What Does It Mean To Have Virtue?

Philippians 4:8-9

Thesis: To show what it means to have virtue.

Introduction:

1. Do you feel as though something is missing in your life?

2. Has your faith become stagnant?

Discussion:

Let us ask…

I. What is virtue?

A. “intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue” (Vine)

B. “properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed)” (Strong’s)

C. Latin is virtus “manly strength”

D. Greek etymology comes is “to lift up” or “to take away”

E. “Moral excellence or goodness” (Nelson)

II. Where is virtue found?

A. God is virtuous (1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 1:3).

B. Jesus is virtuous (Mk. 5:30 KJV).

C. Christians are virtuous (Phil. 4:8; 2 Pet. 1:5).

III. How is faith connected to virtue?

A. Faith is seeing/knowing/understanding God’s truths.

B. Virtue is the practice of faith in this world of vice.

IV. What do we do with virtue? (Eph. 4:25-32)

A. Stop lying, and speak the truth (v. 25).

B. Be in control (vv. 26-27).

C. Don’t steal, but work and give (v. 28).

D. Speak using words of grace (v. 29).

E. Don’t sin, but apply virtue and kindness (vv. 30-32).

Conclusion:

1. Christians should have virtue.

2. Our faith needs to leads to virtue.