Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of true friendships being founded in God, highlighting the need to be content with God's will over our own desires, and to fully surrender to His plans without reservation. He stresses the unity and closeness that comes from being united in God, where true friends are found. Fenelon encourages seeking companionship and solace in God, who is the ultimate source of eternal friendship and fulfillment, surpassing any imperfections found in human relationships.

Rich, defined as having an abundance of valuable possessions, is a frequent topic addressed by the Lord Jesus in the New Testament. While it often refers to material wealth, it is also used figuratively in James to describe those who are rich in faith. God is described as rich in mercy, overflowing with love and compassion towards us, as seen in Ephesians 2:4.

The preacher delves into the meaning of 'plousios' (richly) in the Bible, emphasizing its implications of abundance and value, both materially and spiritually. The sermon explores how letting the Word of Christ dwell richly within us involves quantity and degree, urging believers to apply and use it in all aspects of life. Various Bible verses are examined to illustrate the concept of dwelling in God's Word richly and the transformative impact it can have on individuals.

Francois Fenelon preaches on how to bear suffering in order to preserve our peace, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, dropping self-centered reflections, and embracing a life of non-resistance to God's will. He highlights that true peace comes from being dead to self and alive in Christ, allowing us to bear sufferings with equanimity and comfort. Fenelon warns against resisting the crosses imposed by God, as this resistance within is harder to bear than the suffering itself, and encourages cheerful and absolute abandonment to God's will for true peace and spiritual growth.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the beauty and virtue found in suffering, emphasizing the transformative power of the cross in our lives. He reflects on the initial agony and struggle of enduring suffering, but acknowledges the wisdom and admiration gained from overcoming it. Fenelon encourages embracing the cross as a means of drawing closer to God, whether in life or death, as it signifies living or dying for the Lord.

The preacher delves into the concept of riches, emphasizing the deceitfulness of material wealth which can hinder one's reception of the Word of God. He contrasts material riches with spiritual riches, highlighting the importance of being rich in spiritual possessions even if one is poor in material possessions. The sermon explores various biblical and historical perspectives on wealth, pointing out the significance of God's kindness, glory, grace, and wisdom as true riches that believers should seek. The preacher encourages the congregation to focus on spiritual abundance and prosperity in Christ rather than being consumed by earthly possessions.

Francois Fenelon preaches about finding peace through simplicity and obedience, emphasizing the need to quiet the mind and be scrupulously obedient to God. He warns against the restlessness caused by excessive imagination and urges listeners to trust in God's guidance through simple obedience, rather than being led astray by empty imaginations and scruples. Fenelon highlights that true love and peace are only found in faithful obedience, and that Satan can deceive through false appearances of scrupulous love and tender conscience, leading to trouble and danger. He encourages a focus on sincere and simple desires to please God, rather than being consumed by unnecessary anxieties.

The preacher delves into the meaning of 'pneumatikos,' which refers to the wind, spirit, and the inner life of a human being or the divine Spirit. This term is used in various contexts in the Bible, such as in relation to the Holy Spirit's work, spiritual blessings, gifts, and understanding given by the Spirit. Believers are described as a spiritual house offering spiritual sacrifices, and the concept of being spiritual is contrasted with being fleshly or carnal, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of humility, love, and charity over the pursuit of knowledge and recognition in the spiritual journey. He encourages a focus on dying to self-love, embracing humility, and seeking obscurity rather than seeking advancement and honor in religious circles. Fenelon reminds believers to listen to God in silence, renounce vanity, and practice solid virtue without seeking validation from others. He warns against the deception of knowledge puffing up the ego and highlights that true edification comes from charity and love, particularly the love of God and self-abandonment for His sake.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of surrendering to God's will in receiving blessings, emphasizing the need to let go of self-love, pride, and personal preferences in order to fully embrace the mercies of God. He challenges the congregation to examine their hearts and question their resistance to the Holy Spirit, urging them to humbly receive God's gifts regardless of the manner in which they are bestowed, emphasizing that true faith requires dying to self and embracing God's will wholeheartedly.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the discovery and death of self, emphasizing the painful but necessary process of exposing and overcoming self-love in order to fully surrender to God. He describes how God uses seasons of weakness to reveal the hidden self-love within us, pushing it into the light for us to confront and ultimately let go. Fenelon encourages the congregation to embrace this process of dying to self, not seeking quick remedies or comforts, but allowing God to work in them to bring about true transformation and freedom.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of not letting the sight of our imperfections steal our peace. He reveals the hidden self-love that often lurks behind our desire for God's glory, urging us to surrender our will to God's and find peace in all circumstances. Fenelon encourages us to approach our imperfections without justification or condemnation, but to lay them before God and trust in His plan, reminding us that peace is God's design for every situation, even in the midst of suffering and repentance.

Francois Fenelon preaches about living by the cross and by faith, emphasizing that everything in life is a cross to bear, often filled with bitterness and challenges that must be faced with peace. He encourages trusting in God to spare us from unnecessary suffering, as He knows our needs and provides unseen support amidst our trials. Fenelon highlights the paradox of living a life of faith, which he describes as the most profound form of death.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes that despairing over our imperfections is a greater hindrance than the imperfections themselves. He encourages focusing on loving without ceasing, as true love consumes our defects and brings forgiveness. Fenelon warns against seeking selfish pleasures in love rather than genuine love itself, as this can distract us from fully embracing God. Peace and love are key in overcoming our faults, as being preoccupied with self can lead to restlessness and distance from God's presence.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of pure faith in seeing God alone, emphasizing the need to trust in God's provision day by day without worrying about the future. He describes pure faith as constantly keeping the soul in suspense, relying on God's freedom to act while focusing on being faithful in what is within our control. This momentary dependence and peace under the uncertainty of the future is likened to a silent martyrdom, leading to a gradual death to self and complete trust in God's provision.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of living in peace without worrying about the future, as our lives truly belong to God and we must use them according to His will. He emphasizes the need to be detached from the world and to embrace lowliness, abandoning self and pride. Fenelon encourages simplicity in prayer, coming from pure love rather than intellect, and finding true wisdom in spoliation, deep recollection, and renouncing our own spirit.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of loving and welcoming those who try to harm us, seeing them as instruments of God's hand in our lives. He emphasizes the need for God's Spirit to sustain us in difficulties and to help us remain humble and peaceful under trials. Fenelon encourages seeking God's mercy for those who seek to injure us, recognizing that God often touches our most sensitive areas to bring about growth and transformation.

Francois Fenelon preaches about finding true peace and success through quietness in God, emphasizing the importance of complete surrender and reliance on God's light and guidance. He contrasts the fruitlessness of relying on human abilities like imagination, feelings, and reasoning with the power of speaking from a place of rest in God. Fenelon encourages acceptance of human weaknesses and the imperfections of the world, urging listeners to focus on fulfilling their own responsibilities quietly and gently while trusting God's sovereignty.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of carrying the cross with Christ in this temporary life, reminding believers that their suffering will soon end as they will reign with God who will wipe away their tears. He encourages humility and peace in the midst of trials, cautioning against self-love that can exaggerate distress. Fenelon highlights that true joy comes from embracing the cross with love for the Well-beloved, as it molds believers into His image and strengthens their bond of love.

Greek Word Studies, in a sermon on the role of a shepherd, emphasizes the importance of shepherds in tending, guiding, and guarding the flock of believers, drawing parallels to the care and leadership provided by Jesus as the ultimate Good Shepherd. The term 'shepherd' is used metaphorically for church leaders who are called to exercise administrative and protective activities over the community of believers, reflecting God's love for His people. The shepherd's duty is to graze, guide, and guard the flock, ensuring effective and urgent action in caring for them.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes that true peace comes from surrendering our will to God. He encourages believers to focus on aligning their will with God's will rather than seeking personal enjoyment in religion. By humbly confessing faults, detaching from the world, and loving God above all else, one can experience God's love and find peace in their heart.

Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of tolerance and understanding towards the imperfections of others. He emphasizes the need to bear with the unmistakable defects of others, refrain from condemning doubtful ones, and not allow these imperfections to cause division. Fenelon highlights that perfection is easily tolerant of imperfections, urging individuals to patiently wait for God to address these weaknesses in others. He encourages self-correction and advises to approach the correction of others with humility and sensitivity, aiming to strengthen relationships rather than weaken them.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of listening to the love of God over self-love, highlighting the contrasting characteristics of the two voices - self-love being restless and eager, while the love of God is peaceful and gentle. He warns against the distractions of self-love that focus on flattery and self-centered desires, urging instead to forget self and allow God to be the center of our lives. Fenelon encourages silencing the selfish voice to hear the quiet but profound voice of God's love that speaks when we seek it.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of absolute trust in God as the shortest path to drawing closer to Him. He highlights that God uses crosses, sufferings, and humiliations to lead souls to Himself more effectively than human efforts, as they uproot self-love. Fenelon encourages complete surrender to God, trusting Him wholeheartedly and following His lead without the need to know every detail, which would expedite the journey to spiritual perfection.

Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of not making resolutions in times of distress and temptation, as our judgment can be clouded by emotions and self-love. He encourages waiting until calmness is restored to discern and act according to God's will, returning to devotion, simplicity, and selflessness. Fenelon warns against self-deception and advises seeking guidance from experienced mentors before making decisions. Ultimately, he urges listeners to be faithful in yielding to God's designs and to be willing to sacrifice anything for His sake.