Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 1
CONNECT
Man and his God:
How to be a Man After God’s Heart
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
“After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him:
‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart;
he will do everything I want him to do.’”
Acts 13:22
What
What does the Bible say?
David started out as a nobody. The youngest of Jesse’s sons, he was
so insignificant that Jesse did not even bother to introduce him to
the prophet who would anoint the future king. Through his fearless
faith, David killed Goliath and in the process became a national
hero and King Saul’s son-in-law. He eventually became king. All
was well until he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her
righteous husband killed. After confession and repentance, David’s
relationship with God was restored.
Years later he was remembered not as an adulterer, not as a great
military leader, not as a mighty king, but as a man after God’s heart.
In this lesson, we will look at how to follow David’s example.
• Do everything God wants you to do: OBEDIENCE
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation,
he fell asleep . . .”
Acts 13:36
David did everything God wanted him to do. How did David serve
God’s purpose in his generation? What is the difference between
serving man’s purpose and God’s purpose?
• Desire nothing but God: PASSION
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire
besides you. 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25,26
(See also Psalm 42:1,2.)
25
What is “desire?” What is “thirst?” How did David describe his
spiritual desire? What does it mean to desire and thirst for God?
• Deal with sin in your life: REPENTANCE
• What hobby or sport do you enjoy?
What do you like most about it?
• What is your idea of a perfect day?
How would you spend it?
• What do you want to be known for?
How do you want people to refer to
you or remember you? Why?
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil
in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Psalm 51:1-4
(See also verses 10-12.)
1
David sinned against God when he committed adultery and
covered it up with murder. What did David ask God to do to his
transgressions, iniquity, and sin? In his prayer of confession and
repentance, what did David ask God to give him?
• Develop spiritual habits: DISCIPLINE
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8
Being a man after God’s own heart does not happen by accident. It
takes deliberate effort. If we are serious about our walk with God
we must develop spiritual habits, such as reading the Bible, prayer,
fasting, generosity, and service. How can you seek God’s face?
Even though David had major failures in his life, because he
repented, he was remembered as a man after God’s heart. We
can be remembered as men after God’s heart if we follow David’s
example of obedience, passion, repentance, and discipline.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• What do you think it means for you to serve God’s purpose in
your generation?
• How do you think you can have a steadfast and willing spirit?
• Which aspects of David’s life do you admire and respect the
most? Why?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• Do you know what God wants you to do with your life?
What is it? How do you think you can accomplish this? Are
you neglecting some things He wants you to do? What
should you do about it?
• What are you passionate about? How can you stoke your
desire and passion for God this week?
• Which spiritual discipline or habit do you need to develop
more? What can you do to grow spiritually every day?
PRAYER
• Ask God to make you a man after God’s heart and that
you would serve His purpose in your generation.
• Pray for the grace to obey and the humility to repent, so
that you would walk with God all the days of your life.
Ask God to make you into the man He has called you to
be, and that you would grow spiritually every day.
• Pray that you would desire God and seek Him above
all else.
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Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph
Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 2
CONNECT
Man and his Integrity:
How to Resist Sexual Temptation
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern
himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
7
and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”
Genesis 39:6,7
6
What
What does the Bible say?
Joseph was not looking for an immoral relationship. It was looking for
him, in the form of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph was simply doing his job when
she tried to seduce him. This happens every day to someone. Modern day
versions of Potiphar’s wife will attack when we least expect them. She
is lurking in magazines, books, TV, movies, the internet, and even in
flesh and blood. Joseph sets an example for all men who want to walk
in victory over sexual temptation. If we follow Joseph’s “four R’s” in this
lesson, we too can deal with temptation, walk in victory, and maintain our
moral integrity.
• Refuse the temptation.
But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does
not concern himself with anything in the house;
everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. ”
Genesis 39:8
(See also Hebrews 11:24-26.)
There was nothing subtle about the temptation and there was nothing
subtle about Joseph’s response. He refused. What does “refuse” mean?
What did Moses refuse? What did his refusal cost him? Could he have
fulfilled his calling if he had not refused?
• Reject the object of temptation.
And though she spoke to Joseph day after day,
he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
Genesis 39:10
(See also Proverbs 5:3-14.)
Why do you think Joseph refused to “even be with her?” What was the
harm in being with her as long as he did not go to bed with her? Was
Joseph more concerned with his moral integrity or with the possibility of
making her feel rejected? Should we be more concerned about our moral
standards or the possibility of rejecting someone? Why?
According to Proverbs 5, what is the end result of a man who will not
stay away from immorality?
What does “resist” mean? What will happen if we resist the devil?
Maintaining his moral integrity cost Joseph his career and landed him
back in prison (Genesis 39:20). Eventually his integrity paid off, the
blessing of God caught up with him, and he was back in business as the
second-in-command in the kingdom.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• How do you feel about refusing something you know is
harmful?
• Do you think Joseph should have spent some time with
Potiphar’s wife to minister to her about the spirit of lust
in her life? Is it wise for us to minister to people who are
attempting to seduce us? Why or why not?
• Why do you think Paul told Timothy to flee temptation and
pursue righteousness along with the people of God? Why do
you think we cannot fight the battle of moral integrity and
walk in victory all alone?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• Is there something you need to refuse this week? For
example, how can you guard your heart and eyes by avoiding
sexually illicit images this week?
• Who are you pursuing righteousness with? Who is holding
you accountable to God’s moral standards?
• What are some ways you can resist the devil this week? For
example, how can you avoid relating to or communicating
with women in ways that are inappropriate or misleading,
and choosing to honor biblical standards instead?
PRAYER
• Run from the scene of temptation.
• Tell us about one athlete you
admire. What is he or she good at?
• In what subject or class in school
did you have difficulty? What
happened?
• Recall a time when you were faced
with a tough or uncomfortable
situation. How did you respond?
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and
peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
(See also Genesis 39:11,12.)
Temptations that fall under the label of “evil desires of youth” are not
limited only to young men. What are some evil desires of youth that all
men, no matter what age, must flee from? What did Paul tell Timothy
to do besides fleeing evil desires?
• Ask God for strength to resist temptation like Joseph.
Acknowledge that you cannot do this apart from God in
your life.
• Pray that you would choose to honor God, maintain your
moral integrity, and walk in victory in every area of life.
• Ask God to surround you with men with whom you can
pursue righteousness with.
• Resist the source of temptation.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
Copyright © 2011
Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph
Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 3
CONNECT
Man and his Work:
How to Serve God in a Secular Job
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
19
The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael
and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20In every matter of wisdom and understanding
about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians
and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Daniel 1:19,20
What
• Describe your dream job. • What is one of the most important
decisions you have ever made?
• Name three people you can call
when you need urgent help or
something major happens.
What does the Bible say?
Daniel was a God-fearing man working in a pagan culture.
When compared with others, Daniel and his Hebrew friends
were found to be ten times better than anyone else. How did he
do it? What made Daniel so much better than the others? How
can we stand out in the crowd in our profession? In this lesson,
we will examine three keys to Daniel’s success in an ungodly
and secular culture.
• The Power of Individual Decision
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food
and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission
not to defile himself this way.
Daniel 1:8
Daniel made a decision long before he faced the temptation.
The issue was resolved before the royal food and wine was
offered. What does it mean to be “resolved?” What does
“defile” mean?
• The Power of Covenant Relationships
11Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had
appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,
12
“Please test your servants for ten days . . .”
Daniel 1:11,12
(See also verses 12-16.)
Daniel did not face the test alone. He was with his three
covenant brothers. In these verses, notice the words “us,”
“our,” and “they.” Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not
volunteer for this test; Daniel dragged them into it. We all
need friends like Daniel who would challenge us beyond our
comfort zone. Have you ever been dragged or pushed into
a deeper commitment than you would have made if alone?
When?
• The Power of God
To those four young men God gave knowledge and
understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And
Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Daniel 1:17
Ultimately, these guys needed God’s help. And in their
greatest time of need, God came through for them by giving
them supernatural knowledge and understanding. How has
God come through for you in the past in a supernatural way?
If we want to be successful in the secular world without
compromising our faith, then we must predetermine the
standards we will live by. We must surround ourselves with
others who have the same values, beliefs, and standards.
And, we must call on the power of God for help. If we do this,
we can be ten times better, like Daniel.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• Why is it important to decide beforehand what you will
and will not do? What is the danger in waiting until the
temptation is upon you before deciding how to respond?
• Do you think it is easier to do what is right when we are alone
or when we are with our brothers? Why?
• As a Christian, what do you think our standards should be in
the workplace? Why?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• Do you need to make some decisions or resolutions before
you face the temptation to compromise? How can you
overcome temptation and resolve to honor God in what you
do? For example, how can you be above reproach in all your
financial dealings this week and choose a biblical standard?
• Who do you have in your life who challenges you to a deeper
commitment and higher standard? Who are you challenging
into a deeper commitment and higher standard?
• Are there situations in your job that you feel are too much for
you to handle and you need God’s supernatural help? What
are these? How are you believing for God to come through in
your situation?
PRAYER
• Ask God for wisdom and strength so you can honor God
in your decisions and how you live.
• Pray for God to give you godly men who can challenge
you to a deeper commitment, and to also give you those
you can challenge as well. • Ask God for His supernatural help in your situation
and life.
Copyright © 2011
Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph
Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 4
CONNECT
Man and his Family:
How to Serve God and Save Your Family
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
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 heir
of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Hebrews 11:7
What
• Tell us about one of your best
memories of your family while you
were growing up.
• What causes people to win your
respect? What causes them to lose
your respect?
• Name one person you have great
respect for. Why do you respect him
or her?
What does the Bible say?
It is quite common for men to succeed at work and fail at home,
to be respected at the office and disrespected at home. Lot was such a
man. He was an elder or “gatekeeper” in the city of Sodom (Genesis 19:1).
While he held a position of respect in the community, his own family
showed little respect for him, laughing at him as if he was joking when
he warned them of the coming judgment. So Lot went out and tried to
convince his sons-in-law. But they thought he was joking (Genesis 19:4).
Notice that Paul tells the fathers to bring up their children in the
instruction of the Lord. Some Christian fathers act as if child training is
the exclusive domain of wives.
Before we think we could never be like Lot, we need to be reminded that
Lot was not an ungodly pagan. Actually, the New Testament tells us that
Lot was a righteous man (1 Peter 2:7). There are many Lots in church today,
men who are respected in the business community, but not at home.
On the other hand, Noah was mocked by the community as he built his
huge boat. Everyone thought he was crazy. Everyone except for his family.
As soon as Noah warned them to get on the boat, they dropped everything
and got on the boat.
Why do you think there was such a difference in the responses of Noah’s
and Lot’s families? Because Lot was respected most by those who knew
him least (the community), and was respected least by those who knew
him best (his family). Noah was respected most by those who knew him
best (his family), and was respected least by those who knew him least
(the community).
Eli is another example of a man who was successful in his career (the
priesthood), but was a failure as a father. Eli discipled Samuel, who turned
out to be one of Israel’s greatest prophets, and at the same time he failed
to discipline his own sons (1 Samuel 3).
How can a man save his family while he serves God? In this lesson, we will
look at three simple biblical foundations for being successful at home.
• Leave your father and mother.
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to
his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
What does it mean to leave your father and mother? Why is this a good
idea?
• Love your wife.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself up for her . . .
Ephesians 5:25
Describe how Christ loved the church.
We do not have to sacrifice our families in order to be successful
in our careers. If we allow the Bible to be the final authority for our
relationships with our parents, spouses, and children, we can have
success at home.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• What are some complications that can occur when a married
man does not leave his father and mother emotionally,
financially, or physically?
• How can husbands love their wives as Christ loved
the church?
• In what ways can fathers bring up their children in the
training and instruction of the Lord?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• What did you learn from this lesson and how will you apply it
in your life this week?
• How can you show your love to your wife in a practical way
this week? What can you do to spend quality time with your
wife this week?
• How can you do your part in providing spiritual training for
your children every day? What can you do to spend quality
time with your children this week?
PRAYER
• Thank God for the relationships He has blessed you with.
Speak a blessing over your family.
• Ask God for His wisdom and presence to be with you so
you can leave your parents, love your wife, and lead
your children.
• Pray that you be respected by your family as you serve
God and live to honor Him.
• Lead your children.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead,
bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Copyright © 2011
Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph
Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 4
CONNECT
Man and his Money:
How to Honor God with Wealth
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats
will brim over with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9,10
9
What
What does the Bible say?
Solomon was extremely wealthy and wise. While some religious
traditions teach that wealth is evil and poverty honors God,
Solomon taught us to honor God with wealth. If wealth is evil, then
it cannot be used to honor God. In this lesson, we will learn from
the writings of Solomon that we can honor or dishonor God with
wealth based on the following:
• The way we earn money
Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money
little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:11
(See also Proverbs 13:4; 22:1,16.)
It is possible to earn money in a way that dishonors God
and violates His Word. God’s way of accumulating wealth
includes patience, hard work, and integrity. The latest “get-richquick” scheme that promises no hard work and requires little
integrity is not from God. Why do these schemes have such
magnetic appeal?
• The way we spend money
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower
is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7
(See also Psalm 37:21 and Proverbs 22:26,27.)
People who spend way too much end up in debt. The two key
principles to avoid debt are self-control and contentment.
People who combine discontent with lack of self-control end up
deep in debt. What is the relationship between the borrower and
the lender?
• The way we save and invest
• If you were given a million dollars,
what would you do with it? Why?
• Do you normally stick to a budget or
do you spend spontaneously? Recall
a specific instance explaining this.
• Who is the most generous person
you know? Why?
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22
(See also Proverbs 20:21.)
John Wesley taught his followers to “earn all you can, save all
you can, give all you can.” The world’s way is to “grab all you can
and can all you grab.” How can you honor God with how you save
and invest?
God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. The more we
give to God and to others, the more God gives to us in return. In
the kingdom of God, the way to financial prosperity is through
radical generosity. What does it mean to be “a generous man?”
What happens to a generous man?
When we look at the life and teaching of Solomon, it
becomes clear that God’s will is for His children to prosper.
The Bible also gives us clear guidelines for handling money.
When God sees that we can be trusted with money by the way
we earn, spend, save, and give, He will gladly entrust us with
abundant prosperity.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• How do you think your perspective of money differs from
Solomon’s? Why do you think the kingdom of God works so
differently from our perspective on money and giving?
• How do you think can people get out of debt?
• What does it mean to give God your firstfruits? What is the
difference between firstfruits and leftovers?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• Are you cheerfully giving your tithe and offerings to God, your
firstfruits? How can you honor the Lord with your wealth?
• Have you repaid all you have borrowed? How will you get out
of debt?
• Do you save and invest? If you are not currently saving, then
start today with a savings goal and plan.
PRAYER
• Thank God for His provision and for the ability He has
given you to produce wealth. Believe God that you
can get out of debt and He can meet your every need,
providing above and beyond what you ask.
• Ask God that He would give you wisdom so that He
would be honored in how you earn, spend, save,
and give money.
• Pray that you would be a generous man and a conduit of
His blessing.
• The way we give
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others
will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
(See also Proverbs 3:9,10.)
Copyright © 2011
Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph
Man to Man: How to Become a Spiritual Ironman • lesson 4
CONNECT
Man and his Ministry:
How to Make Disciples
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
WORD
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:1,2
1
2
What
What does the Bible say?
Paul was disciple by Ananias and Barnabas, and Paul made disciples.
Like Paul, we should all be discipled and we should all make disciples.
Paul told Timothy that he was not to be just a good disciple, but he
was to transfer all he learned from Paul to others. Paul expected
Timothy, despite his youth, to make disciples. In this lesson, we will
identify the five keys Paul mentions to make disciples.
• Be a disciple.
Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
It is common for “super spiritual” people to claim they do not need
human discipleship because they are disciples of Jesus. Notice
that Timothy was not being discipled by Jesus, but by Paul, who
was a fallen, finite, fallible human. A disciple is a follower of Christ
and other people help us follow Him. What does it mean to be in
discipleship with someone?
• Be strong in grace.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation
to all people. 12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly
passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives
in this present age . . .
Titus 2:11,12
(See also James 4:6.)
11
Grace, not law, is the power which transforms a human heart and a
person’s lifestyle. Paul’s message to Timothy was that grace is the
starting point of effective discipleship. What is grace? What does
grace teach us to do?
• Disciple reliable people.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
(See also 2 Timothy 2:2.)
Jesus discipled twelve men in a small group setting. While He did
minister to large crowds and individuals, His priority was small
group discipleship. What does it mean to be “reliable?” Why do you
think Paul said they should be reliable?
• Teach disciples to make disciples.
• What sport or hobby were you
taught when you were a child?
Who taught you?
• Whose leadership do you admire?
Why?
• What trait, talent, or skill do you
have that you would want others to
have or learn from you?
And the things you have heard me say in the presence
of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also
be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul told Timothy that those he disciple must be qualified to
teach others. One mark of a disciple is fruitfulness in making other
disciples. Why do disciples have to make disciples?
• Teach disciples to obey God.
19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19,20
We make disciples by teaching people how to follow and obey
God. What is the difference between teaching knowledge and
teaching obedience?
After his dramatic conversion, Paul became a disciple, and he spent
his life making disciples. Discipleship is the pattern God gave us
to build the kingdom. We are not simply to make converts. We are
to make disciples who will make disciples. This is the way God’s
kingdom advances.
so What
What is the relevance of the Word to my life?
• Why do you think some Christians do not like the idea of
discipleship? Why do you think discipleship is crucial?
• Why are the benefits of small group discipleship, as opposed
to a large setting?
• How does having an example to follow help you follow Christ
better? Whose example have you followed that has helped
you follow Christ?
now What
How do I apply the Word to my life?
• Are you a disciple? Who are you in discipleship with?
• Are you helping make disciples? How can you obey Jesus
command and teach others to obey Him on a regular basis?
• How can you be strong in God’s grace this week?
PRAYER
• Pray that you would always follow Christ and help others
follow Him.
• Pray for those you are in discipleship with, that you
would all be strong in the grace and that you would teach
others to follow Him.
• Believe God for the salvation of your family and friends,
for opportunities to minister to them, and that you
would help them follow Christ.
Copyright © 2011
Permission to photocopy this material from Victory® is granted
for local church use. This material is not for sale.
www.victory.org.ph