Pastors Jim and Marie Watt
2 Peter 1:1-21, VIRTUE, a-reTE from AIro*, 5x (102), Strong’s # 703 (142)
One. 1 PET 2:9 (1:22-2:10) VIRTUE: THE EXCELLENCIES GOD CALLS US FORTH TO REVEAL. “But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’spossession, so that you may show forth the excellenciesof him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous :light.” The purpose of our calling is not to be blessed, but to be a blessing to God and reveal His great redemption!
Two. 2 PET 1:3 (1-11) VIRTUE: GOD HAS CALLED US FORTH FOR THIS. “Since his divine :power has granted to us all things unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us through glory and virtue.” Notice the basis of our calling here: virtue! This verse in the context of the eleven – will still challenge us to plumb it even in Eternity.
Three. 2 PET 3:5 (1-11) VIRTUE: THE BEGINNING OF WHAT ENDS IN LOVE. “Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your :faith supply :virtue; and in :virtue:knowledge.” Faith is the basis for Virtue; and Virtue for knowledge. Note how important it is for us to call on diligence! Note also how virtue flows out of the foundation of faith, and knowledge out of its foundation of virtue!
Four. PHIL 4:8 (8-9) VIRTUE: A BASIS FOR OUR RECKONING. “For the rest, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever are honorable, whatever are just, whatever are pure, whatever arelovely, whatever are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if any praise, take account thereof.” The six preceding character traits, should have within them both virtue and praise. If this be true, then think, speak, do and be – according to them.
Five. MAT 11:29 (25-30) VIRTUE; ASSOCIATED WITH JESUS’ YOKE. “Takemy :yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in :heart: and you shall find rest to your :souls.” Virtueis what we have when Jesus has taken away our sin. Virtueis God’s deposit, like the “manna,” through His grace. Note: the first 4 references are for the 5 times
a-reTEor virtueis used. But References 5-7 are from AIro, take away, the root word. Virtueis dependant first upon the action of this root word to take away our sin. ThenGod by the Spirit can work virtueinto our lives.
Six. John 1:29 (29-34) VIRTUE: GOD’S DEPOSIT WHEN SIN IS REMOVED. “On the morrow he sees :Jesus coming unto him, and says, See, the Lamb of :God, that takes away the sin of the world!” John the Baptist had a revelation from God concerning the Son of God who was his cousin after the flesh. He knew the importance of sin’s removal prior to the grace of virtue.
Seven. 1 John 3:5 (5-8) VIRTUE: THE SINLESS CHRIST’S DEPOSIT. “And you know that he was manifested to take away :sins; and in him is no sin.” It is so important to understand the true nature of Jesus. He was the Son of God planned by God for our Redemption prior to the foundation of the world. Before Abraham, Jesus was! He was the sinless Son of God, and therefore fit to provide us with plenteous redemption. Romans 5 is a great chapter to shed further light on this.