Expressions of the Disciplined Life

MEMORY SELECTION: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” —II Peter 1:5,6

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: I Thessalonians 1:2-7; II Peter 1:3-7

AS CHILDREN of God we should make it our business to grow in the knowledge and likeness of the Master. Although it will take time, and progress will be slow, yet with patience we will reap the benefits of a gradual lifetime work. Character development will require diligence in well-doing.

The Apostle Peter brings to our attention the matter of cultivating Christian character and points out some of the main elements to think about. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity [love].”—II Pet. 1:4-7

Each must examine his own heart as these admonitions are considered. The basis of the apostle’s remarks consists of faith in God and in the plan of redemption through Christ. It is also necessary to surround our lives with the blessed promises that are built on that sure foundation. Secondly, each one should endeavor to lead a virtuous life—not only to abstain from evil, but to be a living sacrifice.

Knowledge is important also. Care should be taken to study the doctrines of the truth and to bring our lives into conformity with their teachings. Temperance suggests moderation in all things, whether it be in eating or in dressing or in our general conduct. “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” (Phil. 4:5) Others should see that we are not hasty or rash but careful and considerate in everything we do.

The apostle next points out that patience is important to the Christian. We must be patient under trial and discipline, not allowing ourselves to become weary in respect to our probable slow growth in Christ. Also, the child of God should be alert to a careful observation of godliness as it is manifest in the divine character. Let us attempt to pattern our lives after the likeness of our Master.

Brotherly kindness should mark all our dealings with those who have been enlightened with present truth. Each one would do well to esteem his brother in a very special way, overlooking those weaknesses in the flesh that may, from time to time, be so obvious to us.

Love is the fulfilling of God’s commandments and should prompt all our actions and words. It should manifest itself in helpfulness toward all—especially toward those who are also walking in newness of life. And if ye do these things, Peter acknowledges, ye shall never fall.

The Apostle Paul’s remarks in his first letter to the Thessalonians are equally encouraging. “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (I Thess. 1:2-4) Paul encouraged the Lord’s people to greater love and zeal in the service of the truth, and his letters to the brethren were always uplifting.

Paul loved the brethren at Thessalonica and reminded them of the many blessings they had all enjoyed in company with them. “For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit], and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”—vss. 5-7

The apostle’s remarks were in the form of praise and encouragement to the Thessalonian ecclesia. His edifying message, no doubt, had a great effect on them toward increasing faithfulness and zeal in the service of the Lord and the truth.

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