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Text: 2 Peter 1:5-11 Introduction:
I. Began a series of lessons on what is frequently
referred to as the "Christian Graces."
II. In the first lesson we tried to show the importance
that the Holy Spirit attached to these qualities.
III. In this lessons we consider the first of these things
to be supplied in our faith - virtue.Body:
I. Virtue defined:
A. Word means "moral excellence."
B. Has to do with our being free of adultery,
drinking, gambling, sexual perversion, lying,
profanity, stealing, dishonesty, etc.
C. Scriptures: Ephesians 4:22-32; Galatians 5:19-21.
II. Morals categorized.
A. Men tend to categorize morals - Most tend to view
murder, stealing marital infidelity, drunkenness,
as really bad, but may not see other things as
being so bad.
B. Examples:
1. A deliberate, premeditated, bald-face lie is bad
- but to twist the truth a little bit when
you're on the spot, or when someone's feelings
are at stake, that's not so bad.
2. If someone deliberately manipulates the books
and cheats his company out of $1000s, that's bad
- but if you can somehow get by with some false
claims on income tax or insurance claims; or if
somehow you get more money, that's just being
smart.
3. A little bit of profanity to be with the crowd…
C. But the Bible says: Ephesians 4:25; Revelations
21:8; Ephesians 4:29, Romans 12:17.
D. In determining, then, whether you are supplying
virtue in your faith; you might ask yourself some
questions:
1. Do I tell the truth at all times, whatever maybe
the circumstances?
a. I really don't know any situation where one
is justified in telling a lie.
b. If you do tells lies in certain circumstances
then people have no real basis for believing
you in other circumstances?
c. Must be careful not to leave any false
impression.-"I didn't tell any lie."
d. Tell the truth - and if you are on the spot,
tell people, "I'm just not free to discuss
that" or "I wish you would talk to someone
else" or "it's a confidential matter."
2. Am I totally honest in financial matters?
a. What about income tax reports? insurance
claims?
b. What do you do if some businessperson gives
you too much change?
c. What if you run an ad in the paper to sell
house or car? Misrepresent?
3. Is my speech what it ought to be?
a. Free of profanity? Do you take the name of
the Lord in vain?
b. Is it on things that are pure? Or do you
tell suggestive stories that have sexual
overtones?
4. What about my behavior toward those of the
opposite sex?
a. Do women look on me as a gentleman? Or do
men look on me as a lady?
b. Or is there something about me that leaves
impression with others that I am loose in my
morals?III. Virtue of heart as well as life.
A. Lord wants us not only to be morally pure
outwardly, He wants us to be pure in our hearts.
1. No adulterous thoughts, no hate, no stealing in
the heart.
2. Matthew 5:28-29; 1 John 3:15; Matthew 23:27-28.
(These appeared to be virtuous on the outside,
but they were full of sin on the inside - This
is not virtue.)
B. Philippians 4:8 - "If there be any virtue…"
C. In questioning yourself about virtue - must ask,
not only if life is free of adultery, profanity,
drunkenness, etc. - Is your heart free of sin, too?
James 4:8. Fill your heart with good thoughts,
thrust out the evil, avoid those movies, T. V.
programs, magazines, books that dwell on evil.
D. Avoid those activities that can corrupt hearts -
Dress, dancing, petting.
V. The value of virtue.
A. Valuable in that it is one of these qualities to be
Supplied in our faith.
B. But there is other value:
1. There is such a joy in knowing that you are clean
inside and out.
2. Not only self-respect, but also joy in knowing you
have the respect of others.
3. Living as one ought to live will show itself in
one's personality.Conclusion: Do you see room for improvement here in your life? Will you work at it? Top of the page
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