The Call to Virtue

Introduction:

· Have you grown in virtue?

· Peter uses a word here that is translated “excellence” but also be “virtue.” – Moral excellence!

I WANT TO LOOK AT THE BASIS FOR PURSUING VIRTUE, THE MANDATE TO PURSUE VIRTUE, AND THE REWARD OF PURSUING VIRTUE.

I) The Basis for Pursuing Virtue

A. Why Pursue virtue? For example: Anger!

i. We might neglect the pursuit of virtue altogether

1. Liberal Christianity: God loves everyone and is forgiving and kind

2. EXAMPLE: Anger à“Who I am.” (God forgives, etc.) à Pain, division

ii. WE might pursue virtue for the wrong reasons

1. Religiosity: follow rules à God blesses à obedience manipulating God

2. Duty (decent people fulfill responsibility) or pride (“I’m not like those…)

iii. We might pursue virtue in our own strength

1. This is legalism or moralism: The rules are within reach…

2. Christianity is in decline because “You don’t need religion to be moral” – a belief that lowers the bar, and elevates human strength

B. The Gracious Call to Virtue

i. The Basis: God gives us righteousness in Christ (vv. 1-2, 3, 4)

1. Pursuing virtue doesn’t establish righteousness, but lives it out (vs. 1)

2. Pursuing Virtue is cultivated in relationship God (vs. 4)

ii. The Power: God gives us all we need for godliness (vs. 3)

1. God provides all we need for virtue because we don’t have it on our own

2. APPLICATION: Some try in our own strength à discouraged!

3. ILLUSTRTATION: Forrest Gump and the shrimp boat

LET’S LOOK THEN, AT HOW WE CAN PURSUE VIRTUE IN GOD’S STRENGTH.

II) The The Mandate to Pursue Virtue: God Commands it!

A. We are Commanded to Supplement Faith (vs. 5)

i. We are commanded to add lavishly to the faith we have

1. Pursuing Virtue is about Effort, (but not earning! )

2. QUOTE: “…a work of God in which believers cooperate.” – Berkhof

3. EXAMPLE: Painting a masterpiece (with paint by number): We have the infinite resources of Christ at our dipsoal!

B. …with 8 Virtues that move from Faith to Love (vv. 5-7)

i. A description of the virtue God desires:

1. Knowledge of God:, scripture reading to cultivate your walk with God

2. Self control isn’t self-governance, but submitting your desires to God

3. Steadfastness because faithful Christian living is discouraging

4. Godliness: piety, spending time with God in prayer

5. Brotherly love: An affection for fellow believers

6. Love: Are you willing to pour yourself out for the good of others?

ii. An encouragement for those in pursuit of virtue

1. APPLICATION: Some of us need to consider how we are intentional in pursuing this (Since we are intentional about many other things)

2. APPLICATION: Some of us need to be encouraged, remembering that God gives us what we need, and brings us towards holiness

Transition:

III) The Goal of Virtue: God is Preparing us For Eternity

A. The Pursuit of Virtue Will make us Effective (vv. 8-9)

i. A positive Reminder: The pursuit of virtue makes you fruitful (vs. 8)

1. Your relationship with Jesus is meant to make a difference

2. EXAMPLE: Do people see a difference in the way you live?

ii. A negative warning: The neglect of virtue leaves you blind & forgetful (vs. 9)

1. Neglecting virtue leaves us blind, focused only on immediate gratification

2. Neglecting virtue leaves us forgetful, of how destructive sin is

3. EXAMPLE: Israel in the wilderness

B. The pursuit of Virtue will prepare us for eternity (vv. 10-11)

i. The pursuit of virtue confirms God’s work (vs. 10)

1. Instead, The pursuit of virtue gives evidence of God’s calling

2. Why? Because you are elect ot holiness so pursing this displays that

ii. The pursuit of virtue prepares us for the glorious kingdom of God (vs. 11)

1. God is preparing us for the day he will summon us into his kingdom

2. APPLICATION: Some of us are getting close, we’ve spent our lives…

Transition:

Conclusion

Communion