CHRISTIAN
CHARACTER CLINIC
2
Peter 1:5-7
WEEK #1 of 9 - INTRODUCTION: WHY BOTHER?
(A Complete Lesson)
2 Peter 1:5-7 - And
beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to
temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
·
Why is the
character of a Christian important?
·
What are some of
the specific flaws that Christians sometimes have in their character?
·
What motivation
should we have to develop our character?
·
How much time and
effort should be made in developing our Christian character?
2 Peter 1:5-7 gives us a list of eight character
qualities that should be developed by each Christian. In upcoming weeks we plan to examine each one
of these qualities in detail and discuss the development of that quality in our
lives. This week we will examine 2 Peter
1:8-11 in order to answer a very basic question, “Why
should I bother to strive to develop these character traits in my life?”
1. I WANT TO
BE PRODUCTIVE – Vs. 8
·
Physical skills
need to be developed. A pianist, typist
or juggler generally becomes better with practice.
·
The Spiritual
qualities listed above must be in us and on the increase (abounding). For them to be on the increase I must
practice them.
·
The word “barren”
means “idle” or “inactive”. How have you
seen Christians in your lifetime become idle or inactive? Why has that happened?
·
In what ways
should a Christian’s life be fruitful?
·
Why should I want
to be active and fruitful for Christ?
2. I WANT TO
BE INSIGHTFUL – Vs. 9a
·
Please note that
the lack of these character traits in the life of a Christian is a tragedy!
Because of whom we serve and who dwells within us, we should not lack these
qualities.
·
What are the
benefits of spiritual perception?
·
How is spiritual
blindness detrimental?
3. I WANT TO
BE GRATEFUL – Vs. 9b
·
How does
forgetfulness hinder gratefulness?
·
How does being
grateful encourage me to develop Christian Character?
·
What should I be
most grateful for?
4. I WANT TO
BE ASSURED – Vs. 10
·
Why can this
verse not suggest that I need to work to stay saved?
·
Why does God want
me to be assured of my salvation?
·
The more I
develop the above character traits, the more assured I will feel of my standing
with God. Why?
·
What are some
things that Christians tend to stumble over or fall into when they are not
practicing the above character traits?
5. I WANT TO
BE TRIUMPHANT – Vs. 11
·
How will these
character traits reduce the fear of death?
·
Why will
developing these character traits give us an abundant entrance into our Lord’s
kingdom?
1 Corinthians
3:11-15 - For other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon
this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every
man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort
it is. [14] If any man's work abide which he hath
built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man's work shall be
burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be
saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time,
until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the
hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:
and then shall every man have praise of God.
2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment
seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
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