HOW TO USE THIS PAGE: The content below is prioritized, with the most important at the top of the page. The first thing you’ll see is a “Series Purpose” statement and “Desired Outcomes”. Though each group may get to the end a bit differently, all will have the same goals (the “Why”) in mind. Below, there are “Learning Modules”. These can be ‘plug and played’ into your group’s weekly rhythm, or simply be utilized to inspire. These are followed by various “Sample Rhythms” for groups wanting more detailed support. Regardless of specific modules, a balanced group will experience “Up, In, and Out”, along with Sabbath breaks when necessary. For questions on how to use this page, contact: [email protected]
Series Purpose
Vices & Virtues
The world is filled with both the beauty of God, expressed through order, peace,and life, and the void of his absence, which lead to chaos, destruction, and death. The Scriptures tell us that this second force is at work in the very fabric of our society, our relationships, and in our very souls. In the sixth century, this pull away from God was summarized in a list known as the Seven Deadly Sins. The treachery of these sins–lust gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride–is that while they promise freedom and fulfillment, they lead to addiction and emptiness. But as the Seven Deadly Sins symbolize our destructive habits, the Beatitudes of Jesus represent life that is overflowing with the goodness of God.
This series is vital because each of these deadly sins is working behind the scenes, subtly creeping into our lives to distract us from the true life that God intends for us. And God is relentlessly pursuing us, inviting us to experience true fulfillment. The Seven Deadly Sins and the Beatitudes are vying for our affection. Both call us to serve them, to eat, to enjoy, and to believe. But only one promotes life and brings happiness. **
** Paraphrase from “Seven Deadly Sins” by Jeff Cook (pg. 174)
Desired Outcomes
The goals below are how coach(es) will interact with groups over the course of this series:
1.) UNDERSTAND how the 7 Deadly Sins and the Beatitudes both promise life and happiness, yet only one truly delivers.
2.) IDENTIFY a vice, one of the 7 Deadly Sins, that has hindered you from experiencing the life and freedom that God desires for you.
3.) EMBRACE and cultivate the corresponding Kingdom attribute outlined in the Beatitudes.
4.) NAME our approach to spiritual growth: willful (up to us), passive (up to God), or willing (partnering with God)
Learning Modules
Choose Your Own Adventure: to download a Leader Guide, click on the subjects (links) below:
Each learning module starts with a “Raise the Need”, or an explanation of why this topic is important within the conversation of this sermon series. This is followed by resources for four different categories: Prepare, Gather, Learn, and Respond. Each category has a few options for you to choose from. This guide is not meant to be handed out to all the participants. It is meant to provide ideas to the leader, who can then create their own document if so desired.
Book Option
Choose Your Own Adventure: to download a Leader Guide, click on the subjects (links) below:
For some sermon series, there is a book option that makes a lot of sense. “Seven: The Deadly Sins and the Beatitudes” by Jeff Cook somewhat inspired the sermon series with his comparison of the Beatitudes and Deadly Sins. Cook provides the depth of a philosophy professor coupled with the accessibility of common examples. Should be an easy book to journey through as a group. Feel free to use this as your curriculum, or combine it with learning modules. Sample chapter breakdown included below.
Up/In/Out Rhythm
UP – Relationship to, and intimacy with, God the Father
IN – Relationship to, and investment in, our fellow believers
OUT – Relationship to, and an engagement with, the broken world around us
Sample Rhythms
These are merely sample rhythms to give you a starting point. You can use the learning modules in any order that works well for your group. Yet if you need direction, here are a few possibilities.
Option 1: Following the Sermon Series (Learning Modules, no book)
Week 1: Pride
Week 2: Lust
Week 3: Sloth
Week 4: Greed
Week 5: Sabbath
Week 6: Envy
Week 7: Wrath
Week 8: Gluttony
Option 2: Following the Sermon Series (Using the book from above)
Week 1: Introduction and Chapter 1
Week 2: Chapter 5
Week 3: Chapter 3
Week 4: Chapter 4
Week 5: Sabbath or a week focused on OUT
Week 6: Chapter 2
Week 7: Chapter 6
Week 8: Chapters 7&8
Current Impact Opportunities
Our vision is that every Life Group at Flood would have a missional focus, committing to serve consistently at Flood, locally, or globally. If your life group has not yet determined a missional focus, the areas below are currently in need of consistent servants! Contact the impact leader for details.
HELP WITH SUNDAY COMMUNION
JULY JUBILEE
If your impact team would like to help organize this annual homeless outreach event, please email JulyJubileeCoordinator@gmail.
MILITARY IMPACT TEAM
Support our Flood Military Members by having your Life Group assemble a care package! This is a great team building opportunity that has the benefit of being flexible and can work itself into any meeting throughout the year. Clear guidelines will be provided so you can make sure your care package is military friendly. Contact: [email protected] to sign up your Life Group!
TIJUANA HOUSE BUILDING TEAM - May 18th, June 15th, and August 3rd
Serve the Tijuana community by taking a day-trip to help build a house for a family in need. We need builders who can commit to participating on our monthly trips as consistently as possible! Trips are typically the 3rd Saturday of the month. Contact: [email protected]
TIJUANA ORPHANAGE TEAM – May 25, June 8 and July 13
Spend a day serving at the El Faro Orphanage in Tijuana, and experience the joy of teaching, serving, playing and laughing with kids! A great opportunity for an individual or a life group. Sign up at the Welcome Tent. Cost: $40. Contact: [email protected]
Series Sunday Schedule
[Audio MP3files of past messages are linked in the title of the message below]
4/7
Topic: PRIDE | Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3)
Additional Scripture: Luke 16:22-31
4/14
Topic: LUST | Pure of Heart (Matthew 5:8)
Additional Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30; 2Kings 16:10-18
4/21
Topic: SLOTH | Those Who Hunger for Life Made Right (Matthew 5:6)
Additional Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
4/28
Topic: GREED | Giving Mercy (Matthew 5:7)
Additional Scripture: Luke 12:16-21
5/5 GREED again | Meal Packaging
5/12
Topic: ENVY | Mourner (Matthew 5:4)
Additional Scripture: Matthew 20:1-6
5/19
Topic: WRATH | Meek Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)
Additional Scripture: Matthew 5:29-44
5/26
Topic: GLUTTONY | Persecuted (Matthew 5:10)
Additional Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Series Tuesday Enrichments
4/16 Lust to Love: Moving from isolation to thriving relationships.
5/14 Loosening Vice’s Grip: Taking steps toward a life of virtue.
Study Tools
Biblos.com – Comprehensive Bible study tools.
BibleGateway.com – Look up passages or search the Bible, including various translations.
Blue Letter Bible – Bible research tools.
Crosswalk.com – Bible research tools.
Precept Austin – Large collection of Bible research tools.
Bible Query – Thorough answers to questions about the Bible.
Bible History Online – Vast amount of pictorial data about the history of the Bible, as well as detailed theological information.
BibleStudyTools.com – Bible research tools.
Enduring Word Media – Bible commentary.
EasyEnglish Bible – Bible commentary.
Interlinear Bible – Word study tool.
Bible.org – Articles, commentaries, etc.
Christian Classics Library – commentaries, sermons
Spark Notes OT / NT – Quick references developed by Harvard Students
For devotionals -
Read Central – Daily Devotion
Henri Nouwen – Signup for Daily Reading
Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest