Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ

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               "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

                        Striving For Excellence

INTRODUCTION

1. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires developing a
   Christ-like character...
   a. Involving eight graces in conjunction with each other - 2Pe 1:5-8
   b. Involving all diligence to abound in these eight graces - 2Pe 1:
      5,8

2. We saw that this "spiritual construction project" begins with
   "faith"...
   a. For without faith it is impossible to please God - He 11:6
   b. For faith is the catalyst making it possible to grow - cf. Mk
      9:23b

3. But developing a Christ-like character does not occur by "faith
   only"...
   a. To "faith" we must add "virtue"
   b. The word "add" (epichoregeo) indicating that these two must work
      together

[So upon the foundation of faith, to grow in the knowledge of Jesus
requires that we add the quality of "virtue"...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF VIRTUE

   A. RARELY USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. Paul uses it once:  "...if there is any virtue" - Php 4:8
      2. Peter uses it four times:
         a. "...proclaim the praises (virtue) of Him" - 1Pe 2:9
         b. "...who called us by glory and virtue" - 2Pe 1:3
         c. Twice in our text - 2Pe 1:5
      3. It has been variously translated in our text as:
         a. "goodness" (NIV)
         b. "moral excellence" (NASB)
      4. It has been variously explained as
         a. "excellence" (Wycliffe)
         b. "manly excellence" (JFB)
         c. "courage, fortitude, vigor, energy" (Clarke, Barnes)

   B. THE GREEK WORD IS ARETE...
      1. A. T. Robertson says that it is an "old word for any
         preeminence (moral, intellectual, military)
      2. The Greeks used the word:
         a. To describe "any mental excellence or moral quality or
            physical power" (Robertson)
         b. To represent a concept of "excellence" in all phases of
            life, to which they strove to attain (mental, moral,
            physical)

   C. MY UNDERSTANDING OF "VIRTUE"...
      1. It has the connotation of excellence, striving for moral
         perfection
      2. The connection of virtue with faith:
         a. We begin with faith (confidence and trust in God and Christ)
         b. We must add the quality of virtue (the desire to excel and
            be strong in our faith)

[Virtue is the quality of striving for excellence in our faith-based
relationship with God and Jesus Christ.  That such a quality is
necessary to grow in the knowledge of Jesus should be evident...]

II. THE DEMAND OF VIRTUE

   A. SPIRITUAL LIFE DEMANDS VIRTUE...
      1. Without virtue, faith soon dies
         a. Faith without works is a dead faith - cf. Jm 2:26
         b. When faith is joined by virtue (a desire for excellence in
            our service to God)...
            1) Our faith will be a dynamic faith
            2) For works will certainly follow one who is "striving for
               excellence"
      2. Without virtue, we cannot grow
         a. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus requires:
            1) "giving all diligence" - 2Pe 1:5,10
            2) That we "abound" in these graces - 2Pe 1:8
         b. When faith is joined by virtue (striving for excellence)...
            1) Diligent effort will be made
            2) Abounding in these graces will be the goal of our faith

   B. DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS VIRTUE...
      1. Christ taught His disciples to strive for excellence - Mt 5:48
         a. He died to make it possible - He 10:12-14
         b. He established offices (functions) in His church to ensure
            it - Ep 4:11-13
      2. Paul considered excellence in disciples the objective of his
         ministry - cf. Col 1:28-29
         a. He therefore encouraged the Corinthians to this end - 2 Co
            7:1
         b. He told Timothy that this was the design of Scripture - 2 Ti
            3:16-17

[How can we hope to grow as disciples, to truly come to know our Savior
and Lord, unless we add to our faith the quality of virtue?  Without a
strong desire for excellence, especially in our relationship with
Christ, our faith will be weak and possibly die altogether!  So let's
consider...]

III. THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUE

   A. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD...
      1. The purpose or design of the Word is to make us perfect - 2 Ti
         3:16-17
      2. Give ourselves to reading and meditating upon it, and ...
         a. We shall be like a strong fruitful tree - Ps 1:1-3   
         b. We shall grow in wisdom and understanding - Ps 119:97-99
      3. We are therefore encouraged to meditate upon that which
         contains virtue (as surely the Word does!) - Php 4:8

   B. THE VALUE OF AN APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE...
      1. We are also encouraged to emulate Paul - Php 4:9
      2. He described and displayed his own striving for excellence - Ph
         3:12-14
         a. Never consider yourself as having reached it - Php 3:12a
            1) Don't remain satisfied with the spiritual condition you
               are in
            2) Admit that you always have room to grow
         b. Forget what lies behind - Php 3:13a
            1) Don't rest on your "laurels" (past accomplishments)
            2) Don't allow past "mistakes" to prevent future progress
         c. Reach forward to what lies ahead - Php 3:13b
            1) Look ahead with optimism
            2) Keep your eye on the prize that awaits - cf. 2Ti 4:8,18
         d. Press on - Php 3:12b,14
            1) Never give up
            2) Be like the runner in an endurance race - cf. He 12:1-2

[Develop this "mindset" (cf. Php 3:15), and we will have developed the
"arete" (virtue) our faith needs to grow in the knowledge of Jesus
Christ!  Finally, a thought or two about...]

IV. THE DEMONSTRATION OF VIRTUE

   A. IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES...
      1. Does our daily walk with God suggest we are striving for
         excellence?
      2. Are we seeking to excel in our relationship with God?
         a. By reading His Word daily (listening to Him)?
         b. By praying without ceasing (talking to Him)?
      3. Are we seeking to excel in our service to God?
         a. Determining and developing our talents?
         b. Using those abilities in service to God and others?
      -- If we have added virtue to our personal walk of faith, our
         progress will be evident to others - 1Ti 4:13-16

   B.  IN OUR BIBLE STUDIES AND ASSEMBLIES...
      1. Does our involvement in the services of the church suggest we
         are striving for excellence?
      2. Do we utilize opportunities to increase our faith?
         a. By attending the Bible studies offered by the church?
         b. By preparing for them, and being an active contributor to
            the studies?
      3. Do we exercise opportunities to encourage others?
         a. By attending the assemblies of the church?
         b. By participating in the services, exhorting others before
            and after?
      -- If we have added virtue to our public walk of faith, we will be
         an example worthy of others to emulate - Php 3:17

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian who adds virtue to their faith does not remain
   static...
   a. He or she will not be content with their current level of faith
      and service
   b. Like Paul, they will desire to press on
   -- For they are striving for excellence!

2. When a Christian adds virtue to their faith...
   a. They are more likely to add other qualities to their faith
   b. Such as knowledge, self-control, etc.
   -- For they are striving for excellence!

To grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, then, let us seek to
add to our faith the quality of virtue!
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