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Maturing as Believers -5

 

We are looking at what it means to grow spiritually as a believer. We looked at the foundation of the Christian life that must be faith in Jesus Christ. Then we must add virtue or courage as the word is defined, and then knowledge of God. Then we learned temperance or self-control. Now what is next that we see in II Peter chapter 1.

2 Peter 1:5 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 

2 Peter 1:6 - And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

J. Vernon McGee puts it like this; “Many folk have the wrong concept of what patience really is. They think it means sitting in a traffic jam on the freeway in the morning without worrying about getting to work. Well, that is not patience. It just gives you an excuse for being late to work. Patience is being able to endure when trials come. Patience is endurance. It is built upon knowledge and courage.” 

In the book of James we read this; James 1:3 - Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4 - But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Maturing as believers requires drawing close to God by His Word and when we do He develops these qualities in us. We put our faith in Him, we learn to live virtuously, our knowledge of the ways and will of God increases, our self-control is exhibited, then in all this our patience is exercised through the trials we face.