2 Peter 1:5-7
Intro:
Virtue: Moral excellence and integrity.
“Virtue at its finest” can refer to different concepts depending on the context, but a strong theme is the application of virtue during times of testing.
C.S. Lewis famously described courage as the “form of every virtue at the testing point,” meaning that virtues like honesty or mercy only truly exist when upheld during difficult or dangerous situations.
Philosophers also describe a “golden mean” as the point of finest virtue, which is a desirable middle.
Identifying integrity involves recognizing a person’s consistency in upholding strong moral and ethical principles, even when unobserved.
Key indicators include honesty and truthfulness, accountability for one’s actions, and treating others with respect. Individuals with integrity are consistent in their behavior, aligning their actions with their values rather than changing them to fit the situation for personal benefit.
- Knowledge: An understanding of scripture and Christian doctrine.
- Temperance: Self-control and discipline.
- Patience: Perseverance and steadfastness, especially in difficult times.
- Godliness: Reverent, holy, and devout behavior.
- Brotherly kindness: Genuine care and concern for fellow believers.
- Charity: Selfless love for all.
Expediency: ‘And beside this, giving all diligence, add…
Diligence = earnestness, accomplishing, prompting, striving.
Connecting of Memorial Stones
In the OT, we have God directing the people to create Memorial Stones.
In the Bible, memorial stones were physical monuments set up to commemorate significant acts of God’s intervention, faithfulness, and the covenants He made with His people. They were intended to be a sign and a reminder for current and future generations of God’s power and provision.
Key Biblical Examples
Several instances in the Old Testament highlight the use and purpose of memorial stones:
Joshua’s Twelve Stones (Joshua 4): Following the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua erected twelve stones at Gilgal, taken from the riverbed, to commemorate God’s miracle.
Samuel’s Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12): Samuel set up a stone named “Ebenezer” (stone of help) after an Israelite victory over the Philistines to acknowledge God’s assistance.
Jacob’s Pillar at Bethel (Genesis 28:18-22): Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel to mark his encounter with God and the confirmation of His covenant.
Covenant Witness Stone (Joshua 24:25-27): Joshua placed a large stone as a witness to the covenant made between God and Israel.
Significance and Purpose
Memorial stones were teaching tools, not objects of worship. They symbolized remembrance of God’s acts, served as a public testimony of faith, and provided a way to teach future generations about God’s intervention.
Application: Every time we add to our faith, I’m making the connection to memorial stones because only God can create in us faith, temperance, knowledge, patience, brotherly kindness and love.
We can add stones to our faith, as memorials of what God has done in our lives.
Belonging
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