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Add To Your Faith
Building on a Sure Foundation - 2 Peter 1: 5-8
Bro. Todd Alexander May 3, 2003Opening Hymn = #215 - The Cleansing Stream
• We will take a brief look at this admonition of the Apostle Peter.
• 2 Peter 1:5-8 - 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. 8 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.
• At the time of this admonition, the Apostle Peter was about 60-70 years old. Therefore, he had a birds-eye view of the Christian Walk. His second book to the church has a fatherly counseling perspective. He desired the growth and development of the Church. Peter probably had much experience and saw the possibility for the temptations and the cares of this world to distract Christians from their walk.• The Wise Man reminds us of the seven things the Lord hates in Prov. 6:16-19.
o Prov 6:16-19 - These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
• By contrast, the graces of the spirit mentioned in Peter are the seven things that the Lord loves!
• Peter lists eight elements that must make up the Christian Character. They are:• Virtue
• Knowledge
• Temperance
• Patience
• Godliness
• Brotherly Kindness
• Charity
Pastor Russell calls these the Graces of the Spirit in Volume 5 page 238.
• “The development in the graces of the Spirit will bring us into closer fellowship with the father and with the Lord Jesus, so that the Lord will be able and willing to communicate to us more and more clearly a knowledge of his gracious plans, as well as of his own gracious character.”
• The Graces of the Spirit provide a structure for our growth. (Todd will explain how a tomato stake provides a structure for a tomato plant to grow. In its old age, the tomato plant rests on the structure.)True North Attributes
• Todd will draw another analogy to the compass. We should orient our hearts to True North, to the principles of righteousness.
Step by Step review of 2 Peter 1:5-8
Verse 5• “Add” = Peter is admonishing us to build upon the foundation of our faith with these evidences of Christian growth. He emphasizes that Faith is the basis of character.
o Heb. 11:6 “Without Faith it impossible to please God.”
• Peter urges us to be careful to develop these seven qualities of mature Christian character.
• Paul stirs us up to get us excited about the steady progress of our transformation. Romans Chapter 12.Faith
o (Pistis Strongs #4102 A conviction based on hearing. Our faith in God & Christ)
o Faith in God, trust in Him completely
o 1 Cor 3:11-13 - The Apostle Paul provides a good contrast of building to our faith in Jesus Christ verses building a worldly superstructure.o Faith is the foundation of our Christian experience, the basis that allows growth.
- “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, ....”
Virtue
o Fortitude (Strongs #703 )
o Vines Word Studies = Moral Excellence / Excellence of Character
o Strength of Character in Righteousness.
o No one takes virtue from you, you lose it yourself
o Trustworthiness is the natural result of strength of character and is at the center of all of our relationships.
o Virtue - Phil. 4:8 = same word, used as a “litmus” test.o “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.”o Joseph is a good example to us. He was scrupulously honest and of the strictest moral integrity. He remained faithful to his Godly convictions even in the toughest situations.
o The Apostle Paul admonishes us to excellence of character and relates it to our faith.o 1 Cor. 16:13 - “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
o Prov. 15:21 - “A man of understanding walketh uprightly.”
o Prov. 20:7 - “The just man walketh in his integrity.”
o Prov. 19:1 - “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, ...”
o Prov. 11:3 - The integrity of the upright shall guide them.Knowledge
o (Strongs #1108 Gnosis-to know)
o 2 Peter 1:12 - Apostle Peter acknowledges that the ones he is writing to are established in present truth. Study the Harvest Message and be established in it. We could probably all do better in this department.o It appeals to me that it is important to have a correct understanding of Babylon and its casting off. It is also important to know that we should come out of Babylon and not be partakers with Her sins. It’s actually pretty easy to speak of nominal Christians and articulate how God is judging those systems.
o But as important as that doctrinal understanding is, it is far more important for each of us to look inside ourselves to see if we have nominal tendencies in our heart than for us to be able to point the finger at others. This is the real purpose of knowledge—to provide us with the intellectual stimulus for an inward transformation.
o One of my favorite stories
o Heb 11:24-27o 24 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.”
o Moses choose by his faith in present truth to suffer affliction than to be part of the system that would feed him riches and honor. Moses took a stand in his personal life based on his knowledge of present truth.
o This is the desired result of our transformation process. That through our knowledge that is built upon moral excellence and our faith in Jesus Christ that we, through our faith, cast off all of the corrupting influences that entice us.Proverbs that detail the importance of knowledge
o Prov. 24:4 - By knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
o Prov. 10:14 - Wise men lay up knowledge.
o Prov. 4:7 - “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
o Prov. 23:23 - “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”Temperance
o (Strongs #1466) self control
o Vines comment - “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 v. 6, the word temperance follows knowledge suggesting that what is learned (of God) requires to be put into practice.” (Works)
o Gal 5:23 - Same word is used as a Fruit of the Spirit. (to exercise self restraint)
o Compulsion opposite of self control
o It appeals to me that in today’s American Society compulsions play a big part in driving peoples lives and the American economy for that matter. We can even get caught up in it ourselves. The American Dream is to provide a better life for your children than you had yourself. Which one of us doesn’t want that? To get there, compulsive behavior is usually encouraged and needed.
o Interest deduction on Federal Income Tax
o Check out tabloid advertising (compulsive purchasing appeals to the flesh)o Almost every fruit and grace of the spirit is challenged
o Phil 4:5 - “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”o 1 Cor. 9:25 - Paul stresses the need for self control:
o “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”
o Prov. 16:16 - “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver.”
o Wisdom is gained by continually applying the Fruits and Graces of the Spirit to our thoughts words and actions.
o 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.
o Have we ever seen examples of people ruling their own spirit in difficult situations?o What about Jesus on his way to the cross.
o Think about how Stephen ruled his own spirit when hew was being stoned saying “lay not this sin to their charge.” Think of the control he had over his spirit! Think of the lasting memory that Stephen left on Saul of Tarsus as Saul watched. No doubt this was an important lesson for The Apostle Paul and a regret that he carried with him throughout the rest of his life.Patience
o (Strongs #5281) Gives the thought of Cheerful Endurance, constancy, active patience.
o When we think of patience in the Bible we often think ofo James 1:4 - “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
o The perfect work is the destruction of our flesh and the growth of the New Creature. The Apostle Paul also calls this process “The Good Fight of Faith.”o 1 Tim 6:12 - “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
o The Good Fight of Faith includes what we think, what we say and what we do, (our thoughts, our words, our actions).
o 1 Pet. 1:7 - Peter in also calls this the Trial of your Faith.
o “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”Explanation of Graphic
o First we get an understanding of the Truth.
o From that truth we have faith in God and that faith in God and his plans and purposes produces a certain heart attitude that affects our words.
o Our words then lead to actions which result in works through which our faith is then demonstrated to others.
o All of the time this is happening we are being attacked by the world, the flesh and the Devil. Opportunities for compromises present themselves to us all the time. We need to realize that we can do all things through Christ and we should seek to be like him in all of life’s dealings.
(Phil. 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ)
o This leads us to the next grace - GodlinessGodliness
o (Strongs #2150 - Eusebeia - Piety, holiness)
o Vines “Having a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.”
o Carries the thought of Godlikeness by imitating the divine character.
o 1 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.”
o The pattern of the divine character is in the scriptures. We have the blueprint and He freely gives us the help that we need—all we have to do is follow.o R2137:6 - “The influence of this knowledge and fellowship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, reacts upon our own hearts, and has a cleansing and sanctifying effect.”
o This sanctifying effect is most vividly described in:
o Heb 4:12 - “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”o This admonition from Peter to add Godliness to our Faith results in a continuous battle with our fleshly selves. The truth actually does a separating work in us—the scripture says to the dividing asunder of soul (our flesh) and spirit (our new creature).
o 2 Pet. 3:11 - “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”
Another aspect of Godliness is giving.
o To be godly is to have an attitude of giving. Did you ever meet someone that was truly giving? Isn’t it beautiful to be around them?
o God gave his only begotten Son for us! The ultimate gift!
o It’s interesting how godlike qualities are surfacing in academic circles the later we get into the Harvest.
o Godliness - Abraham Maslov’s theory—basic necessities, Job security, recognition, help others. Which brings us to the next grace of the SpiritBrotherly Kindness
o (Strongs #5360 Philadelphia love, brotherly love, love of the brethren)
o The exercise of the divine character toward our fellow man. This is where our character is truly tested—in our relationships with our brethren.
o We all know the basic guidelines in the scriptures for relating to others:o Rom. 15:1 - “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak....”
o Rom. 12:10 - “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;”
o Rom. 12:13 - “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”o It seems that one of the most tested proving grounds for God to reveal our character is in relationships with our brethren. It is much harder to exercise brotherly kindness to our brethren when we don’t get along with them or if we just plain don’t like them.
o What should we do when we have problems with our brethren? Here is an interesting Scripture:o Prov. 16:7 - “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
o Jesus’ advice in Luke 6:29 although perhaps mainly referring to worldly attacks admonishes us to be vulnerable.
o The Apostle Paul recommends in Rom. 12:14 that we should “bless them which persecute us.”o Why are we to be vulnerable?
o Why are we to bless them which persecute us?o I believe the Apostle James reveals the answer in James 4:1.
o James 4:1 - “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?”
o The answer that James gives to our question?
Look into ourselves and try to eradicate any wrong in our own hearts before we try to right the wrongs of our brethren. We must first consider that part of the problem might very well be us and our fleshly lusts. (Strongs 2237 gratification of the natural desires, pleasures)o Let’s remember the advice of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians.
o Gal. 5:13-15 - “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve on another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”
o Jesus set the tone for service. He showed us examples of serving the brethren throughout his ministry. Let us serve one another not only in action, but in giving our brethren the benefit of the doubt and looking to ourselves before we blame others for difficulties.
Charity
o (Agapé Strongs #26-Benevolent love a thoughtless love, without the expectation of anything in return)
o What the one who loves deems as needed by the one loved.
o Charity is the crowning Grace of the Spirit.
o It is the first mentioned and perhaps most important Fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5:22.
o 1 Pet. 4:8 - “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins..”
o Prov 11:24 – The liberal soul Liberal Soul benefit of the DoubtConclusion
o The Apostle Peter knew that the brethren were being attacked on all sides. The scriptures say that he frequently reminded the brethren of these important things even though they already know them. Peter’s emphasis on the Graces of the Spirit should encourage us.
o 2 Peter 1:8 - “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.” - Very Strong Assurance
o 2 Peter 1:10 - Another Very strong assurance - if we do these things, we shall never fail. (These assurances come on the heals of the famous exceeding great and precious promise scripture in v. 4!)
o The Apostle Peter is getting down to the bottom line quickly. He introduces a superstructure for our transformation; centering on our faith in God and adding to that faith certain “True North” attributes. Fortitude, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness and Love. Our challenge is to identify those attributes and then align ourselves with them. Having the assurance that if we do this, we will never fall.
o These attributes are not invented by men, they are universal attributes spoken of and demonstrated throughout the Bible that pertain to human relationships within and without the body of Christ.
o To the degree that we assimilate these attributes we will either move closer to God and our brethren on the one hand or further away from God and our brethren if these attributes are not developed.
o The scriptures are clear that we will be more effective, and the body of Christ will be more at peace when the church as individuals are guided by these attributes. They are foundational attributes—characteristics that when applied regularly become habits and promote transformations of individuals, relationships and Ecclesias.
o Isn’t that a powerful thought?The Pastor comments in R3090:6
o “We must see to it that the truth is having its legitimate and designed effect upon the character.”
o R3089:11 - “Peter urges all diligence in the cultivation of the Christian graces and a continual calling to remembrance of the precious truths we have learned, that we may be strengthened thereby to make our calling and election sure. Faith is a good thing; but faith without virtuous works is dead.”
Extra Materialo Heb. 4:12 - Inside out transformation.
o The disposition of Christ R4929:4, 2228:5 Manage things, lead people
o 2 Cor. 10:4-5 - Weapons of our warfare are not carnal
o Eph. 6:12 - Spiritual wickedness in high places
o Gardner’s Seven Intelligenceso Linguistic / Logical-Mathematical / Spatial / Musical / Interpersonal / Intrapersonal
o Jesus: Led his disciples while managing his walk with God.
o Prov. 26:27 - “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”
o Prov. 15:1 - “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
o Alternately lead or follow in any given instance
o 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: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them, and be established in present truth.
o 1 Cor. 9:27 - Body under subjection.
o 2 Pet. 1:12 - The Apostle Peter . 2 Pet. 3:1 Stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.
o Jn 15:2-8 The Apostle John stresses the importance of developing the fruits of the spirit. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away.”
o James 2:14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. James tells us that works are important because strong faith results in growth demonstrated by good works and our good works will be demonstrated through these True North attributes.
o Graces Prov. 9:1 “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.” These seven graces of the spirit are a natural fit for the seven pillars of Proverbs.
o Matt. 8:5-10 - Centurion - Faith produces good works, at home, at school, at play. What graces did the centurion exhibit? (brotherly kindness and charity) Where did he exhibit them? (work) How? By going to Jesus for help to heal his servant.
