- Remain faithful, enjoy His presence, and rest in His righteousness.
2 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
- We are called by virtue and called to virtue (moral excellence).
2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…
- By His grace we grow, change, and can diligently add virtue to our faith.
“The divine nature is not an automatic self-propelling machine that will turn out a Christian life for the believer irrespective of what that believer does or the attitude he takes to the salvation which God provided.” – Kenneth Wuest
John 8:28-29 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
John 5:30 (NIV)
. . . I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me.
Matthew 3:17 (NKJV)
. . . This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 17:5 (ESV)
. . . a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Actions of Moral Excellence
Live like a devoted believer.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (ESV)
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT)
God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.
Tips to live in purity:
- Fill our heart with Jesus and His word.
- Renew our mind with Scripture.
- Fill our routines with safe rules.
- Fill our friendships with accountability.
- Fill our soul with resolve to live pleasing to God.
2. Love your faith family.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (NLT)
But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.
3. Lead a quiet life.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
- Paul was telling them to be less frantic, not less exuberant.
Questions:
- What did you hear from the Holy Spirit?
- What will you do because of it?
- How can we pray for you?