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Moral Excellence. Virtue 2 Peter 1:5. Definition. Thayer – any excellence of a person, an endowment, property, or quality. Vine – whatever procures pre-eminent estimation for a person. TDNT – the excellence that the righteous are to maintain in life or death.
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Moral Excellence Virtue 2 Peter 1:5
Definition • Thayer – any excellence of a person, an endowment, property, or quality. • Vine – whatever procures pre-eminent estimation for a person. • TDNT – the excellence that the righteous are to maintain in life or death. • Cremer – the excellence of a person which gives him his worth. • Strength of character that maintains moral integrity, thus giving one real worth. • Quality that is active, not passive, requiring great energy and boldness to ever maintain the moral code.
Stems From Character of God • 1 Peter 2:9 – “praises (virtue) of Him who called you.” • Hebrews 6:18 – impossible for Him to lie. • 1 Thess. 5:24 – He is faithful, we can completely rely upon God. • Romans 9:14 – He is righteous. • 2 Peter 1:5 – it is this strength of character that we, as God’s children, are to supply.
How Does Character Come? • Phil. 4:8 – Contemplate what is right. • Romans 12:9 – Firm decision to do what is right. • 2 Peter 1:5 – Must put into practice this decision to do right. • In every situation of life. • Under threat of rejection, persecution, or death. • Virtuous Christian will do what is right simply because it is right—there can be no compromise!
Examples • Noah – Gen. 6:5-13 • Lot – 2 Pet. 2:7-8 • Apostles – Acts 4:21; 5:29 • Paul – Acts 20:22-24
Virtue Does Not Ask: • What will others think? • Friends, Family, Co-workers • How will it affect me materially? • How will it affect me physically? • Is it pleasant?
In Any Situation or With Any Proposition, Virtue Has Only One Question-- Is It Right?
Application • Obeying the Gospel • Worship • Work of the Church • Attendance • Church Discipline • Moral Issues • Abortion, Homosexuality, Adultery, Gambling, Pornography, Immodest Dress, Drinking, Dancing