The Church in Action. Lesson 4 Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3 II Peter 1:1-3 1 Simon Peter, a servant...

The Church in Action

Lesson 4

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3

II Peter 1:1-31 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,


3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:


II Peter 1:4-74 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;


6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.


II Peter 1:8-108 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

Focus Verse—Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things

are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Focus Thought

Virtue is the quality that sustains our entrance and standing before a holy God

and allows the strength and healing presence of God to flow through us to others.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsIntroduction

Probably, the most noted act of Simon Peter’s ministry was his assignment to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world (Matthew 16:17-19). His message on the Day of Pentecost identified the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the saving hope so desperately needed by every generation (Acts 2). His ministry in Samaria (Acts 8) and at the home of Cornelius (Acts 10) opened wide the door to every race and culture the opportunity to receive this great salvation experience.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPeter’s contribution to the

church, however, went far beyond the introductory gospel messages he preached. Peter unlocked the entrance to the born-again experience, but he also provided instructions for living the Christian life successfully and victoriously once a person is inside the door. By providing a step-by-step process on how to achieve spiritual success, Peter squelched the false notion that finding the will of God is an illusive ideal impossible to attain.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThe pattern Peter established in II

Peter 1:1-10 unveils a sequence that develops Christian character and produces spiritual maturity. A believer begins with faith in God, which establishes his relationship with God. He adds virtue to his faith by allowing God’s nature and character to permeate his life. As he gains knowledge, the growing believer recognizes the value of self-control and patience, the practice of which produces godliness, brotherly kindness, and a lifestyle that reflects the genuine love of Jesus Christ.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThis plan, Peter said, is sure to produce positive results in the believer without exception.

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:8).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsVirtuous Thoughts

A. Our Thoughts Actions begin as thoughts. In

describing the process of how a temptation becomes a sin, James compared the mind to an incubator that nourishes a thought or an idea until it becomes a fully developed action (James 1:14-15). If a person allows negative thoughts to simmer in his mind, they ultimately will become negative actions. However, the opposite also is true.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsA mind that mulls good ideas and righteous desires will conceive and produce positive actions. The human mind will devise a way to deliver to a person his desires, whether they are good or bad. The Christian’s challenge, then, is to work at providing good thoughts for the mind to nurture and bring to ultimate fruition.

“Thoughts become words; words become actions; actions become habits; habits become character; character becomes destiny.”

I. Virtuous ThoughtsNeurologist Richard Restak, in

his book The New Brain: How the Modern Age Is Rewiring Your Mind, cites a study that showed a 29 percent reduction in brain activity when subjects performed visual and auditory tasks simultaneously. He concluded that this proves the brain can work on only one thing at a time. Consequently, we decide the inner battle between good and evil by which thoughts we allow to incubate in our mind rather than by the actions they ultimately will produce.

A. Our Thoughts How do we tell the difference between good thoughts and bad thoughts? What standard exists to identify and qualify thoughts that will produce righteous actions? God’s Word provides a filter that sorts the good thoughts from the bad ones for us, and it also provides the answer to both questions.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever

things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good

report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThe word virtue translates from a Greek word that means “Any excellence of a person (in body or mind) or of a thing, an eminent endowment, property or quality. . . . 1. a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action; virtue, moral goodness . . . 2 Peter i.5 . . . 2. any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity . . . Phil. iv.8” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsVirtue is possessing moral

excellence and goodness. An older definition of the word included the idea of manly courage. Carnal and sinful thoughts never produce virtuous actions. A believer should exercise the courage to harness his mind and discipline it to dwell only on thoughts that would pass Paul’s list of beneficial thoughts. To do so is necessary if achieving a virtuous life is one’s goal.

B. Our Christ B. Our Christ

Paul addressed the state of our minds when he admonished the church to embrace the thought patterns of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-13). Jesus did not adjust His thinking to fit the lower-level lifestyle He encountered on earth. Instead, He maintained in His mind who and what He was and the purpose for which He was born.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsHe reconciled in His mind that God’s call and work was of greater significance than His own human life, and He willingly surrendered His reputation, His position, and His earthly future to that purpose. As a result, He focused His mind on righteous behavior and not on carnal desires or selfish fantasies. The works Jesus wrought and the lessons He taught exemplified absolute moral excellence.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsHe felt compassion for the hungry and for those who had no spiritual leader, and He provided natural and spiritual bread to satisfy both needs. He told His disciples to care for the poor and the orphans. He paid His taxes and spoke out against racial discrimination. Even in the throes of death while suffering on the cross, Jesus made sure His mother was not left to fend for herself. He used His final breaths to forgive those who were torturing Him to death.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThrough His suffering He

exhibited the greatest display of virtue the human race has ever witnessed. He willingly suffered to make a virtuous life possible and available to us. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:21).

C. Our Source C. Our Source

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is

profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in

righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsWith our own righteousness

reeking as garbage in the presence of the Lord, to seek virtue from within ourselves is futile. The best source for virtuous thoughts is the Bible—words inspired by the One whose virtues we seek to emulate.

We learn about the nature of God by studying the Bible. Its pages reveal how He responded to human behavior in ages past. From its stories we learn what God loves and what He hates. The Scriptures display His virtues for us to observe.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsCarnal people do not naturally

produce virtue. The words “for instruction in righteousness” in II Timothy 3:16 explain why it is essential for us to assimilate God’s Word into our minds and lives. We must tap into virtue’s source, which is God and His Word. Having faith in God’s Word and submitting our own will to His eternal principles is the only way to obtain God’s righteousness.

II. Virtuous CharacterVirtuous Character

A. Virtue—the First Addition to Faith

Faith in God and His Word is the foundation of the Christian life.

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must

believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that

diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsOnce faith has been engaged, however, the believer must incorporate that faith into his or her everyday choices and decisions. Adding virtue to faith does not occur accidentally, but it results through deliberate action. Daily decisions weave a lifestyle that soon reveals whether or not the character of the believer is virtuous.

A. Virtue—the First Addition to Faith

The pursuit of virtue is the Christian’s first responsibility. Learning to reflect the indwelling Savior in our external actions is vital to Christians. As Paul instructed the church, we waste God’s supernatural gifts unless the virtue of love is their motivation. (See I Corinthians 13.) This is the essential foundation upon which all Christianity rests. Consequently, it is not surprising that we are to begin by adding virtue to our faith.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThe apostle Peter wrote that false teachers and perverted individuals would mingle among the people of God, enticing them with crafty words and ways, but only to satisfy their own lusts (II Peter 2:1-5). These men, he warned, would reap the wrath of God as did the angels who rebelled against God.

Although Noah and Lot lived among such workers of evil, they chose to add virtue to their faith.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPeter described Noah as a “preacher of righteousness” (II Peter 2:5) and declared that Lot was a “righteous man” living among the wicked (II Peter 2:7-8). When God sent judgment upon the world, God spared both men. Because they refused to allow the wickedness of their environment to shape their character, God provided a safe haven when He poured out His displeasure on mankind.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsFaith and determination are all that are required to add the godly qualities of virtue to a person’s life. Even cultures steeped in sin and perversion cannot prevent the righteous work of a virtuous believer. The work of adding virtue to faith is critical, but it is entirely possible regardless of world conditions or present circumstances.

B. Virtue—the Essential Morality

B. Virtue—the Essential Morality

Adding virtue to faith is not an option. God has called every Christian to develop moral excellence in lifestyle and habit.

II Peter 1:3

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath

called us to glory and virtue” (II Peter 1:3).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsLack of virtue can be temporarily masked by displays of ability or talent. A dynamic personality may keep the spotlight focused on the individual’s charm and charisma, hiding character flaws beneath the surface. But talent and personality are gifts, not virtues. Virtues are earth’s reflection of heaven’s values. These eternal principles enhance the lives and character of the one who embraces them.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsGifts and personality may secure an audience for a person, but they never will acquire contentment or peace of mind. On the other hand, peace and contentment are by-products of a virtuous character. They just naturally follow. Edmund Burke was right when he said, “If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.”

While gifts and personality eventually fade, virtue lives forever.

C. Virtue—the Christian’s Strength

C. Virtue—the Christian’s Strength

A Christian’s strength resides in His relationship with God. A life filled with virtue results in a clean conscience and removes any cloud of guilt, providing a bold entrance into the presence of the Lord. John wrote, “If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (I John 3:21).

A virtuous life fulfills the purpose for the grace of God, making that work complete.

Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath

appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”

(Titus 2:11-12).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsAdding virtue to faith

facilitates the continuing work of God’s grace within a believer’s life.

III. Virtuous StandingVirtuous Standing

A. Standing before Men

Moral excellence and manly courage will strengthen any human relationship. A person who is honest in business and who speaks only the truth will find nearly universal acceptance in most circles. Godly virtue adds value to human life, and that enhancement becomes obvious to others.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPaul joined Peter in encouraging

the pursuit of virtue when he admonished Timothy to give himself wholly to righteous principles. Not only does such a lifestyle produce great rewards, but the benefits are visible to everyone (I Timothy 4:15). Paul concluded that adding virtue to faith is a profitable venture that causes the believer’s value to rise even in the eyes of those around him.

B. Standing before God B. Standing before

God

“For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ”

(Romans 14:10).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThe extreme effort God made to

provide a way for mankind to overcome sin, and the fact He expects the gospel to make a radical difference in a believer’s life (II Corinthians 5:17), demand that we consider His serious expectations. We cannot stand before Him without virtue and expect Him to be pleased. On the other hand, possessing virtue will allow us to stand confidently before God.

Jesus made it clear that He expects us to provide a return on the gifts entrusted to us (Matthew 25:27).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThrough faith we receive the wonderful gift of salvation and the assurance His Spirit will lead us into all truth (John 16:13). But how we respond to truth and the knowledge it introduces to us will determine the level of our success. In the parable of the talents, the Lord commended and accepted only those who worked to improve what the master had given them (Matthew 25). Adding virtue to our faith will allow us to find favor when we stand before Christ’s judgment seat.

IV. Adding Virtue to FaithAdding Virtue to

FaithA. Faith Is Our

Confidence in God Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as

“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not simply trusting God to provide those things we need but have not yet received; it is the conviction that God’s Word is the source and sustainer of everything that exists.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsTrue faith recognizes that everything flows from God and that He works through His Word. God’s spoken words caused the earth and all its life forms to appear, and His words continue to be the power that sustains it all (Hebrews 11:3). The Word of God is the source for all we ever will need. We are to add virtue to our faith and commitment to live according to God’s Word.

B. Virtue Is God’s Character, God’s Nature in Us

B. Virtue Is God’s Character, God’s

Nature in Us The moral excellence that Peter

challenged us to pursue would essentially cause us to take on and exhibit the characteristics of God’s nature. Since the church is the body of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 12:27), it makes sense that the members of His body should reflect His qualities.

A. Standing before Men How do believers take on the

virtuous character of God? How do they exhibit His nature internally and externally? Clearly, it is possible only through their receiving the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the Lord.

When a believer responds to the gospel through repentance of sins, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receives the Holy Ghost, he experiences the new birth. He is born again!

I. Virtuous ThoughtsAs he submits to the Holy Ghost, the Spirit subdues His former sinful nature and he begins to live a new redeemed life—a life that reflects the goodness and virtue of God’s character. The Spirit empowers the believer to crucify his selfish and sinful lusts so he may experience new life in Christ Jesus.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPaul wrote to the believers of

Galatia about his personal crucifixion (Galatians 2:20), but he was not referring to a literal, physical death. Paul was speaking of the process of crucifying personal and selfish desires and ambitions so he could live according to the will and ways of God. He had to harness his carnal nature so that his life would reflect and exhibit the virtues of God’s righteousness.

Galatians 2:20

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and

the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”

(Galatians 2:20).

C. Virtue Is a Conscientious Addition to Our Faith

C. Virtue Is a Conscientious Addition

to Our Faith

Some would suggest that expending effort to possess the qualities of virtue would be trying to earn salvation by works, but such is not the case at all. First, Peter was writing to individuals who were believers already—members of the body of Christ who had experienced the new birth.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPeter was not writing about how to receive salvation, but about essential matters that would strengthen and enhance their established relationship with God. Further, a careful reading of Peter’s instructions reveals that he made no exceptions and did not provide for excuses. Peter was conveying the idea that to add virtue to faith was what God expects and desires of His children—not an option to consider but a process we should approach with all diligence (II Peter 1:5).

I. Virtuous ThoughtsUnlike forgiveness, which God gives in response to repentance, virtue does not automatically come as a result of expressed faith in God. Rather, an individual must diligently seek for virtue and carefully nourish it. While the fruit of the Spirit exemplifies virtue, a person must add his labor to his faith in order for the fruit to flourish (Galatians 5).

A. Faith Is Our Confidence in God Paul concluded his discussion of

the fruit of the Spirit by writing, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). It is the normal and natural progression of a believer’s relationship with Jesus Christ.

D. Living Virtuously Validates Faith


Mentally agreeing with God is the beginning of faith; however, faith becomes active in a Christian’s life only when he chooses to act upon what God says. The true test of faith is not the words a person uses, but the actions one chooses. Endeavoring to reach “the stature of the fulness of Christ” is the duty of every believer (Ephesians 4:13). It is vital for believers to add moral excellence to their lives.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsJoseph’s faith was validated

when he refused to cheat behind the back of the master who trusted him. Esther’s faith was validated when she chose to do right regardless of the consequences instead of resorting to the deceitfulness her enemy employed. David’s faith was validated when he chose to run rather than harm Saul, the Lord’s anointed.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsOur actions define and validate our faith. The world observes not the pureness of our hearts, but the choices motivated by the content of our hearts. (See Proverbs 4:23.) Only God can see beyond our behavior and know our thoughts (I Samuel 16:7). Pursuing moral excellence is essential to the development of faith.

James 2:18

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:

shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee

my faith by my works” (James 2:18).


Conclusion

Peter was not the only person to notice the value of virtue. Saint Augustine noted its importance and summarized the human challenge to acquire it when he said, “Order your soul; reduce your wants; live in charity; associate in Christian community; obey the laws; trust in Providence.” But Peter’s anointed instructions go one step further.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPeter unlocked the entrance to the born-again experience, but he also provided instructions for living the Christian life successfully and victoriously once a person is inside the door. Peter delivered his step-by-step guide to spiritual success with such conviction that he called those who refuse to follow it blind people who have no vision (II Peter 1:9). But Peter did not spend much time criticizing those who would refuse to hear his words. Rather, he promised two great rewards to those who obey.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsThose who build upon their faith as Peter instructed will discover a place in God from which it will be impossible to fall. “For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (II Peter 1:10). No promise is stated more clearly or surely than this one. Following this pattern of spiritual development will produce a strong believer who will not fall.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsPeter also promised another blessing: “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:11). Following Peter’s instructions will lead a person into the everlasting kingdom of God. A copious entrance into the kingdom will be provided for those who diligently follow Peter’s words of admonition.

I. Virtuous ThoughtsLet us build diligently upon

our faith, adding virtue in generous measure, so we find that place of abundance in the Lord’s everlasting kingdom.

The Church in Action. Lesson 4 Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3 II Peter 1:1-3 1 Simon Peter, a servant...

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