add to your faith Virtue

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Striving For Excellence

II PET 1:5-11

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires developing a Christ-like character.

    1. It involves adding eight attributes in conjunction with each other - II Pet 1:5-8

    2. It involves working hard to obtain these eight attributes - II Pet 1: 5,8

  2. We saw that this "spiritual construction project" begins with faith.

    1. For without faith it is impossible to please God - Heb 11:6

    2. For faith is the power making it possible to grow - Mark 9:23

  3. But developing a Christ-like character does not occur by faith only.

    1. To "faith" we must add virtue

    2. The word add indicating that these two must work together

 

BODY:

I. THE DEFINITION OF VIRTUE

  1. RARELY USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

    1. Paul uses it once: "...if there is any virtue" - Phil 4:8

    2. Peter uses it four times:

      1. "...proclaim the praises (virtue) of Him" - I Pet 2:9

      2. "...who called us by glory and virtue" - II Pet 1:3

      3. Twice in our text - II Pet 1:5

    3. It has been variously translated in our text as:

      1. "goodness" (NIV)

      2. "moral excellence" (NASB)

    4. It has been variously explained as

      1. "excellence" (Wycliffe)

      2. "manly excellence" (JFB)

      3. "courage, fortitude, vigor, energy" (Clarke, Barnes)

  2. THE MEANING OF "VIRTUE".

    1. It has the idea of excellence, striving for moral perfection

    2. The connection of virtue with faith:

      1. We begin with faith (confidence and trust in God and Christ)

      2. We must add the quality of virtue (the desire to excel and be strong in our faith)

    3. Virtue is the quality of striving for excellence in our faith-based relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

II. THE DEMAND OF VIRTUE

  1. SPIRITUAL LIFE DEMANDS VIRTUE.

    1. Without virtue, faith soon dies

      1. Faith without works is a dead faith - James 2:26

      2. When faith is joined by virtue (a desire for excellence in our service to God). 
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        Our faith will be a dynamic faith

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        For works will certainly follow one who is "striving for excellence"

    2. Without virtue, we cannot grow

      1. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus requires:
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        "giving all diligence" - II Pet 1:5, 10

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        That we "abound" in these graces II Pet 1:8

      2. When faith is joined by virtue (striving for excellence).
        bullet

        Diligent effort will be made

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        Abounding in these graces will be the goal of our faith

  2. DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS VIRTUE.

    1. Christ taught His disciples to strive for excellence - Matt 5:48

      1. He died to make it possible - Heb 10:12-14

      2. He established offices (functions) in His church to ensure it - Eph 4:11-13

    2. Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his ministry - Col 1:28-29

      1. He encouraged the Corinthians to this end - II Cor 7:1

      2. He told Timothy that this was the design of Scripture - II Tim 3:16-17

    3. How can we hope to grow as disciples, to truly come to know our Savior and Lord, unless we add to our faith the quality of virtue? Without a strong desire for excellence, especially in our relationship with Christ, our faith will be weak and possibly die altogether!

III. THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUE

  1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD.

    1. The purpose of the Word is to make us perfect - II Tim 3:16-17

    2. Give ourselves to reading and meditating upon it, and ...

      1. We shall be like a strong fruitful tree - Psa 1:1-3

      2. We shall grow in wisdom and understanding - Psa 119:97-99

    3. We are therefore encouraged to meditate upon that which contains virtue (as surely the Word does!) - Phil 4:8

  2. THE VALUE OF AN APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE.

    1. We are also encouraged to emulate Paul - Phil 4:9

    2. He described and displayed his own striving for excellence - Phil 3:12-14

      1. Never consider yourself as having reached it - Phil 3:12
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        Don't remain satisfied with the spiritual condition you are in

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        Admit that you always have room to grow

      2. Forget what lies behind - Phil 3:13
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        Don't rest on your "laurels" (past accomplishments)

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        Don't allow past "mistakes" to prevent future progress

      3. Reach forward to what lies ahead - Phil 3:13
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        Look ahead with optimism

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        Keep your eye on the prize that awaits - II Tim 4:8, 18

      4. Press on Phil 3:12-14

IV. THE DEMONSTRATION OF VIRTUE

  1. IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES.

    1. Do our daily walks with God suggest we are striving for excellence?

    2. Are we seeking to excel in our relationship with God?

      1. By reading His Word daily (listening to Him)?

      2. By praying without ceasing (talking to Him)?

    3. Are we seeking to excel in our service to God?

      1. Determining and developing our talents?

      2. Using those abilities in service to God and others?

  2. IN OUR BIBLE STUDIES AND ASSEMBLIES.

    1. Does our involvement in the services of the church suggest we are striving for excellence?

    2. Do we utilize opportunities to increase our faith?

      1. By attending the Bible studies offered by the church?

      2. By preparing for them, and being an active contributor to the studies?

    3. Do we exercise opportunities to encourage others?

      1. By attending the assemblies of the church?

      2. By participating in the services, exhorting others before and after?

CONCLUSION:

  1. The Christian who adds virtue to their faith does not remain static.

    1. He or she will not be content with their current level of faith and service

    2. Like Paul, they will desire to press on for they are striving for excellence!

  2. When a Christian adds virtue to their faith.

    1. They are more likely to add other qualities to their faith

    2. Such as knowledge, self-control, etc. for they are striving for excellence!

  3. When a believer adds virtue he becomes a Christian.

    1. By Believing, Repenting, Confessing, and Being Baptized

    2. Then by being faithful

 

 

 

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10/05/2012