Introduction A. Of all the virtues we are to add to our character, brotherly love seems to be the most natural.B. We should not conclude, however, that it is always easy to show the kind of love for our brethren that God expects. I. Brotherly love doesn’t always come easily. A. The Old Testament is filled with examples of sibling rivalries, such as Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), as well as Amnon and Absalom (2 Samuel 13). B. Even Paul did not...
If I Were Satan
Introduction A. The Hebrew word Satan literally means “adversary.” B. Our enemy knows exactly what we must do to escape from his clutches, and he will do everything within his power to defeat us. I. If I were Satan, I would try to keep you out of the church. A. Satan knows that one must be a member of the Lord’s church in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:20-21). B. This plan has been most effective (Acts 26:28; Matthew 21:31), with...
Self-Control
Introduction A. Paul once reasoned with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:25), but Felix never learned the lesson, and he suffered the consequences of his own intemperance in time. B. When you think about your life, what is there that you can truly control all the time besides yourself and your own actions? C. If we wish to achieve mastery in anything (especially Christianity), self-control is...
Perseverance
Introduction A. To persevere means to bear up under some sort of pressure that is being applied from without. B. Peter knew that the church would need a strong reserve of inner strength to survive the troublesome times ahead. I. Why do we need perseverance? A. Troublesome times are coming for all of us (2 Timothy 3:12). B. We must endure to be saved (Matthew 10:22; 24:12-13). C. We must persevere if we wish to bring forth fruit for...
Godliness
Introduction A. Because we know that this world is doomed to destruction, we ought to be careful to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:10-11). B. One who is godly is one who seeks to please God by humbly submitting to His every command with all due reverence. I. Godliness in outward appearance alone is worthless. A. Our own godliness is ineffective (Isaiah 64:5-6; Acts 3:12). B. There are many who appear godly, but are not...
Knowledge
Introduction A. In spite of the fact that we are living in the information age, the level of Bible knowledge seems to be near an all-time low. B. Knowledge is vitally important to our wellbeing, particularly when it comes to our spiritual wellbeing (John 8:32). I. A lack of knowledge can have disastrous results. A. Without knowledge we are sure to perish (Hosea 4:6). B. Zeal is worthless (and even dangerous) without knowledge...
Not Ashamed
Introduction A. There are times when taking a stand for the truth isn’t easy to do. B. If we are not fully convicted, we will give in when the least pressure is applied, but when we surrender fully to it, nothing could ever induce us to give up or be ashamed. A. Paul was not ashamed (Philippians 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:6-18; 4:1-8). B. Neither was Peter (Acts 4:5-21; 5:41; 1 Peter 4:16). A. Though some might mock the Gospel (Acts 17:32), it is true...
Perfection
Introduction A. When we think of perfection, we commonly think of something that is entirely free of errors or flaws. B. While we often hear that “nobody’s perfect,” the Bible says that we can be perfect (Matthew 5:48; John 17:23; 2 Timothy 3:17). I. We have examples of men who have exhibited perfection. A. Moses records that “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9). B. David’s heart was perfect with God (1...
Moral Excellence
Introduction A. As we grow in grace and knowledge, one of the things that Peter says we must add to our faith is “virtue” (KJV, NKJV, ESV). B. The Greek word here is arete, a term which signifies the excellence that Greeks sought in every aspect of life. C. As Christians we should strive for “moral excellence” (NASB). I. When it comes to morality, we need to raise the bar! A. Israel often allowed their neighbors to set the bar for morality...
Growing a Christian Character
Introduction A. Writing to Christians who are soon likely to see great persecution, Peter exhorts his readers to grow in grace and knowledge. B. Peter knew that he himself would soon die for his preaching of the Gospel (2 Peter 1:14; cf. John 13:16; 21:18-19). C. We hear of persecution in other places, but what will we do when it comes to where we live? How will we be able to stand? I. Solid Christian character begins with faith. A. Faith...