LifeGroup audio teaching and handout materials on Fortitude

LifeGroup audio teaching and handout materials on Fortitude

Temperance is similar to self-control or moderation. Temperance has been one of the four cardinal virtues (also fortitude, prudence and justice) recognized not just in the scriptures but in ancient philosophy, from Aristotle to Cicero. In times of scarcity like in pioneer towns, there wasn’t much to be had so intemperance wasn’t much of a temptation. All they really had to overindulge in was alcohol, so reflections on temperance revolved around alcohol. Not so today. We have such abundance that the list of things we could use intemperately is almost limitless, from the classic intemperance of alcohol use to food, from rest to exercise. Even Facebook can draw one away from the virtue of temperance. One can think of intemperance in two types of situations: immediate and habitual.

In classical philosophy, temperance was self-control that led to a successful life. While this is true, the virtue of temperance is much deeper in the Christian faith. For the Christian, self-control is really love-control. The love of Christ compels us to love others. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit. When we love others, we don’t engage in intemperate behavior (which is, after all, selfish) because of our love for those around us. Augustine said it this way, “For these four virtues, I should have no hesitation in defining the: that temperance is love giving itself entirely to that which is loved…” In our verse for the week, Jesus tells us that love is the core attribute of his disciples and, indeed, that love is the mark by which others will know them.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Temperance is similar to self-control or moderation. Temperance has been one of the four cardinal virtues (also fortitude, prudence and justice) recognized not just in the scriptures but in ancient philosophy, from Aristotle to Cicero. In times of scarcity like in pioneer towns, there wasn’t much to be had so intemperance wasn’t much of a temptation. All they really had to overindulge in was alcohol, so reflections on temperance revolved around alcohol. Not so today. We have such abundance that the list of things we could use intemperately is almost limitless, from the classic intemperance of alcohol use to food, from rest to exercise. Even Facebook can draw one away from the virtue of temperance. One can think of intemperance in two types of situations: immediate and habitual.

In classical philosophy, temperance was self-control that led to a successful life. While this is true, the virtue of temperance is much deeper in the Christian faith. For the Christian, self-control is really love-control. The love of Christ compels us to love others. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit. When we love others, we don’t engage in intemperate behavior (which is, after all, selfish) because of our love for those around us. Augustine said it this way, “For these four virtues, I should have no hesitation in defining the: that temperance is love giving itself entirely to that which is loved…” In our verse for the week, Jesus tells us that love is the core attribute of his disciples and, indeed, that love is the mark by which others will know them.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Faith concerns that which is unseen: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Faith is not fatalism (though it can look like it). Faith is not pretending things are not the way they are. Faith is not directed by you. Faith is not what you believe about God. Faith is entrusting all to God. Faith gives us courage, brings peace and, by the way, is a gift given in measure by God

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Cultivate faith the same way you cultivate trust with anyone. Spend time with Jesus, try out his words and you will find it trustworthy.“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28, ESV)

Faith concerns that which is unseen: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Faith is not fatalism (though it can look like it). Faith is not pretending things are not the way they are. Faith is not directed by you. Faith is not what you believe about God. Faith is entrusting all to God. Faith gives us courage, brings peace and, by the way, is a gift given in measure by God

.

Cultivate faith the same way you cultivate trust with anyone. Spend time with Jesus, try out his words and you will find it trustworthy.“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28, ESV)

Hope is vital to our lives. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that there are basically three pieces to the Christian life: Faith, Hope and Love. Without hope, we descend into despair. With hope, we remain joyful under the most difficult of circumstances. Cultivate hope in your life.

Hope is vital to our lives. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that there are basically three pieces to the Christian life: Faith, Hope and Love. Without hope, we descend into despair. With hope, we remain joyful under the most difficult of circumstances. Cultivate hope in your life.

LifeGroup material for session 1 of the Seven Holy Virtues series: Love. This includes three sessions of audio teaching totaling approximately 35 minutes and a printable PDF handout.

LifeGroup material for session 1 of the Seven Holy Virtues series: Love. This includes three sessions of audio teaching totaling approximately 35 minutes and a printable PDF handout.