In this lesson we learn that Paul wanted the Corinthians to know that he had made four (4) specific decisions dealing with what he was going to do and how he was going to do it.

I believe that we can see deep into Habakkuk's heart his passion for the Will of God to be accomplished because of sin. His one question is for God to temper His wrath with mercy, which history proved is exactly what God did do . By the end of chapter 3 in Habakkuk we see a prophet who is trusting God in spite of the judgment that is coming. He is able to stand confidently firm trusting God even though the prophet will suffer a lot with the loss of family, friends and income.

~~~~~~~ No 24 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 1:5-9** And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; .......and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9) *1/ What we must add - seven things. 2/ The diligence required. 3/ The means of adding to faith.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon expounds on the necessity of demonstrating genuine faith through practical works, drawing primarily from 2 Peter 1:5-9 and James 2. It outlines seven qualities—virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—that believers must diligently cultivate to ensure their faith is alive and fruitful. The preacher emphasizes that while salvation is by grace alone, true faith inevitably produces a transformed life characterized by moral strength and obedience to Scripture. Using examples from Abraham and Rahab, the text argues that faith without corresponding action is dead and unfruitful. The message concludes with an exhortation to rely on prayer and the Word of God to sustain this active, obedient Christian walk.

2 Peter 1:6-15 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 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. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

The sermon examines the progressive spiritual virtues outlined in 2 Peter 1, urging believers to cultivate faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. It addresses two groups of listeners: those who have forgotten their purification from sin and those doubting their salvation, offering this list as evidence of genuine faith. The preacher emphasizes that these qualities must be added diligently to one's existing faith, which serves as the essential foundation for all Christian growth. By abiding in Christ and allowing trials to produce patience, believers can confirm their calling and avoid spiritual barrenness. Ultimately, the message calls for a vibrant, active walk with God that reflects His character and demonstrates the reality of salvation through love and self-control.

The sermon examines Titus 2:2 to outline the virtues expected of older men in the church, emphasizing that healthy doctrine must drive healthy behavior. It details specific outward qualities such as temperance, gravity, and sobriety, alongside inward graces like faith, love, and patience. The speaker argues that these characteristics serve to authenticate Christianity, adorn the believer's life, and influence younger generations. Rather than retreating into retirement, older men are called to spiritual maturity and active endurance in their later years. The message concludes with a call to finish well by aligning one's conduct with biblical truth and eternal hope.

The sermon explores the call to Christian unity and humility as found in Philippians 2:1-4, emphasizing that true fellowship with the Holy Spirit and consolation in Christ should motivate believers to reject selfish ambition. The preacher argues that knowledge must be tempered by love and compassion to prevent arrogance and division within the church body. By examining the theological foundations of grace and mercy, the message highlights how God's prior work in a believer's life serves as the basis for imitating Christ's humble service. The text underscores the importance of holding to doctrinal truth while maintaining a heart of lowliness that esteems others above oneself. Ultimately, the sermon urges the congregation to cultivate a unified spirit characterized by mutual care and shared purpose rather than personal promotion.

Thhis lesson examines the biblical qualifications for bishops found in Titus and 1 Timothy, emphasizing that a man of God must be a faithful steward of the mysteries of God rather than merely managing material assets. It defines key traits such as being self-willed, not soon angry, just, holy, and temperate, using Proverbs to illustrate the necessity of moderation in all things. The preacher argues that spiritual maturity requires yielding personal will to God's will and maintaining sound doctrine to effectively exhort and convince opponents. Through analogies of tools and watches, the text stresses the importance of keeping biblical knowledge sharp and ready for use in ministry. Ultimately, the message calls believers to uphold these standards with humility, recognizing their responsibility to feed the flock as living examples.