CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
1. 2 Peter 1:1-11.
2. We may become partakers of the DIVINE NATURE of God, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world.....
3. Having been born free from sin, then enticed, led away into sin.
4. Obedience to the gospel, escape from sin -- Divine Nature....
5. Peter then states, "YEA, AND FOR THIS VERY CAUSE.....
I. REASON FOR INCREASING OUR FAITH ONWARD TO LOVE:
1. Having been granted His precious and exceeding great
promise.....
2. Partaking of the Divine Nature....
3. Fellowship with God.....
4. escape from sin......
5. Because of all this----These should stimulate us to earnest
effort, exertion....
6. THUS, "ADDING ON YOUR PART ALL DILIGENCE"
Something WE must DO---Phil. 2:12.
WE MUST INCREASE, ADD, GROW, DEVELOP, ETC.
7. FAITH IS HERE ASSUMED --- Heb. 11:6; John 6:29
Letter addressed to "them who have obtained like
precious faith.
Faith is the foundation of all else -- Jn. 3:16; 8:24.
Faith cannot remain alone -- Jas. 2:26, DEAD.
8. It is faith that motivates, it comes first, primary.....
II. VIRTUE:
1. Christian manliness, active courage in the good fight of
2. In the midst of temptations, determined to do what is right
3. Courage of such men as Noah, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul,
4. Strength to choose the good part--Luke 10:41, 42, "Mary
hath chosen the good part." Martha encumbered with MANY
THINGS. How many today are encumbered about many things???
5. We need MEN (and WOMEN) to serve God.
6. Paul said, "Quit (act) like men."
7. free hearted, full service.
8. Spiritual backbone, not a passive thing. Standing for the
right, regardless of what comes.
9. So often we see those standing when all things are right,
but, away they go when they are crossed.
III. KNOWLEDGE:
1. Discretion, a right understanding.
2. Courage and firmness may do harm unless directed by
knowledge.
3. Some vacillate between right and wrong --
Profess to hate sin -- but have lingering love for it.
Know it to be wrong ---but wishing to be free to
participate in it.
4. Enlightened judgment, right application of courage.
5. Sins escaped through knowledge -- 2 Pet. 2:20; 1 Pet. 1:3.
"Ye shall know the truth and..." John 8:32.
Heb. 5:12-14 -- By learning God's Word.
IV. TEMPERANCE -- SELF-CONTROL:
1. Government of all the appetites in all of life.
2. The master of any situation, like our Master Teacher.
3. By knowledge to discern between good and evil--Heb. 5:14.
4. A manly desire to serve God (VIRTUE), followed with ability
to discern between right and wrong (KNOWLEDGE) and strength
to remain steadfast in that judgment (SELF-CONTROL).
5. Union of Virtue and Knowledge will bring Self-control.
6. The subjection of our appetites, desires, affections,
temper,
7. Acts 24:25 -- reasoned of righteousness, self-control and
the judgment.
8. Gal. 5:19 -- Works of flesh, cannot participate in these.
HOW SORELY IS THE NEED FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO CAN CONTROL
THEMSELVES IN EVERY SITUATION, Master Life.
Make correct decisions, guided by truth.....
9. Man is inclined to be guided by what is pleasing to
himself, rather than what we know. So often, what we want
rather than what God wants.
V. PATIENCE:
1. Self-control will result in patient endurance.
2. Putting one's shoulders under the burdens, the hardships of
life, and patiently marching along toward heaven.
3. More than quiet acceptance, more than a timid spirit....
4. INCLUDES FAITHFULNESS IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULTIES.
Job--was patient--stood on the Lord's side in spite of the
trials of this life of the flesh.
Heb. 10:36--"Ye have need of patience, having done....."
VI. GODLINESS:
1. Endurance which is more than stoicism, not merely
difficulties.
2. But, leading to a conscious submission of our human will to
the holy will of the Father.
3. Developing, strengthening reverence and piety toward God.
4. A godly man (woman) sets God before himself at all times.
NOTHING ELSE COMES FIRST.....
God controls his (her) whole life, seeks God's glory.
5. God is the center of the life of godliness.
6. Through self-control in the presence of God, the worldly
life of the flesh will not flourish---"Love not the world."
7. Titus 1:1 -- "Truth which is according to godliness."
8. Includes idea of worship--Acts 17:25.
VII. BROTHERLY KINDNESS:
1. 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8; 1 Jn. 5:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 3:12.
2. Exercise concern and care for our brethren.
3. Out of godliness will flow love for the brethren
4. 1 John 4:29.
5. God's elect are knit together in one communion and
fellowship. ALL HAVE THE SAME FATHER IN HEAVEN.
6. The nearer we draw to the heavenly Father, the more
fervently, out of a pure heart, we love one another.
7. 1 Jn. 3:13-18--Love for the brethren.
8. John 13:34, new commandment.
VIII. LOVE:
1. The essence of God Himself -- From FAITH TO LOVE.
2. Faith travels through Virtue, Knowledge, Self-control,
Patience, Godliness, Brotherly kindness and climaxes in
LOVE.
3. Love is the crown of Faith.
4. If we would reach the height of Love -- God, we must tie
each link together as a binding chain.
5. Why is it some do not seemingly obtain unto Love? They have
omitted one or more of these steps upward.
6. 1 John 3:13-18--More than love in word or tongue, but also
in deed and truth.
CONCLUSION:
1. Personal diligence needed for sanctification.
2. None of these stand alone. "ADD" We cannot develop one to
the exclusion of the others and be full-grown.
3. Salvation demands constant endeavor.
4. These do not come as a matter of course, no accident here.
5. God does not give spiritual enrichment to spiritual
inactivity.
6. DIVINE NATURE -- Do you desire this?
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