From mayberryrfd@juno.comWed Sep 4 23:57:10 1996 Date: Wed, 4 Sep 1996 23:04:42 -0500 From: Mark Mayberry Reply to: garyslist@creature.tn.org To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Sermon on Virtue/Moral Excellence Mark Mayberry to John J. Shadowens who said: >Brethren, > >I need some ideas on virtue. Basically, some ways Christians can show >this moral (goodness) excellence. Thanks in advance for any ideas. Dear John: Here is a sermon that I preach on virtue/moral excellence. I hope it proves useful. -- Mark M. SERMON: Virtue Mark Mayberry 315 Idaho Springs Road Clarksville, TN 37043 9/4/96 Introduction Strong defines the Greek word #703 ARETE (ar-et'-ay) as "from the same as 730; properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed): KJV-- praise, virtue."1 Thayer defines this Greek word as "1) a virtuous course of thought, a feeling and action; virtue, moral goodness; 2) any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity."2 W. E. Vine defines this Greek word as "properly denotes whatever procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; hence, "intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue, " (a) of God, (1Pe 2:9), "excellencies" (KJV, "praises"); here the original and general sense seems to be blended with the impression made on others, i. e., renown, excellence or praise (Hort); in (2Pe 1:3), "(by His own glory and) virtue, " RV (instrumental dative), i. e., the manifestation of His divine power; this significance is frequently illustrated in the papyri and was evidently common in current Greek speech; (b) of any particular moral excellence, (Phi 4:8; 2Pe 1:5) (twice), where virtue is enjoined as an essential quality in the exercise of faith, RV, "(in your faith supply) virtue." Note: In the KJV of (Mar 5:30; Luk 6:19; 8:46), DUNAMIS, "power" (RV), is rendered "virtue."3 Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines virtue as "Moral excellence or goodness (Phi 4:8). Virtue is considered a necessary ingredient in the exercise of faith (2Pe 1:3, 5). Sometimes the Greek word for virtue is used to express the idea of power or strength (Luk 6:19)."4 The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, " "In its original classical usage ARTE denoted either the quality of excellence (in any sphere) or the renown that such excellence duly receives. In addition, the plural form was used often with reference to the gods, in the sense of 'mighty deeds' or 'manifestations of power.' Later, in Greek ethical philosophy the term came to be used in a more specific and restricted sense to represent the most comprehensive category for moral excellence ('virtue'), the general heading under which more specific virtues were arranged."5 The Greek word ARTE #703 appears in four verses in the New Testament (Phi 4:8; 1Pe 2:9; 2Pe 1:3, 5). A. Manifestations 1. Initiative And Energetic Action Virtue carries the idea of initiative and energetic action. This describes the person who does not sit back and wait for things to be done. Instead, he energetically strives to accomplish what he wants. Such initiative comes, not so much from physical strength as from an inner spirit that carries one unrelentingly toward a goal. This attitude should be manifested by New Testament Christians (Joh 9:4; Gal 6:9; Phi 3:11-15; Heb 6:10-12; Rev 14:13). 2. Steadfastness And Consistency Virtue carries the idea of steadfastness and consistency. This describes the person who makes decisions without vacillating or wavering. Indecisive people never quite make decisions that are final, but constantly change their mind. One who is steadfast, consistent and decisive will not be ever changing, fickle or wavering. Their decisions will be firm, fixed and settled. This attitude should be manifested by children of God (1Ki 18:21; Hos 6:4; Luk 9:62; Eph 4:14; Heb 10:23-25). 3. Courage To Do What Is Right Virtue carries the idea of courage to do what is right. This describes the person who does not give in to peer pressure. A courageous person has the strength of his convictions. He stands firm. Regardless of the dangers or difficulties, he will do what is right. He will stand firm despite the threat of physical harm, loss of friends, or the loss of position, property or prestige. This attitude should be manifested by all who faithfully serve the Lord (Eze 3:4-9; Act 5:28-29; 1Co 10:13; Phi 4:13; 2Ti 1:6-8). B. Examples 1. Ruth Refused To Forsake Naomi Or Boaz (Rut 1:11-17; 3:10-11) 2. An Excellent Wife Supports Her Family (Pro 12:4; 31:10-31). 3. Joseph Refused To Commit Adultery With Potiphar's Wife (Gen 39:6-12). 4. Shadrach, Meshach, And Abed-Nego Refused To Bow Down To The Golden Image (Dan 3:16-18). 5. Daniel Refused To Pray To King Darius (Dan 6:3-10). Conclusion Those who seek the praises of God are worthy of commendation. Their lives demonstrate the quality of virtue: moral excellence, moral character, moral goodness. However, those who seek the praise of men are unworthy of true praise (Mat 6:2, 5; 23:5-7; Joh 5:44). God wants us to "Act like men!" (1Co 16:13). In the New Testament, manliness is patterned after the type introduced by Jesus Christ. This is different from the Greek or Roman concept of manliness that glorified physical strength above other qualities. It also differs from the modern day "macho-man" concept. Instead it refers to one who seeks moral excellence by walking in the steps of Jesus! He, after all, sets forth the ultimate ideal of manly qualities. Footnotes: 1 BibleSoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & International Bible Translators, Inc., 1994), s.v. "ARETE," #703. 2 The Online Bible: Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown, Driver & Briggs' Hebrew Lexicon, (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & Ontario, Canada: Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1993), s.v. "ARETE," #703. 3 W. E. Vine, Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985, 1994), "Virtue: ARETE," #703." 4 Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Herbert Lockyer, Sr. (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & Nashville: TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986), s.v. "Virtue." 5 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, rev. ed. (1988), s.v. "Virtue," by T. L. Donaldson.