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Week 23: Christian Mens Breakfast: Imitate Christ

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Week 23 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

  1. Ponder the words of Kempis in Chapter 14: “Nor shall he who has placed all his hope in God be moved by the tongues of flatterers. For behold, even they who speak are nothing; they will pass away with the sound of their words, but the truth of the Lord remains forever.” (Day 146)
  2. In section 411 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS, we read, “Some people consider it a great thing for anyone to maintain perpetual silence. This is indeed great; but to be silent and to talk as one should, is greater. He who lives secluded and alone, can adopt silence as much as he chooses; but he who lives with the people, should live not only for himself, but be sociable with others.” What is the harm in talking? Is there a time to speak and a time to be silent? (Day 157)
  3. In Chapter 15, Kempis offers advice as to when to speak: “[T]his is the way you must speak on every occasion: ‘Lord, if it be pleasing to You, so be it. If it be to Your honor, Lord, be it done in Your name. Lord, if You see that it is expedient and profitable for me, then grant that I may use it to Your honor. But if You know that it will be harmful to me, and of no good benefit to the welfare of my soul, then take this desire away from me.'” (Day 158)
  4. Is “true comfort to sought in God alone?” (Day 160)

The Christian Mens Breakfast group meets this Saturday and (almost) every other Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

Our discussion will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 3 , Chapter 14 : Consider the Hidden Judgments of God Lest You Become Proud of Your Own Good Deeds (June 5, 2012)
  2. Book 3 , Chapter 15 : How One Should Feel and Speak on Every Desirable Thing (June 7, 2012)
  3. Book 3 , Chapter 16 : True Comfort Is to Be Sought in God Alone (June 9, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes: