Definitions
Define spiritual cannon?
The spiritual canon is the system of spiritual life between a person and God, agreed upon with the priest you confess to. The canon is what organizes and regulates our spiritual life, our spiritual commitments, and our spiritual conduct. It governs the entire course of our spiritual journey.
Who developed the spiritual cannon system?
It is a system derived from the experience of the saints who strived to live by the commandments. These rules came as a result of their long experience and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All of them are based on the commandments of the Holy Bible—they are a practical interpretation or application of those biblical commandments
What happens to the one who does not abide by the spiritual canon?
The one who does not abide by the spiritual canon is a slave to desires and lusts
what are the 3 examples that St Paul uses as examples of spiritual struggle
the good soldier, the athletic competition, the hardworking farmer
why is our free will not always aligned with God’s will
However, since my will is not always fully aligned with God's will due to human weakness, I must exert some self-denial to conform to God’s good and perfect will. Just like I might force myself to study or exercise because of the benefits I see in it.
Define what a law is?
A law is a system that regulates something or makes it legal in accordance with an established and recognized order
what are the spiritual rules based on?
The Holy Bible
T/F: the harm that results from not following the spiritual canon is punishment from God
F: The harm that results from not following the spiritual canon is not a punishment or vengeance from God for not listening to Him. Rather, it is a natural consequence of not adhering to what is beneficial to me.
how is the good soldier an example of spiritual struggle
The Good Soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4):
This soldier fights faithfully on behalf of his king or leader and endures hardships. Likewise, the Christian fights against Satan and sin by the Holy Spirit under the leadership of the Lord of Glory Himself and is willing to sacrifice himself for Christ.
What is the difference between self-denial and obligation?
Self-denial is voluntary, but obligation is forced. Freedom comes with responsibility and accountability. This sense of responsibility for my own salvation and eternity makes practicing the spiritual canon easier.
A Spiritual canon is like __________ it satisfies and quenches the soul
nourishment
Who determines a spiritual canon with a specific person?
The spiritual canon is the system of spiritual life between a person and God, agreed upon with the priest you confess to
where does the harm of not abiding to our spiritual canon come from?
it is a natural consequence of not adhering to what is beneficial to me. It is like a student who does not study—the natural result is that he fails the exam.
how is the athlete an example of spiritual struggle
The Athlete in Competition (2 Timothy 2:5):
They strive to obtain a crown and endure daily training to attain victory. They voluntarily abstain from certain foods and pleasures to prepare for the race, how much more should the believer, for the sake of the heavenly crown, willingly refrain from things that hinder his salvation with complete freedom and choice.
What about our spiritual canon frightens the devil the most?
What frightens the devils most is our consistency in keeping our spiritual rules
What does creation teach us about laws?
All of creation teaches us that there must be laws to govern the course of life. If all of creation follows laws, then surely the human being—the crown of creation—must also live his life according to a clear and defined system.
How did the saints derive the spiritual canon?
These rules came as a result of their long experience and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All of them are based on the commandments of the Holy Bible—they are practical interpretation or application of those biblical commandments.
desires and lusts
how is the farmer an example of spiritual struggle?
The Hardworking Farmer (2 Timothy 2:6):
This one toils for the sake of the fruit. And the one who labors and plows certainly partakes in the harvest, deserves his share. Those who labor in His service will receive eternal glory.
This growth is not only in quantity, but more importantly in quality—in the way we practice the canon: in depth, in experience, and in the sense of God's presence.
Define the idea of self denial
The idea of self-denial is when I willfully constrain my will to submit to God's will— because His will is always good.
What is the PRIMARY goal of the spiritual cannon?
Its primary goal is to delight in the love of God and to enjoy constant fellowship in His presence. It is meant to help us spend more time with God, deepen our relationship with Him, and grow in His love.
What examples does St Paul use when reflecting on the spiritual canon?
In these verses, our teacher St. Paul the Apostle uses examples from athletic competitions. The word "run" refers to struggle, sweat, toil, and bitter conflict. This is a reference to St. Paul's ministry and his efforts in preaching—he runs to obtain the crown of glory, which is the reward of victory. This message is directed to each one of us. Spiritual life is not a life of laziness, sluggishness, or complacency.
What’s the difference between winning in a sports arena vs in the spiritual field?
There is, however, a difference between striving in a sports arena and in the spiritual field. In the former, only one person wins the prize—perhaps two. But in the spiritual realm, everyone who strives can receive the reward. We are all called to obtain the crown, but the more one strives, the more one receives, “for one star differs from another in glory," as is written in 1 Corinthians 15:41.
Does growth in spiritual canon have an end point?
Growth here means continuous progress toward the ultimate goal: a deeper knowledge of God and a constant enjoyment of His presence.