HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE“Manny” is a “rags to riches” story that chronicles the life of boxer Manny “Pac Man”

Pacquiao. His meteoric rise from a poor village in the Philippines captured the world’s

attention and imagination. He achieved stunning success in the ring and even greater

popularity as an international figure. While his fame and fighting ability are undisputed,

his losses give us even greater insight into Manny’s character.

THEME 1: “I WILL ALWAYS BE A FIGHTER”Manny’s career is marked by amazing achievements, but they didn’t come without

adversity. In many ways, the suffering he experienced as a child prepared him

for greatness in and out of the ring.

We all have an urge to avoid pain and resistance, but the apostle Paul

gives us hope when we face the battles of life:

“We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces

endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates

hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love

into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.”

–Romans 5.3-5 (GNT)

QUESTIONS1. How did adversity shape Manny?

In what ways has he beaten the odds?

2. What did Manny learn from his losses?

3. How did Manny show discipline and self-control? How did Manny show a lack of control and self-discipline?

4. What is the result of surviving challenges? Describe a fight you faced.

“Whatever life brings me; whatever arena I enter. I will always be a fighter.”–Manny

QUESTIONS1. Jinkee (Manny’s wife) says Manny is a new

creation. What does that mean?

2. How did Manny’s fame lead him down the wrong path? What opportunities did Manny’s fame bring?

3. How did Manny’s faith impact his views about life? About family? About boxing?

4. How would you describe your spiritual journey?

THEME 2: “WHAT GIVES LIFE MEANING?”The film begins and ends with two main questions: Why do I box?

Why do I fight? After dozens of bruising battles, mistakes and challenges,

Manny seems to have found peace with the answer to those questions.

The apostle Paul borrows the metaphor of a boxer to describe the kind of

life that we are called to live. It requires focus and determination,

while always being mindful of our priorities and goals:

“Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown

that will last forever. I don’t run without a goal. And I don’t box by beating my

fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave,

so I won’t lose out after telling the good news to others.”

–1 Corinthians 9.25-26 (CEV)

THEME 3: “WE ARE ALL IMPERFECT. I’M STILL LEARNING WHAT GOD’S PLAN IS FOR ME.”Success often offers us opportunities that were not previously within

our reach. But along with the opportunities, there can be pitfalls and

consequences. Manny realized that with all his fame and fortune, he had

lost track of what was most important. It wasn’t until he had an encounter

with God that he began to understand God’s plan for him.

Even after his losses, Manny believed that God had a greater plan and

purpose for him. Sometimes we look at failures as if they are curses, or

interpret them to conclude that God doesn’t care about us. But the apostle

Paul tells us that God uses all of that stuff for our good:

“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him,

those whom he has called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8.28 (GNT)

QUESTIONS1. Bob Arum said, “Manny believes he is

where he is because of God. He believes that he is doing God’s will.” Do you believe Manny’s victories are because of God?

2. How did Manny’s priorities change as he got older?

3. How did Manny’s life give others power and hope?

4. What gives you meaning and purpose?

© Copyright American Bible Society 2014. Bible passages are excerpted from the Good News Translation (GNT)

*The impact of movies, television and theater on culture is profound, shaping how millions perceive social and moral issues. ABS builds resources for mainstream releases to facilitate culture-reaching conversations, inviting viewers to use themes presented to explore a new or refreshed relationship with Christ. This should not be perceived as direct endorsement of any particular media content.

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