2. 2 Peter 1:5 Adding Virtue to our Faith
Rules of Being a Man
1: Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.
2: It is OK for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
(a) When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
(b) After wrecking your boss's car.
3: Any Man who brings a camera to a bachelor party may be legally killed and eaten by his buddies.
4: No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your buddy's birthday is strictly optional.
5: On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.
6: Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game.
7: The girl who replies to the question "What do you want for Christmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets an Xbox. End of story.
8: There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever.

3. Add Virtue ARETE Used 4 Times in NT
2 Pet. 1:5 - translated “goodness” (NIV) or “moral excellence” (NASB)
“...who called us by glory and virtue” - 2 Pet. 1:3
“...that you may proclaim the praises (excellencies) of Him” - 1 Pet. 2:9
“...if there is any virtue” – Phil. 4:8

4. Add Virtue Definition ARETE had broad meaning:
Excellence whether in mental, physical, or moral realm.
Abbott-Smith: “properly, whatever procures pre-eminent estimation of a person or thing.”
Liddell-Scott: “Excellence of any kind…. in moral sense, goodness, virtue.”

5. Add Virtue
Definition
The derivation of arete is from the word Ares, the Greek God of war.
To the Greek, manliness was best exemplified by the soldier. It was in the thick of battle, arrayed against the enemy and facing injury and death, that true manliness and valor and courage showed itself.

6. Add Virtue
Definition
Thayer: on 2 Pet 1:5: “take it here specifically, moral vigor.”
Bengel: “moral power, moral energy, vigor of the soul.”
Young’s Concordance: “force, strength (of mind or body).”
Liddell-Scott: “…in Homer, like Latin virtus (from vir), manhood, prowess, valour”

7. Add Virtue Definition James Hastings (on arete in 2 Pet. 1:5)
“Virtue, to the Latins, meant, thus, the quality of manhood, or heroism…. Virtue and manliness were almost synonymous words. To be manly was to be virtuous; to be virtuous was to be manly. And it is in this sense that the word is used in our text. For the Greek word conveys just this conception of manly virtue.”

8. Add Virtue
Definition
Virtue is not just moral excellence in general … it is the strength and courage needed to make brave choices in service to Christ.

9. The Virtuous Man - Jesus
Add Virtue
The Virtuous Man - Jesus
“Behold, the man.” – John 19:5
Jesus was indeed “the man” – the perfect man of moral strength and bravery.
Heb. 12:1-3 – “looking to Jesus” His virtuous faith is summed up in the cross, but His whole life was one of moral courage.

10. Virtuous Faith in Hebrews 11
Add Virtue
Virtuous Faith in Hebrews 11
Abraham – “went out, not knowing”
Moses’ parents – “not afraid of the king’s commandment”
Moses – “forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king”
Daniel – “stopped the mouths of lions”

11. Add Virtue Applications
Arete must be a primary trait of the faithful soldier of Christ.
“Fight the good fight of faith” – 1 Tim. 6:10
“Put on the whole armor of God” – Eph. 6:10-17

12. Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Add Virtue
Fight the Good Fight of Faith
What good are convictions (faith) if there is no willingness to put them into action in the face of adversity (works)? Without the moral courage to act rightly, conviction is meaningless (dead). (cf. James 2:14-26)
Under adverse conditions, virtue is making the choice (by faith) to do what is right (simply because it is right), regardless of the consequences.

13. Add Virtue Choices in Meeting Responsibilities Choices in Honesty
Choices in Viewing Sensuality
Choices in Dress
Choices in Peer Pressure
Choices in Standing for the Truth
Choices in Attendance
Choice in Bible Study & Prayer
Choices in Sacrificing Time for Others
Choices in Honoring/Loving Spouse
Choices in Raising Children

14. Add Virtue
1 Cor. 16:13-14
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

15. Virtue calls for repentance.
Add Virtue
Moral Courage
Virtue calls for repentance.

16. Will You Become A Christian?
Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:17)
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Mk. 16:16)
Repent of Your Sins (Acts 17:30)
Confess Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10)
Be Baptized for Forgiveness of Sins (Acts 2:38)
Live Faithfully until You Die (Rev. 2:10)