Some metals shine brighter by being polished Christian graces shine brighter with use

Not by birth, Money or social prominence

By Prayer, suffering and patient cultivation

Add Graces with Diligence

Diligence = to hasten, serious, energetic

Matt. 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Add Supply, supplement To place upon, to add further Bring in by the side of

Foundation of our hope

Heb. 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Conviction that God exists

Confidence he will keep His promises

Courage, valor, determination to do rightMoral excellence, purity, modesty

Joseph - Genesis 39:7-12

Ruth 3:11 Boaz is speaking: “for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”

Peter lacked courage and denied Jesus Mt. 26:70

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Cor.16:13

Of GodJesusBible

Tell right from wrong Result in changed behavior Free from bondage to sin

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

Masters his desires and passions

Excuse “I just couldn’t help myself”

2 Cor. 5:10 - we will give an account Prov. 16:32 “he that ruleth his spirit” Eph. 4:26 “Be ye angry, and sin not” James 3:1-2 - bridle the tongue

“I said, I will take heed to my ways” Psalms 39:1a

Bear up under stress or strain - doing right regardless of circumstances - not giving up

“Ye have heard of the patience of Job” Jas. 5:11

Rev. 21:8 “the fearful” = give up, no patience

An attitude of respect, reverence and devotion expressed toward God

and his word

“But Godliness with contentment is great gain” 1 Tim.6:6

Friendship, love of brethrenBadge of discipleship Jn.13:35

I Jn. 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

Brings …

Help ~ Encouragement ~ Comfort ~ Rebuke ~

Love is active Good WillAgape = highest type

Doing right because it is rightBecause of what we are

Seeks highest good for others

Col.3:14

Not one following another

Not “love” when others added

All practiced together

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8

Not barren = idle, inactiveNot Unfruitful

Multiply, prolific, bumper crop

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9

Opposite of abound

Blind - near sighted = SpirituallyCol. 3:2 - “set your mind on things above”

Forgotten he was purged = “cleansed”Backslider

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” 2 Peter 1:10

Diligence = zealCalling = God’s invitation is for allElection = man’s acceptance of God’s terms

Sure - ye shall never fall

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11

Entrance

Abundantly

Everlasting Kingdom

Keep on growing

If we stop we die !!

Sermon by Arthur Pigman

Evans Church of Christ

515 Gibbs Road

Evans, Ga. 30809

706-855-1249

arthurpigman@bellsouth.netarthurpigman@bellsouth.net

www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org

Sunday Morning December 9, 2012