Devotion Book 3

Devotion 3 – Lesson 1

Devotions Book 3

Lesson 1

Virtue (week 1-4)

The Building Blocks: God’s Principles

“… giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 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.” II Peter 1:5-8

Virtue

Virtue / Week

Day 1 / Ruth 3: 1-18

Ruth was a widow who went with her mother-in-law Naomi to live in Bethlehem. While in Bethlehem, Ruth had a wonderful, virtuous testimony throughout the city – a testimony which deeply impressed Boaz, a wealthy influential man who was related to Ruth. Boaz took Ruth as his own wife.

What kind of testimony do I have with other Christians? With unbelievers? With my neighbors and friends?

Day 2 / Daniel 6: 1-4

King Darius of the great Babylonian empire decided to appoint 120 men to govern the various parts of his kingdom. Over these 120 leaders, he then placed three higher authorities, called “presidents.” Of these 120 men, Daniel was held in highest regard by the King. Not because he was an efficient administrator, or a crafty politician, or an impressive orator, but because “an excellent spirit was in him” (v. 3). The other presidents and princes tried to find fault with him, but they simply could not. He had a virtuous testimony.

What faults might others find in me? How can I develop an “excellent spirit” to overcome these faults?

Day 3 / Titus 2: 7-8

Titus was one of Paul’s “sons.” He was a Gentile whom Paul led to Christ (1:4), and he often accompanied the apostle on his journeys. This letter, written to Titus a few years before Paul’s death, gives practical instructions about how believers should live. In today’s passage, Paul tells Titus that above everything else, he should set an example by doing what is good. He goes on to say that by showing integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech, others that are opposed to Christ, will be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say.

Am I living that others can’t say anything bad about me? What are some things that the Holy Spirit can change so that others could see more of Christ in me?

Day 4 / I Timothy 3: 1-7

Being an overseer of God’s people in the church is a serious responsibility. To hold this important position, a man must meet certain standards set by God in His Word. This passage lists special qualifications for spiritual leaders. One of the things necessary is a good testimony among unbelievers. Of course, this is something vital not just to pastors, but to all Christians, for we all influence the lives of others.

What would others say a Christian is, by looking at me?

Day 5 / I Timothy 3: 10-13

Another important office in the church is that of a deacon. Interestingly, the qualifications for being a deacon are almost identical to those of a pastor. And, according to this passage, deacons must be “proved” – checked out, in other words. The church must be absolutely certain that a man has a virtuous testimony before he is allowed to serve as a deacon. Likewise, a virtuous testimony is essential for all believers whose lives really amount to something in God’s service. Every one of us should qualify for this position.

To gain a more virtuous testimony, what things should I yield to the Holy Spirit’s control?

Day 6 / John 18: 28-38

The Jewish leaders refused to accept Jesus as their Messiah. When He told them who He was, they were filled with hatred against Him. After He had been unjustly arrested, they took Him finally to Pilate, the Roman governor. They told wicked lies about Him, but Pilate could find no fault in Him. He had an absolute virtuous testimony.

What encouragement, motivation and assurance does Jesus’ testimony give me?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Virtue / Week 2

Day 1 / Mark 5:25-34

Jesus was very popular during part of His earthly ministry. His popularity was the result of the miracles He performed. The wondrous things He did attracted a lot of attention and interest. One day, while He was on His way to heal the daughter of a Jewish elder, a sick woman touched Jesus’ robe. She had suffered for twelve years with a severe bleeding problem. Doctors had been completely unable to help her. The virtuous power from Jesus healed her instantly. Because He was the all-virtuous One, His character affected everyone with whom He came in contact.

How has “virtue” (Godly character) in my life affected the lives of others?

Day 2 / I Peter 2:11-12

This world is not our home. Not our permanent home, that is. We are actually just passing through on our way to Heaven. Recognizing this, Peter calls us “strangers and pilgrims” (v.11). Because we are foreigners here, we must abstain from sinful desires and live good lives. In so doing, others may see our good deeds and glorify God in the Day of Judgment, when they realize Christians were right.

Does the way I live show I am more concerned about this life or the next?

Day 3 / Luke 6:17-19

Hearing of His miraculous powers, great multitudes from all parts of Palestine came to Jesus. The diseased and demon-possessed thronged around Him, trying just to touch Him, that they might be healed. The Bible says that “virtue” went out from Him, making them whole. The word “virtue” in this instance means “power.” In Jesus’ life these two things are actually synonymous, for His power is a virtuous power, able to heal, to make whole that which is broken.

In what ways has Jesus’ virtuous power healed me (physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and mentally)?

Day 4 / II Corinthians 6:3-10

Paul wanted above all to be a true minister of the Gospel. For this reason, he was determined not to be an offense, a stumbling block to anyone. He was aware that many people were watching him, waiting for him to make a big mistake so they could discredit what he was doing. He endured some terrible things in the process of gaining and keeping a good testimony.

Am I, in any way, a stumbling block to others? What am I enduring to gain and keep a good testimony?

Day 5 / I Peter 3:14-16

If we suffer for serving God, for doing what is right, we will be blessed. Prepared at all times to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ, we should live without fear. The important thing is that we keep a clear conscience before others, living so that no one could rightfully say anything bad against us.

Is there anyone who can rightfully say they have seen me do something wrong? How can I clear my conscience with them?

Day 6 / I Thessalonians 4:7-12

God has called us to holiness. What does this mean? It means that we must live pure lives. It means we are to love one another as Christians. It means we are to lead quiet lives, minding our own business, working diligently. If we do these things, we will win the respect of outsiders, those who are not in God’s family.

How can I love others more? How can I lead a quiet life? How can I mind my own business? How can I work more diligently?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Virtue / Week 3

Day 1 / Philippians 4:1-9

This part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians deals with the subject of Christian peace. Paul explains that peace comes through prayer, virtuous thoughts; trust in God, and through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The key verse is 8, which singles out the specific things believers are to think about.

What specific things will I endeavor to think about this week?

Day 2 / Psalm 10:1-4

The Bible tells us a lot about the “wicked.” A wicked person is a proud person. He cares only about his own selfish desires. He loves that which God hates. He does not seek after God. In fact, he doesn’t even think about God.

Sometimes Christians act just like the wicked. They become proud. They become selfish. They seemingly forget about God. How this grieves the Lord!

This week, how have I been proud or selfish or forgotten about God?

Day 3 / Psalm 139:23, 24

Self-examination is beneficial. Examination by others can also be helpful. But examination by God is the best and most necessary kind of examination. David realized this, so he prayed earnestly that God would search him, try him, and then lead him in the right way. He wanted the Lord to know his innermost thoughts and feelings.

Do I want the Lord to know my innermost thoughts and feelings? Will I ask Him now to search me, try me, and lead me in the right way?

Day 4 / Proverbs 12:5

The “righteous” – those who are serving God – not only do what is right, they also think what is right. On the other hand, the thoughts of the “wicked” – those who are serving themselves and Satan – are deceitful and impure. Righteous thoughts lead to life. Wicked thoughts lead to death.

In what direction have my thoughts taken me this week? Will I now ask God to direct my thoughts today?

Day 5 / Proverbs 23:7

What we think about determines, to a great extent, how we live. When we think about the Lord, we are more inclined to live for Him, to obey Him. However, when we think about our own fleshly desires, we are prone to live only for self-satisfaction.

What kinds of thoughts have helped me to live for Him?

Day 6 / I Timothy 4:12-15

Timothy was still a young man when Paul wrote this letter to him, so the elder apostle encouraged him: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” And how was Timothy to keep this from happening? By being an example in every area of life-in his speech, his actions, and his faith. Paul advised him, “be diligent in these things.” Timothy was to give himself completely to making spiritual progress.

Am I diligently giving myself to making spiritual progress? How am I growing spiritually?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Virtue / Week 4

Day 1 / II Peter 1:1-9

Peter, who wrote this letter, is the same man whom the Lord Jesus Christ personally chose to be a disciple. He was a key leader of the early church, as the book of Acts documents.

Unlike his first letter, which was written to Jewish Christians, Peter’s second letter is addressed to all believers – “them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (v.1). The first matter Peter deals with in this letter is the relationship between God’s virtue and the Christian’s virtue. He explains how virtue must be added to our faith.

Day 2 / Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said some startling things. His teachings astonished his listeners, causing some to observe that no one had ever spoken like Him. In these verses are some of His astonishing words: “love your enemies . . . bless them that curse you … pray for them who use and persecute you.” And, even more remarkable, He added: “Be perfect, like your Father in heaven is perfect.” What does this mean? How can we possibly be perfect? Obviously, we cannot be sinlessly perfect like God. No. But we can be fully developed at the various stages of spiritual growth. For example, a boy 6 years of age can be a fully developed boy of 6. At age 30, he can be a fully developed man of 30.

In what ways am I becoming “perfect” – developing spiritually? In what ways do I need to develop spiritually?

Day 3 / Peter 1:13-16

God has called us to a holy, virtuous lifestyle. He wants us to be pure and clean and live obedient to His Word. The simple reason we are to be holy is because He is holy. We, as His children, are to reflect His image to a watching world. In “all manner of conversation (behavior or conduct)” we are to live virtuously.

In what ways can I be more “holy” (clean and pure)?

Day 4 / Titus 2:11-15

God’s grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and “Yes” to godly, virtuous living. It shows us that we are to live disciplined, upright lives, waiting for the “glorious appearing” of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us and has called us to be a special people for His sake.

How have I said “No” to ungodliness and “Yes” to virtuous living this week? What areas of ungodliness should I be on guard against this week?

Day 5 / Hebrews 12:14-17

We must make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. For one thing, this means living by God’s value system instead of our own. A tragic example of one who lived by his own value system is Esau. Esau did such a senseless thing: he sold his rights to inheritance for a single meal. He sacrificed something eternal for something temporal. Afterwards, when he wanted to have the blessing which was his birthright, he was refused. Never again did he fully recover from the consequences of his sin.

Are my values eternal or temporal? Does the investment of my time and money prove this? How do my values need to change?

Day 6 / I Thessalonians 4:1-7

This passage is loaded with practical instructions about living to please God. It deals with avoiding immortality…practicing self-control…living like God’s children instead of like the heathen…treating one another with respect and honesty…and, then, Paul sums up the essence of his message by reminding the Thessalonian Christians: God has not called us to be impure but to be holy (v. 7).

What part(s) of Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians do I need to concentrate on obeying?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________