Eddie J. Cornelius, Minister Emeritus
To Build On (add to) Faith, One Must First Understand Faith
Heb. 11:1-6
INTRODUCTION:
A. When we look at the world today we see so much misinformation, so many people who are misguided, so much misunderstanding, so many that have been
misadvised, Scriptures misapplied, and thus misapprehended, which leads to misbelief. Scriptures have been miscounted, and miscited, leading to misconception,
which in turn leads to misconstruction. Is there any wonder that real faith is missing?
B. How can the unjust become just? How can men be "saved by grace through faith" (Eph. 2:8) without a proper understanding of faith?
C. Today we embark upon a study of "The Seven Graces” to be added to faith.
D. Is it Possible to add to faith if one does not have a good understanding of faith?
DISCUSSION:
I. SO THEN WHAT IS FAITH? HOW IS IT OBTAINED?
A. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1. Substance - That which stands under, lends support to. Faith is the basis of all that we do as Christians.
2. As giving confidence to. Giving reality to; that of which a thing is made. (Heb. 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person..." this shows us that which makes God real for us. In the same way faith makes our hopes real.
3. Evidence - reproof. a proof, proving, test. See 2 Tim. 3:16 where the word of God is "Profitable for reproof..." (see also Rom. 12:2)
B. Faith is a gift of God.
1. Rom. 12:3 "...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
2. 1 Cor. 12:9 Wisdom or knowledge imparted miraculously, I can understand. But faith imparted miraculously? Faith here is plain ordinary faith!..." (p169 Jim
McGuiggan)
3. There are, of course, differing opinions on this point. Some believe this refers to miraculous faith.
4. 1 Cor. 13:13 Faith is one of the three remaining spiritual gifts.
C. Faith comes as the result of hearing God's word Rom. 10:17
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH.
A. There are so many things that are accomplished "by faith".
1. Our hearts are purified by faith. Ac. 15:9.
2. We are sanctified by faith. Ac. 26:18
3. The righteousness of God is revealed and comes to all, who believe, by faith. Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested,
being witnessed by the law and the prophets; :22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
4. Man is justified by faith. Rom. 3:26, 28 and Rom. 5:1. (Notice also Gal. 2:16-20)
5. We have Access to the Grace of God by faith. Rom. 5:2. So we see that grace is not like snow, falling down on everyone, but grace must be entered into,
and the access to grace is by faith.
6. We "stand" by faith Rom11:2; we walk by faith 2 Cor. 5:7; we live by faith Gal. 2:20; We receive the promise by faith Gal. 3:22; we become children of God
by faith Gal 3:26;
B. So we see that faith is of the utmost importance. Heb 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.
III. WARNING: Do not mistake personal belief or preference for faith. Rom.14:23 "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
A. Names of Churches
1. Matt. 16:17,18; Christ's church
2. Rom. 16:16 Churches of Christ Salute you.
3. Ac. 4:12 no other name given.
B. Man made worship. Matt. 7:21-23; 15:8,9
C. Evidences of salvation.
D. Plans of Salvation. Eph. 3:8-11
CONCLUSION:
A. We have seen that faith is of the utmost importance.
B. We have seen that faith comes as a gift from God through hearing his word.
C. We have seen that faith is not a matter of personal preference or belief.
D. The question now is; Will you allow the word of God to build saving faith in you?
1. Hear the words of Jesus as they will judge you in the last day. John 12:47,48, Rom. 10:17 They build faith.
2. Mark 16:16 You must believe to be saved.
3. You must repent and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14,15; Luke 13:3,5
4. You must confess before men and confess with the mouth. Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9,10
5. You must be baptized.
a. It is authorized by Jesus. Matt. 28:19
b. It must be for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38
c. It must be water baptism. Acts 8:36-38
d. Because baptism saves. 1Peter 3:21
THE SEVEN GRACES
#1 Virtue
2 Peter 1:5-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. When beginning a discussion on the "seven graces" of 2 Peter, we must remember that it is assumed that one has faith.
B. This epistle is addressed; ". . . to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"
C. The Formula given by Peter, then, is this: (NKJV) Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly kindness + Love = A
SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN.
D. These graces build one upon the other, so none may be skipped or left out. Each one builds towards the next.
E. Today we begin with the first in the series, "virtue".
DISCUSSION:
I. Virtue Defined.
A. First, understand that to define this word is not a simple task. The word "virtue" is like a many faceted diamond. In order to appreciate the beauty of this word it
must be view from all of its various faces.
1. Vine says that it "properly denotes whatever procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; hence, "intrinsic eminence, moral goodness,
virtue." (pp661)
2. Beacon Bible Commentary: "Virtue means excellence, courage, or moral goodness. it is valor accrued in the discharge of Christian duty. This is moral power
developed by standing true in the test." (pp323) (note Eph. 6:13-14)
3. GA New Testament Commentaries, Guy N. Woods: "virtue" (arete) which faith supplies is courage and soul vigor, the manliness and the determination to do
that which is right." (pp150)
4. Barns Notes on 2 Peter (book 13 pp223) ". . .by the word here (virtue) he has reference to the common meaning of the Greek word, as referring to manliness,
courage, vigour, energy; and the sense is, that he wished them to evince whatever firmness or courage might be necessary in maintaining the principles of their
religion, and in enduring the trials to which their faith might be subjected. True virtue is not a tame and passive thing. It requires great energy and boldness, for
its very essence is firmness, manliness, and independence."
B. I believe it would benefit us greatly at this point to notice how the Greek word arete or virtue is translated in other than the KJV or NKJV which has ". . .giving all
diligence, add to your faith virtue;
1. ASV - ". . .adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue".
2. James Moffatt - "for this very reason, do you contrive to make it your whole concern to furnish your faith with resolution."
3. Gspd - ". . . make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness"
4. Wms - You must do your level best to supplement your faith with moral character"
5. Helen Montgomery - ". . .do your best to add to your faith manliness"
6. NASB - ". . .applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence"
7. Richard F. Weymouth - ". . .with your faith exhibit also a noble character"
II. Called By a Virtuous God To Be a Virtuous People.
A. 2 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
B. 1 Pet 2:9 . But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you
out of darkness into his marvellous light :10 : Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have
obtained mercy
C. :11ff outline how this virtue is to be exercised. Read.
1. :11 abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul
2. :12 by good conduct and good works.
3. :13-16 by being good law abiding citizens.
4. :17 by being honorable people.
5. :18-20 by being good employees.
6. :21-25 exercising virtue is simply following the example of Christ.
III. Virtuous People are Thinking People.
Phil 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
Phil 4:9 . Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you
CONCLUSION:
1. Let us not forget that "virtue" means courage and strength to do what is right, high moral character, to have a strong resolve to follow Christ, moral excellence.
2. God is virtuous and has called us to be virtuous. This we do by following the example of Christ.
3. Virtuous people must be thinking people.
THE SEVEN GRACES
#2 Knowledge
INTRODUCTION:
1. Faith. The foundation of everything we build in Christ. That which allows us to build on the foundation of Christ.
2. Virtue. That which allows us to do what is right. The courage needed to stand fast on that which we profess to believe. The moral excellency need to be what God
commands us to be. This is the grace that allows us to handle the next grace.
3. Knowledge. The second grace we are to add to our faith. The English word "knowledge" is used several times in 2 Pete. 1:2-8 and is generally understood, by most
people, to carry the definition found in our English dictionaries; "1. what one knows. 2. all that is known or can be learned; the sum of what is known; 3 the fact of
knowing; 4 act of knowing; familiarity with a thing, person, subject, etc.; 5 clear and certain mental perception; understanding."
4. Are we, then, to understand that we are to add to virtue the sum total of man's knowledge? This is where we must begin our investigation.
DISCUSSION:
I. The Knowledge That is Not Necessary.
A. It is not necessary to have at ones command and fingertips a knowledge of the sum total of man's acquired knowledge. It is not necessary:
1. to know all there is to know about mathematics.
2. to know all there is to know about science.
3. to know all there is to know about literature.
B. A basic understanding of these things is helpful. e.g.;
1. good reading skills are important and helpful.
2. some knowledge of science, history, archeology etc., or at least an ability to read these with comprehension can be very helpful.
3. If these skills are not in your possession you should "give all diligence" to acquire and or improve them.
C. While these things can be helpful, this is not the "knowledge" Peter has under consideration in 2 Pete. 1.
1. There is a certain kind of learning that can never enable us to reach our goal: 2 Tim 3:7 , Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth
Man's knowledge can never bring us to this ultimate end.
2. Man's knowledge, man's imaginations have a way of 'exalting' "itself against the knowledge of God. . ." (2 Cor. 10:5)
3. We see Job as he is suffering and trying, through his own knowledge and understanding, to figure out why this is happening to him; and he questions God.
4. It will do us well to notice God's response to Job; Job 38:4-6 and chapter 39, 40. There are some questions that man simply cannot answer, only God can. So
we need the knowledge of God.
II. The Knowledge That is Necessary.
A. Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction
B. Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding
C. Psa 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments
III. The Importance of Knowledge.
A. Prov. 2:1-6 provides for us a very good commentary on the importance of knowledge.
B. It is of the utmost importance to obey God so knowledge of His word or commandments are of utmost importance. Notice; Eccl 12:13 Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man :14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with
every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
C. In the New Testament we are commanded to grow in grace and knowledge.
1. 2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
2. Phil 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment :10 ; That ye may approve things that are excellent;
that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ :11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and
praise of God.
D. God is the giver of the knowledge in which we are to grow;
1. 2 Cor 4:6 . For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ
2. Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him :18 The
eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints , :19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.
E. Acquiring the knowledge of God must head the list of our priorities. Paul saw it this way: Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency
of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
F. It is God's will that we know the truth. 1 Tim 2:3 . For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour :4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to
come unto the knowledge of the truth;
G. But what of those who do not know the importance of the knowledge of God?
1. Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. :3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and
going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God
2. 2 Pet 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning
CONCLUSION:
1. While man's knowledge has some value when used properly, it is not the one that saves.
2. We must recognize which knowledge is necessary and which is important.
THE SEVEN GRACES
#3 Temperance
2 Peter 1:5-11 (read Gal. 5:22-25)
INTRODUCTION:
A. Having strong faith means having a strong trust in and dependence on God's Word.
B. Having virtue means having a strong determination to do what is pleasing to God and thus to partake of "His divine nature" and to be free from "the corruption that is in
the world through lust".
C. Possessing knowledge means coming to know how to do what we have determined to do i.e. following the command of 2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. Today we consider the next two graces to be added to our faith; Temperance and Patience.
DISCUSSION:
I. Temperance or Self-control
A. First let us define the word: Strongs - egkrateuomai (eng-krat-yoo-om-ahee) to exercise self- restraint; contain, be temperate.
1. Vines - from kratos, "strength" ". . .self-control is the preferable rendering, as temperance" is now limited to one form of self-control; the various powers
bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God; in Acts
24:25 the word follows "righteousness," which represents God's claims, self-control being man's response thereto; in 2 Pete. 1:6 it follows "knowledge,"
suggesting that what is learned requires to be put into practice."
2. Thayer's - "the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites;" strong robust; having power over, possessed of (a
thing); mastering, controlling, curbing, restraining, controlling one's self, temperate, continent;
3. Warren W. Wiersbe - "it means self-control". He then cites two proverbs.
Prov 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Prov 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
B. Now let us notice a few passages of scripture that help us understand the nature of self-control or temperance.
1. Temperance is mentioned as one of the things that comprise the "fruit of the Spirit" which are shown in contrast to the "works of the flesh" that the Christian
must master in his life; Gal. 5:19-26
2. In 1 Cor. 9 Paul demonstrates three things:
a. how he used self-control in his own life (:19-22);
b. tells us why he felt it important to exercise self-control (:23);
c. gives us an example of how this is to be done (:24-27)
C. Self-control has to do with handling the pleasures of life, while Patience relates primarily to the pressures and problems of life. Often, the person who gives in to
pleasures is not disciplined enough to handle pressures either, so he gives up.
THE SEVEN GRACES
#4 Patience
2 Peter 1:5-11 (read James 1:2-8)
II. Patience or Endurance.
A. As with self-control, let us begin by defining patience: Strong's - hupomone (hoop- om-on-ay) cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: enduring, patience,
patient continuance (waiting).
1. Thayer's - steadfastness, constancy, endurance, the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety
by even the greatest trials and sufferings:
2. Warren W. Wiersby - Patience is not something that develops automatically; we must work at it. James 1:2-8 gives us the right approach.
a. We must expect trials to come,
b. Without trials we could never learn patience.
c. We must, by faith, let our trials work for us and not against us,
d. We know that God is at work in our trials.
e. If we need wisdom for making decisions, God will grant that wisdom if we ask Him.
f. Trials are not enjoyable, but we do enjoy the confidence we can have in trials that God is at work, causing everything to work together for our good and
His glory.
3. Vine's - Lit., "an abiding under" (hupo, "under," meno, "to abide"), is almost invariably rendered "patience." There are many things in the Christian's life
under which he will have to learn to abide or bare-up.
B. The Christian must endure or be patient in trials in general. Notice the warning given by Jesus to His disciples in Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by
parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
C. The Christian must endure trials that arise from our service in the gospel. 2 Cor 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed 4 But in all
things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, :5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in
labours, in watchings, in fastings (beginning at :6 Paul outlines how this is to be done).
D. The Christian must endure or be patient under chastisement, which is trial viewed as coming from the hand of God. Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the
exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: :6 For
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. :7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is
he whom the father chasteneth not?
E. The Christian must learn to endure under undeserved affliction. 1 Pet 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?
but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God :21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
F. The idea of patience also carries with it the meaning of persistence or perseverance i.e. to continue in:
1. Well doing : Gal. 6:9, 2 Thess 3:13;
2. Fruit bearing Lk. 8:15, John 15:1-5
3. running the appointed race Heb.12:1ff
THE SEVEN GRACES
#5 Godliness
2 Peter 1:5-11 (read 1 Tim. 6:3-6)
INTRODUCTION:
A. As we come to the fifth of the seven graces it becomes even more clear how each of these graces build toward the next and all work together to produce the successful
Christian.
B. We will also see a continued connection of each grace to the word of God.
C. Today we will look at :
1. The definition of the word Godliness.
2. Godliness and the mind of God.
3. The importance of Godliness.
DISCUSSION:
I. Just What Is Godliness.
A. (eusebeia) Humble reverence and deep piety toward God. (Guy N. Woods).
B. "...Piety, reverence, a state of soul in which the individual seeks to conform to the mind of God in all things,..." (Beacon Bible Commentary pp324).
C. "The manner of life which is centered on God, with special reference to devotion, piety, and reverence toward him. It can be defined as the conjunction of an
attitude of devotion to God and of the consequent right conduct". "...the honoring of God as Creator and Redeemer that is born of faith in Jesus Christ and
expresses itself in daily living". (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology pp468).
D. "To be devout", denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him. (Vine's expository of O.T. and N.T.
pp272)
E. So, then we see, Godliness is having an attitude that is "toward God". I especially like the expression found in B.B.C (B above) "...a state of soul in which the
individual seeks to conform to the mind of God in all things,..."
II. Godliness, Conforming to the Mind of God.
A. The one who would be Godly must first realize that this cannot be accomplished out of his own thought processes. God lets us know in Isa. 55:7 Let the wicked
forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will
abundantly pardon. :8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (see also 1 Cor. 2:16)
B. So, If you would be Godly, that is, practice Godliness, your mind must change.
1. Paul shows that if we are to be that acceptable sacrifice unto God, one thing is needful. Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. :3 For I say, through the grace
given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt
to every man the measure of faith.
2. Then he shows us how this is to be done: Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: :6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God: :7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: :8 And
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
III. The Importance of Godliness.
A. The Apostle Paul loved Timothy, the young evangelist or preacher, even to the point of calling him his son in the Gospel (1 Tim. 1:2 and 2Tim. 1:2). Paul had
much to say to his young protégé about Godliness which will also benefit us today.
1. 1 Tim. 2:1-3 Prayers be made.
2. 1 Tim. 2:10 Timothy was to teach women who professed godliness to prove it with good works.
3. 1 Tim. 4:1-8 Godliness is attained and maintained by being faithful to the doctrine.
4. 1 Tim. 6:3-11 we want to notice at least 4 things:
a. :3 Godliness is produced by the doctrine of Christ and the ungodly man is described in :4
b. :5 material posessions is no indication of Godliness.
c. :6 Godliness is gain when accompanied by contentment.
d. :11 The man of God will pursue or follow after Godliness.
5. 2 Tim. 3:5-7 describes the one who has only a "form" of godliness not real Godliness.
B. The Apostle Peter also has much to say about Godliness.
1. 2 Peter 3:8-12 Peter gives us clear motivation for being Godly.
2. 2 Peter 1:3 He lets us know that there is no excuse for not living a life of Godliness.
CONCLUSION:
1. Truly, great is the mystery of Godliness. That a man can grow to be more and more like God.
2. God has, through the revelation of His word, made available to us all that we need to live Godly lives. (2 Pete. 1:3-4)
3. He has also provided us with all the motivation we need, to encourage us to Godliness.
THE SEVEN GRACES
#6&7 Brotherly kindness & Love
1 John 4:7-12
INTRODUCTION:
A. Our study of the seven graces is coming rapidly to a close.
B. Today we view "Brotherly Kindness" and "Love".
C. As we study these two final graces you will notice the close association between the two. They are sometimes found in the same verse and at times seem to be used
interchangeably.
D. But beside noting the similarities, there are differences that must be recognized. Let us begin with the sixth grace of "brotherly kindness"
DISCUSSION:
I. "...And to Godliness Brotherly Kindness."
A. filadelfian philadelphan philadelphia - Brotherly friendship or brotherly love or brotherly kindness or brotherly affection or love to the brethren or a spirit of
brotherhood.
B. This phrase speaks directly to the relationship between those who have a sustained relationship.
1. This is not a term that refers to man in general.
2. In the New Testament this term refers to those who are in Christ. Those who belong to the family of God.
C. Lets notice how Peter addresses his letter:
1. 2 Pet 1:1 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. We should also take note of 1 Peter 1:2, 14, 18-19, 22-23. These all help us to understand the relationship one Christian sustains to all other Christians.
D. Paul gives us instructions on how to "be kindly affectioned one to another" in chapter 12 of Romans beginning at verse 4.
E. This kind of behavior toward each other produces "Love" .
II. "...And to Brotherly Kindness Charity."
A. This "charity" is also translated "Love". It comes from the Greek word agapaw "agapao" and the noun form "agape". This is the highest form of love. This word
is "characteristic word of Christianity..." and has been used to express ideas previously unknown.
B. The best way to understand this love is to note the source of love and how the word is used in the N.T. The words agapao and agape have been used in the N.T.
to:
1. Describe the attitude of God toward His Son, John 17:26 . And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast
loved me may be in them, and I in them
2. God's attitude toward the human race, generally, John 3:16 . For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life
Rom 5:8 . But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
3. Toward such as believe in Jesus Christ. John 14:21 . He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall
be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him
4. To convey God's will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, John 13:34 . A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one
another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another :35 . By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another
5. Their attitude toward all men, 1 Th 3:12 . And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do
toward you :13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all
his saints
1 Cor 16:14 . Let all your things be done with charity
6. This word is used to express the essential nature of God, 1 John 4:8 . He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (rest of chapter)
CONCLUSION:
A. Love can be known only from the actions it prompts.
B. God's love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1 John 4:9 . In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him :10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins :11 . Beloved, if God so
loved us, we ought also to love one another
C. Only those in Christ have experienced this agape love so only those in Christ can express this agape love.
THE SEVEN GRACES
The Results of the Seven Graces
2 Peter 1:8-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. Remember the Formula given by Peter? : (NKJV) Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly kindness + Love = A
SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN.
B. Thus far we have examined closely each of the seven graces.
C. Today we look at the result or the sum of all these graces; the Successful Christian.
D. 2 Pet 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, (if these things are yours, richly)
1. This phrase is conditional upon:
a. One being in possession of these graces. That is, he has made them an integral part of his life.
b. Not just a partial possession but completely or in abundance. He has richly supplied these things in his life.
2. Remember, these are the things given by " the divine power" (:3) to enable us to be "partakers of the divine nature" (:4) These are the things Christ came to impart
(:3 ...the knowledge of Him who called you")
3. Peter teaches us there will be three evidences of spiritual growth when these things exist in the Christian's life: 1. Fruitfulness, 2. Good Vision, and 3. A sense of
Security.
DISCUSSION:
I. Fruitfulness.
A. There are two parts to fruitfulness;
1. "...neither be barren ..." argos, denoting "idle, barren, yielding no return, because of inactivity," This compares to James 2:20 where he says that "faith without
works is dead ..." (barren or idle) So then, these graces are the things which make our faith alive and not dead. Illustration: An unworked or uncultivated field.
Here is a good place to notice the prayer Paul prayed for Philemon Phile :6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging
of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus
2. "...nor unfruitful..." akarpos This is the negative of fruitfulness. It is to be unproductive. Jesus describes this condition in Mat 13:22 He also that received seed
among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
3. Lets read 2 Peter 1:8 with a positive spin to it: 2 Pet 1:8 . For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall . . . be . . . "active". . . "and" .
. . "fruitful" in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (you should study John 15 for Jesus' teaching on this subject)
II. Good Vision. 2 Pet 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
A. Here again, the positive characteristic of "good vision" is expressed in a promise that if you possess these graces to the full you will not display the negative
characteristics of "spiritual blindness", "short-sightedness", or "forgetfulness".
1. Blind (tuphlos) - is used metaphorically of those who have dulled or allowed something or someone to dull their intellect. It comes from a word that means
"to burn, smoke". The idea is of one who stands so as to allow smoke from an open fire to blow into his eyes thus impairing his vision. This gives the idea
of one who is willingly blind or not willing to be taught. By not adding these graces one refuses the word of God and is thus unable to see clearly. (see John
9:39-41)
2. Short-sightedness - muopazo This is to be "myopic" or near-sighted. "This does not contradict the preceding word "blind" but qualifies it; he of whom it is
true is blind in that he cannot discern spiritual things, he is near-sighted in that he is occupied in regarding worldly affairs." He is involved with his own things
to the exclusion of others. He is concerned only with, "my house" "my job or career" "my money" "my convenience" "my comfort"...
3. Forgetfulness - (lethe) This is not a forgetfulness brought on by old age or illness. It is a "willful forgetting" it is a "taking of forgetfulness".
a. Causes one to forget what sort he was. Eph. 2:1-3, 1 Cor. 6:8-11.
b. Causes one to forget what sort he ought to be now. Heb. 5:12-14.
c. Causes one to forget what he faces in the future. 2 Peter 3:(all)9-11.
B. When we fail to allow these graces to grow in our lives we end up with a false sense of security instead of a genuine security based on the word of God.
III. A Sense of Security. 2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall
never fall :11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
A. The responsibility for securing the future has been placed squarely on the shoulders of each individual Christian. God has given us all we need to do this.
1. He gave His Son to die for our sins. John 3:16
2. He gave us His word to guide us through this life.
a. 2 Pet 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 :4 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
b. Heb. 4:12 . For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
Rom. 1:16 The Gospel is God's power unto salvation.
B. Then He tells us in Phil 2:12 ". . .work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. And again here in 2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence
to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall .
C. Then he shows us the motivation behind our working in the kingdom. 2 Pet 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
D. For there are some things that we know and should be sure of and never forget;
1. 1 Cor 15:58 . Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord
2. 1 Pet 1:18 : Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition
from your fathers, :19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
