help from friends, officemates or
relatives, but ordinarily would not run to a group of Christians, say in his parish.
* Test yourself: go to your parish and talk to the first person you see about a
personal loan.
* Even with members of the same parish group or organization, it is not

normal to expect them to come to one another's aid in a total way.
2. Most Christians make limited commitments to other Christians. They can be

counted on for some things but the rest of their lives are off limits.
E. How our relationship in CFC ought to be.
1. Being brothers and sisters in the Lord has two practical implications: having a
shared life and being committed to one another.
2. In Acts, Christians are described as a group of people devoted to "the apostles'

teaching, fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayer". They met every day, ate
together, prayed together, and provided for each other’s material needs (Acts 2:42,
46). They had a shared life.
“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” Acts 2:42
“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to
breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of
heart,” Acts 2:46
a) We too are to place our lives in common.
* Though we are unable to meet and have activities every day, we recognize
that we are truly members of one family.

b) We are to be cognizant of our brethren's needs and see how we can help satisfy
these.
* Though we continue to maintain individual ownership of goods, we are open

to using our resources to help others. Acts 4:32, 2:44-45.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed
that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.
Acts 4:32
44 Allwho believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they
would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all
according to each one’s need. Acts 2:44-45
* Prudence and proper stewardship is required. We do not just give freely to

every brother in need.
* The input of SFC leaders may be required at times.
c) We share not only help, gifts and resources, but also problems.
* Personal privacy is not an absolute value. We need to open up our lives in

order that we can truly help one another.” Bear one another’s burdens, and
so you will fulfill the law of Christ”Gal 6:2.
* Importance of our SFC households. Here we live out more intimately a

shared life.
* Leaders are to guide and correct members in their efforts to be faithful to the
Christian way of life. 1 Thes 5:12-14. To do so, they need to know the lives of
members.
Church Order. 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are laboring
among you and who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you, 13 and
to show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at
peace among yourselves. 14 We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer
the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-
14
3. Brothers and sisters should place no limits on their responsibilities for each other.
It should be FULL COMMITMENT.
a) Brotherhood in Christ, not personal intimacy or friendship, is the basis for the
brotherly love spoken of in the New Testament. Thus brotherly care is for all

those who share our rebirth in Christ, even to people whom we may not know at
all.
* For many of us, the only exception to limited commitment is our family. A
father makes a full commitment to his wife and children. He is responsible
for the things the family does.
* The Christian community is meant to be like that: a properly functioning

family, where commitment is full, encompassing all aspects of life.
b) Full commitment is difficult, but we can live it out because Christ has
changed us.
* It is not based on feelings. Not emotions, but commitment.
* It is not based on need, desire or attraction. Christian love or agape is not the
same as romantic love.
* It is not based on "deep intimacy". It is not limited to those we know well,

nor limited just to our household.
F. Conclusion.
1. Being brothers and sisters connotes a special relationship. We are brothers and
sisters in Christ and that means we are bound together in a special relationship by
the love of Christ.
2. Being brothers and sisters is our most important relationship. It is our primary
identification with God's people.
3. It means a full commitment, just like in a properly functioning family.


HEADSHIP AND SUBMISSION
A. Introduction.
1. For most, if not all, groups of Christians that live a life together, there is a need for
headship and submission.
* Whether nuclear family or Christian community (SFC).
* Necessary for God's purposes to be fulfilled.
2. Different types (for us in SFC).
a) Family - parents/children
- husband/wife
b) SFC - household head/member (for personal life)
- service head/member (for service)
c) Church/SFC.
3. In this talk, aside from general principles, we will look specifically at headship OF
brothers and submission of sisters and to Couple Coordinators.
* More on brothers and sisters in our Men and Women’s Weekend I, II and III.
* More on in Living as People of God Series.
B. Headship and submission in general.
1. The nature of headship and submission.
a) Origin is the Godhead. Father-Son relationship is a headship and submission

relationship.
b) It is not a question of personal worth or dignity (all are equal before God), but
one of roles.
* Jesus is submitted to the father, but is no less God.
c) It is not a question of human ability or gifts.
d) It is a matter of mutual deference. “Be subordinate to one another out of

reverence for Christ.” Eph 5:21.

e) Both Headship and Submission are not just functions but are ways of loving
actively, looking to each other as true brothers and sisters in Christ.
f) It is necessary for order, unity and peace in any group of Christians.
2. Our resistance to headship and submission.
a) It comes from:
* a misunderstanding of its true nature.

* a reaction to past structures that were abused.
* not knowing how to do it in a good way.
* a fear of other's reactions.
* a false notion of humility.
* an evasion of responsibility.
* a rebelliousness in the world today.
b) We often try to get by with informal leadership or simple administration.
3. What headship is.
a) A gift of the Lord for the unity and good working of a group.
b) A service. It entails hard work!
c) Some functions:
* to allow the group to function as one. The head keeps the group together and
maintains order.
* to guard the pattern of life. The head gives correction when necessary and
sees that decisions are made.
* to see that individuals are cared for and problems are dealt with.
* to come before the Lord for the group.
d) The head is not necessarily the person who makes all the decisions.
e) The head is never the person who does all the work or takes all the
responsibility.
4. What submission is.
a) It entails an active working relationship. Not a passive posture.

b) It involves:
* Obedience.
* supporting the head.
* being open to the head.
* admonishing the head and disagreeing when necessary (done respectfully,

without challenging his position as head).
C. The husband/wife relationship. (Eph 5:21-33)

(We slightly discuss this to SFC so that they will appreciate more values we teach in
CFC. Likewise, since most of them are going to transition to CFC.)
1. Headship and submission in Scripture is not just a cultural expression during Paul's
time and no longer applicable in today's modern culture; rather it is an enduring
Biblical principle.
a) 1 Cor 11:3. Headship and submission in marriage is connected with the

enduring relationship within the Godhead.
Man and Woman. But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man,
and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. 1 Corinthians
11:3
b) Ephesians 5:22-25. Headship and submission is connected with the enduring

relationship of Christ and the Church.
22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the

husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the
savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be
subordinate to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even
as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her. Ephesians 5:22-25
2. The relationship involves, most basically, a mutual deference, being subject to one
another. “Wives and Husbands. Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for
Christ” Ephesians 5:21.
3. Exercising headship.
a) This is a God-given role and responsibility.
* It is not ceded or relegated to the wife.
* It is exercised actively.

b) It is a way of caring for, loving and providing for the needs of those placed under
one's care.
c) It is self-sacrificial (Eph 5:25).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself
over for her” Ephesians 5:25
* There is no room for tyranny or lording it over.
* It involves giving direction, but has service at its heart.
4. Being submissive.
a) Submit not because he is perfect, but because that is his God-given role.
* We are all imperfect and should accept that this relationship of headship and
submission is too.
* Very seldom are great moral issues involved; usually it is a question of

wanting to do things "my way". It is more of rebellion rather than being
right.
* Submission is in all areas. “As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives

should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:24.
* Of course, the wife should speak up, give feedback, explain, discuss, even
argue. But do these always in a good way.
b) Subtle difficulties in submission.
* Submit only when you agree.
* Intimidate him through subtle pressure.
- Emotional blackmail. "I'll be hurt".

- Withdrawal of affection.
* "I'll pray about it". This often is an evasion. It often means "I don't know, let
me plan my strategy".
* Treating it as a concession, but with grumbling. "I'll submit, but you better
not make a mistake".
c) One thing that helps is for the wife to know that her husband is himself under

headship (to Christ, and concretely to his head in SFC).
d) Submission should be liberating and joyful.
D. Headship and submission in SFC.
1. It is part of God's plan for Christian community. 1 Pet 5:2-5. Likewise headship and
submission is God's prescription for SFC.
2 Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as
God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those
assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd is
revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Advice to the Community.
5 Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe
yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: “God opposes the
proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 1 Peter 5:2-5
a) For personal formation of every member (in households).
* Our unique pastoral structure: cell groups.

* Moses learned from Jethro. Exodus 18:13-26.
Appointment of Minor Judges. 13 The next day Moses sat in judgment for the
people, while they stood around him from morning until evening. 14 When Moses’
father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this
business that you are conducting for the people? Why do you sit alone while all the
people have to stand about you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses answered his
father-in-law, “The people come to me to consult God. 16 Whenever they have a
disagreement, they come to me to have me settle the matter between them and
make known to them God’s statutes and instructions.”
17 “What you are doing is not wise,” Moses’ father-in-law replied. 18 “You will surely
wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. The task is too heavy for
you; you cannot do it alone. 19 Now, listen to me, and I will give you some advice, and
may God be with you. Act as the people’s representative before God, and bring their
disputes to God. 20 Enlighten them in regard to the statutes and instructions,
showing them how they are to conduct themselves and what they are to do. 21 But
you should also look among all the people for able and God-fearing men,
trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain, and set them over the people as
commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 Let these render
decisions for the people in all routine cases. Every important case they should refer
to you, but every lesser case they can settle themselves. Lighten your burden by
letting them bear it with you! 23 If you do this, and God so commands you, you will
be able to stand the strain, and all these people, too, will go home content.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 He picked out
able men from all Israel and put them in charge of the people as commanders of
thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26 They rendered decisions for the
people in all routine cases. The more difficult cases they referred to Moses, but all
the lesser cases they settled themselves. Exodus 18:13-26
* In SFC, all are under headship. A protection for us.
b) For unity, good order and peace in the body.
* Headship and submission does away with the theory of everyone being re-
sponsible, in which case actually no one is responsible. Chaos.
* It does away with power struggles and competition. It clarifies who is

responsible.
c) For effective service as a body, in pursuit of the SFC vision and vision (in service
assignments).
* Many different services in SFC: household/unit/chapter head, CLP team

head, service team head, course leaders, etc.
* The head does not dominate, nor do everything himself. Rather he allows
others to serve effectively.
* Headship and Submission brings proper deployment of the army that is CFC
Root meaning of the word "submission" is "proper order". Its origin is from
nautical terminology about the proper deployment of a naval fleet for battle.
2. Exercising headship in SFC.
a) Though heads are servants, headship involves real authority, as delegated by the
CFC Council.
b) Headship is meant to call forth responsibility, initiative and maturity in the

subordinate.
c) There are always limits to headship. No one completely dominates another.
* There is no such thing as blind obedience to a head in CFC and SFC.
d) Right headship always allows for "appeal".
* To the head himself.

* To the head's head if necessary and proper.
* One can go all the way to the top (Board of Trustees).

3. Being submissive.
a) There is no blind obedience or just a passive posture; thus we freely choose what
to do or how to act. However, what is essential is the attitude (heart, spirit) of
submission.
* a recognition of our head's God-given role, despite his imperfection.
* Not holding on to a rebellious or independent spirit.
b) Submission involves some degree of obedience.
* This is part of being a Christian. Jesus himself learned obedience and was
perfectly obedient.
* We distinguish between "seeking headship" and "submitting an area".
* Seeking headship: actively seeking input from one's head and taking that
input as something more than just "advice".
* Submitting an area: seeking headship with the understanding that it will be

followed (obedience).
4. Given the above, there are four possible arrangements for being in submission to
your head in SFC.
a) Submission (obedience) only on the essentials of being in SFC.

These "essentials" include:
* Attendance at meetings.
* Living out the SFC covenant.
* Following SFC policies and directions.
* Prayer life and Bible reading.
* Wrongdoing and major conflicts.
* Overall relationships in and to SFC.
* Service in SFC.
b) Obedience on the essentials and actively seeking headship for other areas (e.g.,
outlook on business and career).
* Either you or your head can bring up an area for discussion.
c) Obedience on the essentials, actively seeking headship, and submitting specific

areas to headship.

* Purpose: for formation. E.g., overcoming a sin area.
d) Completely submitting one's whole life to headship.
* Purpose: deeper ongoing character formation into the image and example of
Jesus.
* Wives and children have this relationship to the husband/father.
* In SFC we normally will not enter into this fourth type of headship.
E. Conclusion.
1. Headship and submission is a personal relationship among brethren.
a) No legal procedure guarantees it will work right.
b) Head and subordinate must truly love one another as brethren. They need to
honor and respect each other.
c) The head must care for the subordinate; the subordinate must be submissive
from the heart.
2. Headship and submission is essential to the furtherance of our vision and mission in
the community.
a) Global evangelization and renewal can happen only if we move as one.
b) Like Jesus, who was perfectly submitted to the Father's will and plan, let us
accept all He has for us, including headship and submission.


SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD
A. Introduction
1. When we are baptized, we become sons and daughters of God.
a) But many miss the significance of this fact and the effects of such a
relationship.
b) Many are insecure, worry about needs, have concern for status. While God does
provide, they miss much of what God wants to do for them.
2. Our identity is critical to our wellbeing.
a) Without a proper sense of identity, we are lost and disoriented; we will lack
conviction regarding the direction of our lives; we will lack a sense of purpose
and confidence.
B. Our Identity.
1. Distinguish between "identity" and "sense of identity".
a) Identity = an objective fact; a given.

Sense of identity - depends on our perception of who we are.
b) Ideally, sense of identity should be based on actual identity.
* Story of Kamala and Amala, wolf-girls discovered in 1920 in India.
2. The problem of Christians is not who they are, but who they consider themselves to
be.
a) Not having the right sense of who we are gives rise to various situations that
should not be.
* One worries too much about the future.
* One finds it hard to develop close relationships with household members

because they are strangers or outsiders.
* One is reluctant to serve as household head because the members are richer
or more prominent.
b) God wants us to have an accurate and well-developed sense of identity, to

conform to what our identity truly is.

3. So that is our identity?
“Seewhat love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of
God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know
him.” 1 John 3:1
a) We are children of God!
* “ But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name” John 1:12
“For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you
did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a
spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit itself
bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:14-16
* This is the most tremendous fact of our lives.
b) Through baptism we have been changed radically.
* Folk story about a beggar who was the king's son.
* It is a radical change. Immediate. But most begin to understand only

gradually.
c) If we realized this fully, it would make a tremendous impact on our lives. Why is
there not a greater impact on many Christians? Because they do not understand
"sonship".
* We need to understand the nature of the father-son relationship during New

Testament times. This is the key to the significance of our new identity.
4. The father-son relationship in Jesus' time.
a) A son's identity came from his father.
* Simon bar Jonah. Jesus son of Joseph. The second name is not a family name
but the father's name.
* When people know the father, they also know his son.
* And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that
came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Luke

4:22. People marvelled and could not believe that Jesus was Joseph's son,
because he was only a carpenter.
b) The relationship between the father and son was strong because the relationship
was so important in first-century Israel.
* At 6 or 7 years old, the responsibility for a boy's upbringing shifted from the
mother to the father.
- He spent most of his time with his father and was trained by him.
- The father taught him God's law and also his trade.
- He became the direct personal representative of his father.
- He inherited his father's social position.
* No longer the case today.
- Children are not closely identified with their fathers.

- They spend less time together.
- They often don't have the same livelihood.
5. Thus, being a son of God is a relationship of tremendous depth and substance.
a) We are closely identified with God.

God will train, govern, care for, and pass on His life to us.
b) In fact, such was the case with Adam. In the Genesis story of creation, God gave
him a wife, provided food, and tasked him to take care of God's creation.
* Adam was truly created in God's image and likeness.
6. Thus our most identifying characteristic as Christians is NOT where you live or what
you have, but that you are a son or daughter of God.
a) Jesus had various facets of his identity: Jew, carpenter, rabbi, miracle worker,
son of Mary and Joseph.
* But when asked "who are you?", Jesus identified himself primarily in terms of
his relationship with God the Father.
b) The same thing is true for us.
c) There are three implications and benefits of our sonship: authority, inheritance
and access.
C. A Son's Authority.

1. In Jesus' time, a son bore his father's authority.
a) Parable of the tenants. Matthew 21:33-38.
33 “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a
hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to
tenants and went on a journey. 34 When vintage time drew near, he sent his
servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. 35 But the tenants seized the
servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 36 Again
he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them
in the same way. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect
my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is
the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance. Matthew 21:33-38
b) If the father's authority was limited, so was the son's (even if he was a better
person). Conversely, if the father's authority was substantial, so was the son's
(even if he was not worthy or less capable).
* This is a totally alien concept for us. We extol self-made men.
2. Consider the example of Jesus.
a) When his authority was questioned, he pointed not to himself but to his Father.
* “so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does
not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” John 5:23
b) Jesus was a man who exercised authority.
* He taught with authority, gave orders to nature, ordered demons to leave.

People were amazed.
* To those who questioned his forgiving the paralytic's sins, he said: "That you
may know that the Son of Man has authority ..." (But that you may know that
the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth Mark 2:10).
3. For us, as sons, we have the Father's authority as well.
a) Also, Jesus specifically gave authority to his disciples.
* Luke 10:17-20. Matthew 28:18-20.
Return of the Seventy-two. 17 The seventy[-two] returned rejoicing, and said,

“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” 18 Jesus said, “I
have observed Satan fall like lightning[a] from the sky. 19 Behold, I have given you

the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the
enemy and nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the
spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth
has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching
them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you
always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
b) We can exercise this authority over problems, obstacles, challenges.
* We need not succumb to them.
* We can have authority over our own wrongdoing, over unruly emotions (our
servants, not masters), over the work of evil spirits.
4. Since we are our Father's personal representative, we are to wield His authority for
His interests and not merely for our own.
a) Authority helps make our lives easier to live as Christians, but more importantly
we can adequately represent and serve our Father.
D. A Son's Inheritance.
1. Our inheritance is staggering, because it is everything that the Father has.
a) Son = heir. “So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an
heir, through God.” Galatians 4:7.
b) In New Testament times, a father passed on all he had to his son: his fortune,
status in the community, trade, responsibilities, etc.
* Today, "inheritance" = a bundle of money. It is not seen as a whole life

passed on.
* Today, children are expected to make it on their own. Not during those
times, since being a son meant being assured of an inheritance.
2. Our inheritance is not restricted to the future. Eph 1:13-14.
13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation,
and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the
first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the
praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

a) We have just received a down payment, the Holy Spirit. But we have a pledge of
good things to come.
b) What we also have received is a foretaste.

We can experience the blessings now.
3. Implications:
a) Col 3:23-24.
23 Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for
others, 24 knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the
inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
* We know of our inheritance, so we can act accordingly.
* We can have direction in life. We are assured that it will all be worth it.
b) Freedom from anxiety.
* If we have been promised the kingdom, God will take care of us right now.
* Many fears (economic, social, our children, health) bother us and make life
less than what God wants for us. But if God loves us, we can transcend these
and live only for Him.
* Mt 8:23-27. Story of Jesus in the boat with his disciples during a storm.
The Calming of the Storm at Sea. 23 He got into a boat and his disciples
followed him. 24 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat
was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. 25 They came and woke
him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 He said to them, “Why are
you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the
sea, and there was great calm. 27 The men were amazed and said, “What sort
of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” Matthew 8:23-27
- The boat is our earthly life. Though a storm might rage, God is in the boat
with us.
E. A Son's Access.
1. “for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” Eph 2:18.
We have a privileged relationship with God, the King of the universe.

a) Story of Pres. Kennedy's daughter.
b) The son of the king can just enter into his presence where others have to wait for
the appointed time.
2. We can always come before God and He will always listen to us.
The Answer to Prayers. 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; and
the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be
opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of
bread, 10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who are wicked, know
how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father
give good things to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11.
F. Conclusion.
1. We are sons and daughters of God. God went to a lot of trouble to make us such. He
sent Jesus, His own Son, to die for us.
a) So God is invested in making the most of His relationship with us.
b) God wants us:
* To be secure, confident, free from anxiety, happy.

* To bear His authority.
* To receive our inheritance.
* To take advantage of our access to Him.
c) In short, God wants to teach us who we are so that we can receive all the benefits
that come with our position.
2. “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of
God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know
him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been
revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see
him as he is.”1 John 3:1-2


UNITY IN CHRIST
A. Introduction.
1. A fundamental characteristic of the Christian life is unity.
a) Paul emphasized this as he wrote to the different Christian communities.
“ sowe, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one
another.” Romans 12:5
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body
and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord,
one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all
and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6
b) Christians are to understand themselves as members of the one body of Christ.
* They are sons and daughters of the same Father.

* They acknowledge the one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
* They live a life in the power of the same Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus saw unity among disciples and believers as so important that his final prayer
was for unity.
“And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am
coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that
they may be one just as we are.” John 17:11
“So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also
may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21
3. There are three aspects of unity: unity with God, unity with one another, and unity
for mission.
B. United with Christ.
1. The most basic unity is our unity with God. Jesus' prayer was that "they may be one
in us" (John 17:21), a unity so intimate and profound that Jesus himself is living in us
( I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the
world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.
John 17:23).

2. This happens as we:
a) Turn away from our old selves and are renewed through the power of Christ's
resurrection.
5 Forif we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also
be united with him in the resurrection. 6 We know that our old self was crucified
with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no
longer be in slavery to sin. Romans 6:5-6
b) Follow and imitate Jesus.
5 But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is
the way we may know that we are in union with him: 6 whoever claims to abide
in him ought to live [just] as he lived.1 John 2:5-6
C. United to each other.
1. We are children of the same Father. We are thus brothers and sisters to one
another.
a) As members of the same body, we are to have the same mind, heart and
ideals.
* that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to
have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the
mystery of God, Christ” Colossians 2:2.
“ completemy joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart,
thinking one thing” Philippians 2:2
2. Unity among God's people is crucial.
a) If we are not united, we cannot stand and survive.
* And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
Mark 3:25
But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against
itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. Luke 11:17
* Especially for us in SFC, we can expect intense attacks by the evil one.

b) If we are to be just like Jesus, we need to grow in maturity. Our unity and
support for one another enables us to grow.
15 Rather,living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is
the head, Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by
every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings
about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16.
3. This unity is to be reflected in three areas:
a) In our marriage.
b) In our family.
c) In our community (SFC).
D. United for mission.
1. God builds us up in order that we may serve Him and be His co-workers in
establishing His kingdom. We are to be united in order to do mission.
Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I
come and see you or am absent, I may hear news of you, that you are standing firm
in one spirit, with one mind struggling together for the faith of the gospel, Phil 1:27.
2. Further, we need to be united in order for mission work to be effective.
21 so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also
may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 And I have given them
the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in
me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that
you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. John 17:21-23
a) The unity in the body of Christ is a powerful witness of Christian love and acts as
a magnet for others.
b) The unity in the body of Christ also enables God's co-workers to do a concerted
and effective work of evangelization to the whole world.
3. What unity for mission entails.
a) We need to see ourselves as one team, one army. Unity of vision and purpose.
* One united command under Jesus.
* One aim: to win the world for Christ.

b) Avoid what leads to disunity:
* Factionalism. 1 Cor 1:10-13.
Groups and Slogans. 10 I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions
among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same
purpose. 11 For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chloe’s
people, that there are rivalries among you. 12 I mean that each of you is
saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or
“I belong to Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were
you baptized in the name of Paul? 1Corinthians 1:10-13
- Our fundamental loyalty is first to Jesus, next to SFC, and only thirdly to
our respective leaders.
* Rivalry.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard

others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own
interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. Phil 2:3-4.
- We do not compete against each other. E.g., which chapter has the fastest
growth, the most tithe, the best music ministry, etc.
* Envy.
- We do not envy another's success in pursuing our mission. Rather, what

happens to one happens to the rest. ”Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep” Rom 12:15.
* Dissension.
- Importance of submission to leadership in SFC.
- One may give inputs and suggestions, or even disagree, but these should
be done with respect and a submissive spirit.
- Need to subordinate our preferences to unity and the overall good.
c) Galatians 5:19-21.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity,

licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of
fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, 21 occasions of envy, drinking

bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who
do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:19-20
* We are supposed to be led by the Spirit and not by the flesh.
* If we will not inherit the kingdom of God, much less can we promote and
strengthen it.
d) Unity entails a sharing of resources.
* Human resources (to do talks, to lead groups, etc.)
* Finances. Move money throughout the country (or the world) according to
the Lord's interests. For example:
- established provincial SFC groups can fund expansion into a new

province.
- SFC groups can make donations to set up a Renewal Center in a province

not their own.
- Contributions to International Mission Fund in Manila.
E. Conclusion.
1. Jesus calls us to unity. With God, to one another, for mission.
2. As we become truly part of the one body of Christ, then SFC can be used by God to
build His kingdom.

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST

OVERVIEW OF THE SFC CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL

The talks are indexed according to the following categories:

CHAPTER TEACHING GUIDELINES

Some guidelines for the teaching are as follows:

b) The Chapter Head/Coordinator leads the chapter teaching.

 Gathering song(s). New songs or old Glory songs may be taught.

CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 2

be checked and monitored by the Chapter leaders/Coordinators for his/her action

For any inquiries and feedback, please email us at sfcpfo@couplesforchristglobal.org

CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 3

Church and Catechism

CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 4

Fruits of the Spirit (Series)

Foundation for Christian Living (Series)

CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 5

FILLED TO THE BRIM

THE TORMENT OF OUR MINDS AND HEARTS

What do we make of peace?

Paul highlights two things about peace –

a) The Frustration in Our Hearts

CHAPTER TEACHING MANUAL 2020 EDITION Page | 6

b) Anxiety in our minds

c) Sins of our souls

A PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

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In a world of such unrest, it can be difficult for us to understand, comprehend, or

b) Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted

How? - Practicing HUMILITY. Be more generous of our compliment in others. Instead of

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How? Practice Anger Management through GENTLENESS.

How? Have the desire to start change now, to be open to TRANSFORMATION.

e) Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.

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How? Make a habit of visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

How? Practice being UNDERSTANDING.

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A. The Cardinal Virtues (Human Virtues)

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There are 4 fundamental virtues:

It is learning to distinguish what is essential from what is non-essential, to set the

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b. Learning from our past mistakes

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Examples of being just in the everyday life of an SFC

a. Standing up and fighting against the culture of death – abortion, etc.

Example of saints who were murdered for their faith in God

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Temperance also called moderation is a virtue because immoderate behavior proves to be

Examples of practicing the virtue of temperance in the everyday life of an SFC

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There are 3 theological virtues:

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A LIFE OF VIRTUE LEADS TO A LIFE OF HOLINESS

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9. The Eucharist. Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. There’s

 Negativism—the tendency to refuse what is true or to do the opposite of

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 Skepticism—an attitude of doubting the truth of what the church teaches to

II. Strong Pillars