1. 1 Growing In Christian Virtues Moral Excellence 2 Pet. 1:1-11

2. 2 2 Peter 1:1-11 “ Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;... ”

3. 3 2 Peter 1:1-11 “… 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. … ”

4. 4 2 Peter 1:1-11 “… 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self- control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. … ”

5. 5 2 Peter 1:1-11 “… 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.… ”

6. 6 2 Peter 1:1-11 “… 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. ”

7. 7 Faith Moral Excellence Knowledge Self Control Perseverance Godliness Brotherly Kindness Love

8. 8 A Christian cannot please God … Standing still He must... –" Grow in grace... " -- 2 Pet. 3:18 –" Press on to maturity... " -- Heb. 6:1 –" In your faith supply... " -- 2 Pet. 1:5

9. 9 2 Timothy 2:19-21 " Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. "

10. 10 Moral Excellence - "ARETE" Translated in various ways: –KJV – "virtue" –NIV – "goodness" Explained by various scholars as: –"excellence" – (Wycliffe) –"manly excellence" - (JFB) –"courage, fortitude, vigor, energy" (Clarke, Barnes)

11. 11 Moral Excellence - "ARETE" Defined by Vines as - "a. intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue b. of any particular moral excellence" Defined by Strongs as – "properly manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed); praise, virtue."

12. 12 Moral Excellence - "ARETE" A. T. Robertson - "old word for any preeminence (moral, intellectual, military) The Greeks used the word: –To describe "any mental excellence or moral quality or physical power" (Robertson) –To represent a concept of "excellence" in all phases of life, to which they strove to attain (mental, moral, physical)

13. 13 Moral Excellence - "ARETE" The word "ARETE" is used two ways in the Bible. –Manliness, strength, courage. –Moral excellence / Virtue

14. 14 Moral Excellence - "ARETE" Both kinds of moral excellence / virtue are necessary. –Faith without the courage to uphold what one believes would be of little value. –Faith without moral worth would be worthless.

15. 15 Demand of Moral Excellence Spiritual Life demands Moral Excellence/Virtue... –Without it, faith soon dies Faith without works is a dead faith James 2:26 “ For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. ”

16. 16 Demand of Moral Excellence Spiritual Life demands Moral Excellence/Virtue... –Without it, faith soon dies Faith without works is a dead faith When faith is joined by virtue.. –Our faith will be a dynamic faith –For works will certainly follow one who is "striving for excellence"

17. 17 Demand of Moral Excellence Without moral excellence, we cannot grow –Growing in the knowledge of Jesus requires: " giving all diligence " - 2 Pet. 1:5,10 That we " abound " in these graces - 2 Pet. 1:8

18. 18 Demand of Moral Excellence Without moral excellence, we cannot grow –When faith is joined by moral excellence... Diligent effort will be made Abounding in these graces will be the goal of our faith

19. 19 Discipleship demands Virtue... Christ taught His disciples to strive for excellence –Mt 5:48 " Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. " –He died to make it possible Heb. 10:12-14

20. 20 Hebrews 10:12-14 “ but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. ”

21. 21 Discipleship demands Virtue... Christ taught His disciples to strive for excellence –Mt 5:48 –He died to make it possible - Heb. 10:12-14 –He established offices in His church to ensure it - Eph. 4:11-13

22. 22 Ephesians 4:11-13 “ And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. ”

23. 23 Discipleship demands Virtue... Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his ministry –Col. 1:28-29 " We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. "

24. 24 Discipleship demands Virtue... Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his ministry –He therefore encouraged the Corinthians to this end –2 Cor. 7:1 " Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. "

25. 25 Discipleship demands Virtue... Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his ministry - He therefore encouraged the Corinthians to this end - 2 Cor. 7:1 –He told Timothy that this was the design of Scripture - 2 Tim. 3:16-17

26. 26 2 Timothy 3:16-17 " All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. "

27. 27 Development of Moral Excellence The Importance of the Word... –The purpose or design of the Word is to make us perfect - 2 Tim. 3:16-17

28. 28 2 Timothy 3:16-17 " All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. "

29. 29 Development of Moral Excellence The Importance of the Word... –Give ourselves to reading and meditating upon it, and... We shall be like a strong fruitful tree - Psalm 1:1-3

30. 30 Psalm 1:1-3 “ How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. ”

31. 31 Development of Moral Excellence The Importance of the Word... –Give ourselves to reading and meditating upon it, and... We shall be like a strong fruitful tree - Psalm 1:1-3 We shall grow in wisdom and understanding - Psalm 119:97-99

32. 32 Psalm 119:97-99 “ O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. ”

33. 33 Development of Moral Excellence The Importance of the Word... –We are therefore encouraged to meditate upon that which contains virtue - Phil. 4:8

34. 34 Philippians 4:8 “ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ”

35. 35 The Value of an apostolic example... We are encouraged to emulate Paul –Phil. 4:9 " The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. "

36. 36 The Value of an apostolic example... We are encouraged to emulate Paul –He described and displayed his own striving for excellence – Phil. 3:12-14

37. 37 Philippians 3:12-14 “ Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ”

38. 38 The Value of an apostolic example... We are encouraged to emulate Paul –He described and displayed his own striving for excellence – Phil. 3:12-14 Never consider yourself as having reached it - Phil. 3:12a Forget what lies behind - Phil. 3:13a

39. 39 The Value of an apostolic example... We are encouraged to emulate Paul –He described and displayed his own striving for excellence – Phil. 3:12-14 Reach forward to what lies ahead - Phil. 3:13b –Keep your eye on the prize that awaits - cf. 2 Tim. 4:8,18

40. 40 2 Timothy 4:8,18 “ 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. ” “ 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. ”

41. 41 The Value of an apostolic example... We are encouraged to emulate Paul –He described and displayed his own striving for excellence – Phil. 3:12-14 Press on - Phil. 3:12b,14 –Never give up –Be like the runner in an endurance race - cf. Heb. 12:1-2

42. 42 Hebrews 12:1-2 “ Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ”

43. 43 Manliness, Strength, Courage: 1 Cor. 16:13 " Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. “ Some are afraid to stand up for their convictions because they might be ridiculed or become unpopular.

44. 44 Manliness, Strength, Courage: Some are afraid to stand up... –Rulers would not follow Christ though they believed –John 12:42,43 " Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. "

45. 45 Manliness, Strength, Courage: Some are afraid to stand up... –If we are afraid or ashamed to stand up for what is right, then the Lord is ashamed of us –Lk. 9:26 " For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels "

46. 46 Manliness, Strength, Courage: Some are afraid to stand up... –The "fearful" will be cast into hell –Rev. 21:8 " But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. "

47. 47 Manliness, Strength, Courage: Examples of courage: –Hebrew children - Dan. 3:13-25

48. 48 Daniel 3:13-25 “ Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? … ”

49. 49 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 15 "Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?… ”

50. 50 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed- nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. … ”

51. 51 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 18 "But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.“ 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. … ”

52. 52 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 20 He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire. … ”

53. 53 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 22 For this reason, because the king's command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. 23 But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up. … ”

54. 54 Daniel 3:13-25 “ … 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king." 25 He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods! ”

55. 55 Manliness, Strength, Courage: Examples of courage: –Hebrew children - Dan. 3:13-25 –Apostles - Acts 4:18-20

56. 56 Acts 4:18-20 “ And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. ”

57. 57 Manliness, Strength, Courage: We need boys and girls, men and women who have "intestinal fortitude" to fight for right without fear or shame –Mt. 5:11,12 " Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "

58. 58 1 Peter 4:14, 16 14 " If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. “ 16 " but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. "

59. 59 Moral Excellence Moral values are worth more than material values. –A good name is worth more than silver and gold –Prov. 22:1 " A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. "

60. 60 Moral Excellence Moral values are worth more than material values. –One cannot have a good character without good morals. One cannot have a good reputation without a good character. One cannot have a good influence without a good reputation.

61. 61 Moral Excellence Virtuous living doesn't happen accidentally. –Immoral influences are strong and constant. –Just as a garden left to itself will be choked with weeds... So your character will be choked with immorality if you don't work to keep the immoral weeds out.

62. 62 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Think on these things –Phil. 4:8 " Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. "

63. 63 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Think on these things –Abstain from fleshly lusts –1 Pet. 2:11 " Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. "

64. 64 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Think on these things –Abstain from fleshly lusts –Pursue after righteousness –2 Tim. 2:22 " Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. "

65. 65 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Think on these things –Abstain from fleshly lusts –Pursue after righteousness –Watch and pray –Mt. 26:41 " Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. "

66. 66 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Keep the heart pure, for it determines conduct –Prov. 4:23 " Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. " –Prov. 23:7 " For as he thinks within himself, so he is. "

67. 67 Moral Excellence To live a good moral life we must: –Keep the heart pure, for it determines conduct –Shun evil companions –1 Cor. 15:33 " Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals. "

68. 68 Moral Excellence Examples of Moral Excellence: –Joseph - Gen. 39:1-12

69. 69 Genesis 39:1-12 “ Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 3 Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. … ”

70. 70 Genesis 39:1-12 “ … 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. 5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the Lord's blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. … ”

71. 71 Genesis 39:1-12 “ … 6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." … ”

72. 72 Genesis 39:1-12 “ … 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. 9 "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" … ”

73. 73 Genesis 39:1-12 “ … 10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. 11 Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. 12 She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. ”

74. 74 Moral Excellence Examples of Moral Excellence: –Joseph - Gen. 39:1-12 –Virtuous woman - Prov. 31:10-31

75. 75 Proverbs 31:10-31 “ An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. … ”

76. 76 Proverbs 31:10-31 “ … 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. … ”

77. 77 Proverbs 31:10-31 “ … 20 She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. … ”

78. 78 Proverbs 31:10-31 “ … 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. … ”

79. 79 Proverbs 31:10-31 “ … 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. ”

80. 80 Demonstration of Moral Excellence In our personal lives... –Does our daily walk with God suggest we are striving for excellence? –Are we seeking to excel in our relationship with God? By reading His Word daily? By praying without ceasing?

81. 81 Demonstration of Moral Excellence In our personal lives... –Are we seeking to excel in our service to God? Determining and developing our talents? 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 - 1 Tim. 4:13-16

82. 82 1 Timothy 4:13-16 “ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. … ”

83. 83 1 Timothy 4:13-16 “ … 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. ”

84. 84 Demonstration of Moral Excellence In our Bible studies & Assemblies... –Does our involvement in the services of the church suggest we are striving for excellence?

85. 85 Demonstration of Moral Excellence In our Bible studies & Assemblies... –Do we utilize opportunities to increase our faith? By attending the Bible studies offered by the church? By preparing for them, and being an active contributor to the studies?

86. 86 Demonstration of Moral Excellence In our Bible studies & Assemblies... –Do we exercise opportunities to encourage others? By attending the assemblies of the church? By participating in the services, exhorting others before and after?

87. 87 Demonstration of Moral Excellence If we have added virtue to our public walk of faith, we will be an example worthy of others to emulate Philippians 3:17 " Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. "