1. Moral Excellence Virtue 2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…

2. Definition: “Arete” • 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.

3. Stems From Character of God • 1 Peter 2:9—“Praises (virtue) of Him who called you.” • Hebrews 6:18—Impossible for God to lie. • 1 Thess. 5:24—He is faithful, we can completely rely on God and His Word. • 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. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:18). He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thess. 5:24). What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! (Romans 9:14).

4. How Does Character Come? • Phil.4:8—Contemplate what is right. • Romans 12:9—Firm decision to do right. • 2 Peter1:5—Put into practice this decision to do what is right! • In every situation of life. • Under threat of rejection, ridicule, persecution, or death. • Virtuous Christian will do what is right simply because it is right—there can be no compromise! Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8). Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9). Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13). But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, (2 Peter 1:5).

5. Noah Gen. 6:5-13 Examples Lot 2 Pet. 2:7-8 Apostles Acts 4:21; 5:29 Paul Acts 20:22-24

6. Virtue Does NOT Ask: Friends What will others think? Family Co-workers How will it affect me materially? How will it affect me physically? Is it pleasant?

7. In Any Situation or With Any Proposition, Virtue Has Only One Question-- IS IT RIGHT?

8. Application • Obeying the Gospel • Attendance • Church Discipline • Moral Issues: • Abortion, Homosexuality, Adultery, Gambling, Pornography, Immodest Dress, Drinking, Drugs, Dancing, Cursing…

11. Application • Obeying the Gospel • Worship • Work of the Church • Attendance • Church Discipline • Moral Issues: • Abortion, Homosexuality, Adultery, Gambling, Pornography, Immodest Dress, Drinking, Dancing…