November 29, 2022

  Blush by Gary Rose


 

The Boswell Sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oslbxm1MA9E

 


 Bing Crosby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2EVdxXBatU

 

The other day I was speaking with a Christian friend and at the mention of her male friend, she blushed; how innocent, how very special! Most people do not blush anymore and that is a shame. Frankly, I had never even thought about blushing being a characteristic of a Christian, but the more I think about it, the more appealing it is to me. Blushing denotes innocence and an openness which equates with honesty. Very high attributes for every Christian! Almost immediately, I thought of an old song, but couldn’t remember the exact title ( only a few words ). Today, I searched and found several renditions of the song ( “The object of my affection” ) and selected one toward gentlemen and another towards a lady.

I wondered if the word “blush” was used in the Bible and upon searching found several; here they are...

Jeremiah 6:15f ( World English Bible )

15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them, they shall be cast down,” says Yahweh.

16 Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

note: see also Jeremiah 8:12.

Ezra 9 ( WEB )

5 At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God;

6 and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens.

We see the Scriptures, there are two responses to sin; acknowledgment or denial. The rebellious heart will deny God and gladly accept sin, but the good heart will grieve over their actions and seek forgiveness from the Almighty.

Now, I have come to the conclusion that blushing is a good thing. May whoever reads this blog always have a good heart and never be afraid to blush!

No comments:

Bible Reading for December 2022 by Gary Rose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categorical Bible Reading for December 2022


































































DATE LAW
HISTORY
LITERATURE
PROPHECY
12/01/22 NUMB. 31 LUKE 24 1 CHRN. 25-26 ACTS 27 PROV. 23 HEB. 6 MICAH 6 REV. 5
12/02/22 NUMB. 32 JOHN 1 1 CHRN. 27-29 ACTS 28 PROV. 24 HEB. 7 MICAH 7 REV. 6
12/03/22 NUMB. 33 JOHN 2 2 CHRN. 1-2 ACTS 1 PROV. 25 HEB. 8 NAH. 1 REV. 7
12/04/22 NUMB. 34 JOHN 3 2 CHRN. 3-4 ACTS 2 PROV. 26 HEB. 9 NAH. 2 REV. 8
12/05/22 NUMB. 35 JOHN 4 2 CHRN. 5-6 ACTS 3 PROV. 27 HEB. 10 NAH. 3 REV. 9
12/06/22 NUMB. 36 JOHN 5 2 CHRN. 7-8 ACTS 4 PROV. 28 HEB. 11 HAB. 1 REV. 10
12/07/22 DEUT. 1 JOHN 6 2 CHRN. 9-10 ACTS 5 PROV. 29 HEB. 12 HAB. 2 REV. 11
12/08/22 DEUT. 2 JOHN 7 2 CHRN. 11-12 ACTS 6 PROV. 30 HEB. 13 HAB. 3 REV. 12
12/09/22 DEUT. 3 JOHN 8 2 CHRN. 13-14 ACTS 7 PROV. 31 JAMES 1 ZEPH. 1 REV. 13
12/10/22 DEUT. 4 JOHN 9 2 CHRN. 15-16 ACTS 8 ECCL. 1 JAMES 2 ZEPH. 2 REV. 14
12/11/22 DEUT. 5 JOHN 10 2 CHRN. 17-18 ACTS 9 ECCL. 2 JAMES 3 ZEPH. 3 REV. 15
12/12/22 DEUT. 6 JOHN 11 2 CHRN. 19-20 ACTS 10 ECCL. 3 JAMES 4 HAG. 1 REV. 16
12/13/22 DEUT. 7 JOHN 12 2 CHRN. 21-22 ACTS 11 ECCL. 4 JAMES 5 HAG. 2 REV. 17
12/14/22 DEUT. 8 JOHN 13 2 CHRN. 23-24 ACTS 12 ECCL. 5 1 PET. 1 ZECH. 1 REV. 18
12/15/22 DEUT. 9 JOHN 14 2 CHRN. 25-26 ACTS 13 ECCL. 6 1 PET. 2 ZECH. 2 REV. 19
12/16/22 DEUT. 10 JOHN 15 2 CHRN. 27-28 ACTS 14 ECCL. 7 1 PET. 3 ZECH. 3 REV. 20
12/17/22 DEUT. 11 JOHN 16 2 CHRN. 29-30 ACTS 15 ECCL. 8 1 PET.4 ZECH. 4 REV. 21
12/18/22 DEUT. 12 JOHN 17 2 CHRN. 31-32 ACTS 16 ECCL. 9 1 PET. 5 ZECH. 5 REV. 22
12/19/22 DEUT. 13 JOHN 18 2 CHRN. 33-34 ACTS 17 ECCL. 10 2 PET. 1 ZECH. 6 REV. 1
12/20/22 DEUT. 14 JOHN 19 2 CHRN. 35-36 ACTS 18 ECCL. 11 2 PET. 2 ZECH. 7 REV. 2
12/21/22 DEUT. 15 JOHN 20 EZRA 1-5 ACTS 19 ECCL. 12 2 PET. 3 ZECH. 8 REV. 3
12/22/22 DEUT. 16 JOHN 21 EZRA 6-10 ACTS 20 SONG. 1-2 1 JN. 1 ZECH. 9 REV. 4
12/23/22 DEUT. 17
NEH. 1-3 ACTS 21 SONG. 3-4 1 JN. 2 ZECH. 10 REV. 5
12/24/22 DEUT. 18
NEH. 4-6 ACTS 22 SONG. 5-6 1 JN. 3 ZECH. 11 REV. 6
12/25/22 DEUT. 19-21
NEH. 7-10 ACTS 23 SONG. 7 1 JN. 4 ZECH. 12 REV. 7
12/26/22 DEUT. 22-24
NEH. 11-13 ACTS 24 SONG. 8 1 JN. 5 ZECH. 13 REV. 8
12/27/22 DEUT. 25-27
ESTH. 1-2 ACTS 25 LAM. 1 2 JN. ZECH. 14 REV. 9
12/28/22 DEUT. 28-30
ESTH. 3-4 ACTS 26 LAM. 2 3 JN. MAL. 1 REV. 10
12/29/22 DEUT. 31-32
ESTH. 5-6 ACTS 27 LAM. 3 JUDE MAL. 2 REV. 11
12/30/22 DEUT. 33
ESTH. 7-8 ACTS 28 LAM. 4
MAL. 3 REV. 12-17
12/31/22 DEUT. 34
ESTH. 9-10
LAM. 5
MAL. 4 REV. 18-22













No comments:

November 28, 2022

  "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" Developing A Christ-Like Character by Mark Copeland  









 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_01.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

Developing A Christ-Like Character

INTRODUCTION
  1. The second epistle of Peter is certainly a poignant letter...
    1. Written with an awareness that his death was imminent - 2Pe 1:14
    2. Warning that false teachers would seek to lead them astray - 2 Pe 2:1-2
    3. With a hope that they would be mindful of the commandments given to them by the apostles of Jesus Christ - 2Pe 3:1-2
  2. The final command this aged apostle leaves his readers is a charge to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"
    - cf. 2Pe 3:18
    1. What does it mean to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ?
    2. How can we be sure that we are growing in this "knowledge"?
  3. With this lesson, we begin a series entitled "Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ"...
    1. To define what Peter had in mind when he gave us his final charge
    2. To encourage growth and development in this "knowledge" of Jesus

[We are not left to wonder what Peter had in mind, for in 2Pe 1:5-8 we learn...]

  1. WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
    1. THE DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT GRACES...
      1. These "graces" are listed in 2Pe 1:5-7
      2. Briefly defined...
        1. Faith is "conviction, strong assurance"
        2. Virtue is "moral excellence, goodness"
        3. Knowledge is "correct insight"
        4. Self-control is "self-discipline"
        5. Perseverance is "bearing up under trials"
        6. Godliness is "godly character out of devotion to God"
        7. Brotherly kindness is "love toward brethren"
        8. Love is "active goodwill toward others"
      3. Now note carefully 2Pe 1:8
        1. We must "abound" in these eight graces
        2. Only then can it be said that we are "growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ"
      4. It is more than simply increasing our "intellectual" knowledge of Jesus!
        1. Such knowledge has a place, but it is just one of the graces necessary
        2. Peter is talking about growing in a fuller and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ!
          1. Which comes by developing the "Christ-like" attributes listed in this passage
          2. The more we grow in these "graces", the more we really "know" Jesus (for He is the perfect personification of these "graces")
      5. That it involves more than intellectual knowledge is also evident from the Greek word used for knowledge in 2Pe 1:2-3,8
        1. The word is epignosis {ep-ig'-no-sis}, meaning "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well" (Thayer)
        2. Such knowledge comes only as we demonstrate these "Christ-like graces" in our lives
    2. IN CONJUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER...
      1. Notice the word "add" (or "supply") in 2Pe 1:5
        1. Before each grace mentioned, the word is implied
        2. The word in Greek is epichoregeo {ep-ee-khor-ayg-eh'-o}
          1. "Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a choir, to keep in tune"
          2. "Then, to supply or provide"
        3. This word suggests the idea of "each grace working in harmony with the others to produce an overall effect"
      2. Notice also the preposition "to" (or "in") in 2Pe 1:5-7
        1. This implies "each grace is to temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it"
        2. To illustrate this point:
          1. "to knowledge (add) self-control" - the grace of self-control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one has
          2. "to self-control (add) perseverance" - self-control in turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent day after day
      3. Therefore each grace is necessary!
        1. They must all be developed in conjunction with each other
        2. We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and leave others behind
    3. WITH ALL DILIGENCE...
      1. Notice the repeated use of the word "diligence" - 2Pe 1:5,10
      2. It means "earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste"
      3. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort
      4. We do not "accidentally" or "naturally" develop these graces!
      5. If we are not careful, we may be like the teacher in the following illustration: In his book Folk Psalms of Faith, Ray Stedman tells a story of a woman who had been a school teacher for 25 years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, "I'm sorry, but you haven't had 25 years of experience as you claim; you've had only one year's experience 25 times." During that whole time the teacher had not improved.
      6. We may have been Christians for a number of years; but unless...
        1. We "add" to our faith these Christ-like qualities with all "diligence"
        2. We are simply repeating the first year over and over again!

        [Is the effort worth it? In the context of this passage (2Pe 1:2-11) Peter provides five reasons why we should "give all diligence" to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ...]

  2. REASONS TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
    1. GRACE AND PEACE ARE MULTIPLIED...
      1. Grace and peace are common forms of greeting in the New Testament
        1. Grace - a greeting which requests God's unmerited favor upon the person addressed
        2. Peace - a greeting requesting the natural result of God's favor
      2. Note that these two blessings are "multiplied" in the knowledge of Jesus Christ - 2Pe 1:2
        1. All men experience God's favor and its result to some degree
          - cf. Mt 5:45
        2. But only in Christ can one enjoy the "fulness" of God's favor and peace - Ep 1:3; Php 4:6-7
        -- If you desire God's grace and peace to be "multiplied" in your life, it is through the knowledge (epignosis) of Jesus Christ;
      3. e., as you become more like Him!
  3. ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS PROVIDED...
    1. We note that God provides all things pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge (epignosis) of Him who called us to glory and virtue - 2Pe 1:3
      1. "Life" in this context refers to our spiritual life and well-being
      2. "Godliness" refers to the pious conduct which comes out of devotion to God
    2. Only as we grow in this knowledge do we enjoy the true, full life available by God's divine power!
      1. Which includes "exceedingly great and precious promises" - 2Pe 1:4a
      2. Which enables us to be "partakers of the divine nature" - 2Pe 1:4b
      3. Which can free us from the "corruption that is in the world through lust" - 2Pe 1:4c
      -- If we desire to have all that God offers related to life and godliness, it comes as we develop the Christ-like character!
  4. SPIRITUAL "MYOPIA" AND "AMNESIA" AVOIDED...
    1. Our religion is "shortsighted" if we are not growing in the knowledge of Jesus! - 2Pe 1:9a
      1. For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian?
      2. Is it not to become like Christ? - cf. also Ro 8:29; Co 3:9-11
      3. As we have seen, this is what it really means to grow in the knowledge of Christ
    2. Failure to so grow indicates we have forgotten why we were redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place! - 2Pe 1:9b
      1. To have our sins forgiven, yes...
      2. But also to become what He wants us to be - like His Son!
      -- Unless we want to be guilty of forgetfulness and shortsightedness, we need to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ!
  5. WE WILL NEVER STUMBLE...
    1. Peter says "if you do these things you will never stumble" - 2Pe 1:10
      1. If you are diligent to make your calling and election sure
      2. If you add to your faith virtue, etc.
      3. If you abound in these eight graces
    2. This does not mean we will never sin - cf. 1Jn 1:8,10
      1. The word "stumble" in Greek means "to fall into misery, become wretched; cf. the loss of salvation" (Thayer)
      2. We will never stumble so as to fall short of our ultimate salvation!
      -- But this assurance is true only if we are "giving all diligence" to grow in the knowledge of Christ and thereby "making our calling and election sure"
  6. AN ABUNDANT ENTRANCE INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM...
    1. This "everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" - 2Pe 1:11
      1. Is the "heavenly kingdom" referred to by Paul in 2Ti 4:18
      2. In other words, the ultimate destiny of the redeemed!
    2. What is meant by the idea of an "abundant entrance"?
      1. "You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a shipwreck, or from fire, but as it were in triumph." (Bengel)
      2. By possessing the eight graces, we will be able to live victoriously in this life and to joyously anticipate what lies ahead - cf. 2Ti 4:6-8
CONCLUSION
  1. Are these not sufficient reasons to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ?
  2. For through such knowledge...
    1. Grace and peace are multiplied
    2. All things pertaining to life and godliness are provided
    3. Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided
    4. We will never stumble
    5. An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be ours!
  3. Because such knowledge requires...
    1. The development of eight graces
    2. In conjunction with each other
    3. With all diligence

...I trust you will agree that a careful study of these eight "graces" which lead to "Developing A Christ-Like Character" is worth the effort!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
No comments:

  "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" Building On Faith by Mark Copeland  









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_02.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

Building On Faith

INTRODUCTION
  1. In the introductory lesson, we noted that growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ...
    1. Involves the development of eight Christ-like graces
    2. Developed in conjunction with each other
    3. Requiring all diligence
    -- Thereby creating an octave of spiritual harmony best exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ
  2. We observed five reasons why we ought to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ...
    1. Grace and peace are multiplied
    2. All things pertaining to spiritual life and godliness are provided
    3. Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided
    4. We will never stumble
    5. An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord
    -- Certainly sufficient reasons to spur development of a Christ-like character in ourselves!
  3. In this study, we shall take a closer look at the first of these eight graces: faith...
    1. The foundation of our spiritual development
    2. Upon which all other graces are to be "added"

[Developing a Christ-like character is therefore built upon faith. But one might ask: "What is faith?"...]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF FAITH
    1. THE GREEK WORD IS PISTIS...
      1. The definition given by Greek scholars:
        1. "a firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing" (Vine)
        2. "conviction of the truth of anything, belief" (Thayer)
      2. Used primarily in two ways in the NT:
        1. Subjectively (the faith we have)
          1. Such as our faith in God
            1. "the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ" (Thayer)
            2. Used this way in He 11:6
          2. Such as our faith in Christ
            1. "the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God" (Thayer)
            2. Used this way in Ga 2:16
        2. Objectively (the object of our faith)
          1. "the substance of Christian faith or what is believed by Christians" (Thayer)
          2. Used this way in Jude 3
          -- We are focusing on subjective faith (the faith we have) in this study
    2. AS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS...
      1. Faith is "the substance of things hoped for" - He 11:1a
        1. The NASB reads "the assurance of things hoped for"
        2. The NIV reads "being sure of what we hope for"
        3. Faith is being confident that God will give us what is promised, and for which we hope - cf. Abraham's faith, He 11:8
      2. Faith is "the evidence of things not seen" - He 11:1b
        1. The NASB reads "the conviction of things not seen"
        2. The NIV reads "certain of what we do not see"
        3. Faith is having trust or confidence in things unseen by the human eye - again cf. Abraham's faith - He 11:9-10
        -- Faith is therefore that confidence or trust in God and Christ, regarding things promised or things not seen
    3. FAITH IS NOT CREDULITY...
      1. Credulity in the sense of "blind faith", trusting for no good reason
      2. Many have this misconception of faith
        1. That faith is believing in something without evidence
        2. As one person said, "You just have to have faith", rather than provide reasons for such faith
      3. Yet we shall see later that faith...
        1. ...while trusting in things not seen, with a conviction regarding things hoped for
        2. ...is a trust and confidence based upon strong evidence!

        [With this understanding of faith, one might also ask: "Is faith really that important?" Yes! Consider how faith is demanded of us...]

  2. THE DEMAND OF FAITH
    1. IT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD...
      1. Without faith, it is impossible to please God
        1. We must believe that He is - He 11:6
        2. God has no pleasure in those lacking in faith - He 10:35-39
      2. Faith is the underlying element in our salvation and service to God
        1. The key that unlocks the way to salvation - Jn 1:12
        2. The motivating force behind our life of service - Ga 2:20
        -- Without faith, we can't even get started in our relationship with God!
    2. IT IS THE CATALYST FOR POWER FROM GOD...
      1. There is power available to those who believe - Ep 1:18-20
      2. It is power beyond our imagination - Ep 3:20-21
        1. Power that enables us to overcome - 1Jn 5:4-5
        2. Power that we should be careful about limiting - 2Ti 3:1-5
        -- Growth requires power from God, and faith is required for such power!

      [Can we appreciate why Peter starts with "faith" in defining it what it means to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? It is the very foundation upon which to build a close relationship with God and Christ! But here is another question: "How can we have faith?"...]

  3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH
    1. DEVELOPING OUR FAITH...
      1. Remember, faith is not credulity (blind faith with no evidence)
        1. Instead, faith is based upon the Word of God - Ro 10:17
        2. The Word of God provides evidence to produce faith - cf. Jn 20:30-31
        3. Besides the testimony regarding the miracles of Jesus, other evidences include:
          1. Fulfilled prophecy concerning nations and the Messiah
          2. The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible
          3. The high moral standard it contains
          4. The continuity of the Bible despite it various sources
          -- While we may "walk by faith, and not by sight" (2Co 5:7), it is not truly a "blind faith"
      2. Since faith (i.e., trust, confidence) comes through the Word of God...
        1. We must be diligent in reading the Bible
        2. Only then will our faith become stronger
        -- Do we appreciate the value of the Word of God in producing the faith that pleases Him?
    2. MAINTAINING OUR FAITH...
      1. We must guard against the sin of unbelief - cf. He 3:12-14
        1. Many people lose their faith, especially when young
        2. Faith is maintained through constant reading or hearing of the Word
      2. We can also maintain faith through Paul's threefold directive - 1Ti 6:9-12
        1. Flee materialism - undue concern for things of this world undermine our faith
        2. Pursue faith - this we can do by feeding on God's word
        3. Fight the good fight of faith - the best defense is a good offense; be active in propagating the faith - cf. Jude 3
        -- The nation of Israel lost it's faith in the wilderness, are we in danger of losing our faith during our sojourn?

      [Finally, a thought or two about how faith in God manifests itself today...]

  4. THE DISPLAY OF FAITH
    1. THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL...
      1. The gospel of Christ requires obedience
        1. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him - He 5:9
        2. The gospel Paul preached leads to obedience - Ro 1:5; 16: 25-26
        3. Fearful consequences come to those who do not obey it - 2 Th 1:7-9
      2. How does one obey the gospel? By obeying the commands of the gospel:
        1. The command to believe in Jesus - Mk 16:15-16
        2. The command to repent of sins - Ac 2:38; 17:30
        3. The command to confess Jesus - Mt 10:32; Ro 10:9,10
        4. The command to be baptized for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16
        -- Have you displayed faith by "obeying from the heart" the doctrine presented in the gospel of Christ? - cf. Ro 6:17
    2. THROUGH LIVING FOR JESUS...
      1. Trusting in His words
        1. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - Mt 6:33
        2. Doing what He says - Lk 6:46
        3. Observing all that He commanded - Mt 28:20
      2. Trusting in His promises
        1. That He is preparing a place for us - Jn 14:1-2
        2. That He will return one day for us - Jn 14:3
        -- Are you setting an example of one who walks by faith in Jesus, and not just by what they can see with their eyes, or accomplish on their own strength?
CONCLUSION
  1. Faith is a simple concept, but a crucial one...
    1. It is simply trusting in God and Jesus
    2. Regarding things not seen yet hoped for
  2. Without faith, it is impossible to...
    1. Please God, for we must believe He exists, rewarding those who diligently seek Him
    2. Grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, for it is the basis upon which growth is built

May we allow the evidences of God's Word to produce a faith that trusts and obeys a wonderful Savior, who in turn provides "exceedingly great and precious promises" as we grow in our knowledge of Him!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

No comments:

  "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" Striving For Excellence by Mark Copeland  









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_03.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

Striving For Excellence

INTRODUCTION
  1. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires developing a Christ-like character...
    1. Involving eight graces in conjunction with each other - 2Pe 1:5-8
    2. Involving all diligence to abound in these eight graces - 2Pe 1: 5,8
  2. We saw that this "spiritual construction project" begins with "faith"...
    1. For without faith it is impossible to please God - He 11:6
    2. For faith is the catalyst making it possible to grow - cf. Mk 9:23b
  3. But developing a Christ-like character does not occur by "faith only"...
    1. To "faith" we must add "virtue"
    2. The word "add" (epichoregeo) indicating that these two must work together

[So upon the foundation of faith, to grow in the knowledge of Jesus requires that we add the quality of "virtue"...]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF VIRTUE
    1. RARELY USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. Paul uses it once: "...if there is any virtue" - Php 4:8
      2. Peter uses it four times:
        1. "...proclaim the praises (virtue) of Him" - 1Pe 2:9
        2. "...who called us by glory and virtue" - 2Pe 1:3
        3. Twice in our text - 2Pe 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 GREEK WORD IS ARETE...
      1. A. T. Robertson says that it is an "old word for any preeminence (moral, intellectual, military)
      2. The Greeks used the word:
        1. To describe "any mental excellence or moral quality or physical power" (Robertson)
        2. To represent a concept of "excellence" in all phases of life, to which they strove to attain (mental, moral, physical)
    3. MY UNDERSTANDING OF "VIRTUE"...
      1. It has the connotation 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)

        [Virtue is the quality of striving for excellence in our faith-based relationship with God and Jesus Christ. That such a quality is necessary to grow in the knowledge of Jesus should be evident...]

  2. THE DEMAND OF VIRTUE
    1. SPIRITUAL LIFE DEMANDS VIRTUE...
      1. Without virtue, faith soon dies
        1. Faith without works is a dead faith - cf. Jm 2:26
        2. When faith is joined by virtue (a desire for excellence in our service to God)...
          1. Our faith will be a dynamic faith
          2. 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:
          1. "giving all diligence" - 2Pe 1:5,10
          2. That we "abound" in these graces - 2Pe 1:8
        2. When faith is joined by virtue (striving for excellence)...
          1. Diligent effort will be made
          2. Abounding in these graces will be the goal of our faith
    2. DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS VIRTUE...
      1. Christ taught His disciples to strive for excellence - Mt 5:48
        1. He died to make it possible - He 10:12-14
        2. He established offices (functions) in His church to ensure it - Ep 4:11-13
      2. Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his ministry - cf. Col 1:28-29
        1. He therefore encouraged the Corinthians to this end - 2 Co 7:1
        2. He told Timothy that this was the design of Scripture - 2 Ti 3:16-17

        [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! So let's consider...]

  3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUE
    1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD...
      1. The purpose or design of the Word is to make us perfect - 2 Ti 3:16-17
      2. Give ourselves to reading and meditating upon it, and ...
        1. We shall be like a strong fruitful tree - Ps 1:1-3
        2. We shall grow in wisdom and understanding - Ps 119:97-99
      3. We are therefore encouraged to meditate upon that which contains virtue (as surely the Word does!) - Php 4:8
    2. THE VALUE OF AN APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE...
      1. We are also encouraged to emulate Paul - Php 4:9
      2. He described and displayed his own striving for excellence - Ph 3:12-14
        1. Never consider yourself as having reached it - Php 3:12a
          1. Don't remain satisfied with the spiritual condition you are in
          2. Admit that you always have room to grow
        2. Forget what lies behind - Php 3:13a
          1. Don't rest on your "laurels" (past accomplishments)
          2. Don't allow past "mistakes" to prevent future progress
        3. Reach forward to what lies ahead - Php 3:13b
          1. Look ahead with optimism
          2. Keep your eye on the prize that awaits - cf. 2Ti 4:8,18
        4. Press on - Php 3:12b,14
          1. Never give up
          2. Be like the runner in an endurance race - cf. He 12:1-2

          [Develop this "mindset" (cf. Php 3:15), and we will have developed the arete (virtue) our faith needs to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ! Finally, a thought or two about...]

  4. THE DEMONSTRATION OF VIRTUE
    1. IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES...
      1. Does our daily walk 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?
        -- If we have added virtue to our personal walk of faith, our progress will be evident to others - 1Ti 4:13-16
    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?
        -- If we have added virtue to our public walk of faith, we will be an example worthy of others to emulate - Php 3:17
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!

To grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, then, let us seek to add to our faith the quality of virtue!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)