A Proper Response To Grace Series

d) 6 AREAS OF PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS AND RESPONSIBILITY:

i) Moral Excellence

(1) Original classical grk usage meant a god given ability to perform heroic deeds

(2) It came to mean that quality of life that makes one to standout as excellent

(a) Doesn’t refer to a hidden excellence

(b) Meant one that is openly demonstrated in life

(3) Peter speaks here of a Moral Energy

(a) To perform deeds of excellence

(b) As Eph 2:10 states we are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them

(c) The Christian’s walk is to be a walk of moral purity and integrity

(d) It is to be a walk of moral excellence that sets us apart from the world

(e) God calls every believer to a walk of moral excellence – not just some or a few but every believer. It is our proper response to the grace that he has vested us with.

ii) Knowledge

(1) Understanding, correct insight,

(2) This involves the diligent study and pursuit of truth in the Word of God

(a) It is every believers responsibility to be a diligent student of the word of God

(b) Ignorance is not an option for the believer

(c) You have been the recipient of God’s amazing grace, power and promises, therefore it is your responsibility (response ability) to diligently apply yourself to the study of the word, to the understanding and application of truth. Anything less is inappropriate and unacceptable

(i) When do you sharpen your knowledge and understanding of the word of God

(ii) Is it only when you come to church on Sunday? Does that qualify as one who is applying all diligence?

1. Yes the Church has a role to play

a. Through the Preaching of the word

b. Through the teaching of the word

i. Sunday School

ii. Class 101, 201, 301

iii. Small Group

2. But you cannot neglect your personal responsibility to “Study the Word

iii) Self-control

(1) The term self-control speaks of restrain similar to that used of an athlete

(2) As a Christian “we” are to exercise “self-control” or discipline in the areas of our flesh, passions and physical desires. We are to be in control of them rather than be controlled by them

(3) Paul says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become qdisqualified.”

iv) Perseverance

(1) That is, patience or endurance in doing what is right, never giving in to temptation or trial. Perseverance is that spiritual staying power that will die before it gives in. It is the virtue which can endure, not simply with resignation, but with a vibrant hope.

v) Godliness

(1) To be godly is to live reverently, loyally, and obediently toward God.

(2) Since God has already provided everything we need to live Godly, it is now only a matter of us exercising and putting into practice what he has already given us in Christ.

vi) Brotherly Kindness

(1) brotherly affection, mutual sacrifice for one another

(2) 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also 2Pe 1:17