1. (2 Peter 1:1-11) God has provided some special blessings for the benefit of His people. a. (vs.3-4) He has provided what we need to be "partakers of the divine nature," including "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" and "exceeding great and precious promises." b. (vs.5-11) He has provided "the Christian graces" to prevent His people from falling. 2. Each Christian is to give "all diligence" in adding the seven graces. 3. Review: a. "Faith" is the foundation upon which the graces are to be added. b. "Virtue" [courage, the determination to do what is right] is the first grace. c. "Knowledge" [moral wisdom, such as seen in right living] is the second grace. d. "Temperance" [self-control, self-discipline] is the third grace. e. "Patience" [endurance, perseverance, steadfastness] is the fourth grace. f. "Godliness" [reverence or respect toward God] is the fifth grace. g. "Brotherly kindness" [an affectionate kind of love that God's children are to have for one another as brothers and sisters] is the sixth grace. 4. In this lesson we are concentrating on the seventh grace: "charity." Discussion:
I. LET US DEFINE "CHARITY" [LOVE]
A. "Charity" is a special kind of love that "seeks what is best for other people in all situations." B. The Bible teaches us to have this kind of love for: 1. one another (John 13:34-35; 15:17) 2. neighbors (Matthew 22:39; 7:12; Romans 13:8-10) 3. enemies (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:20-21). C. Since "charity" is so important in Christianity, let us turn our attention to . . . II. PASSAGES THAT DESCRIBE AND EXPLAIN "CHARITY"
A. "Charity" is to be "true and genuine" (Romans 12:9a). B. "Charity" is "active" (1 John 3:18). C. "Charity" is to affect everything we do (1 Corinthians 16:14). D. 15 characteristics of "charity" are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. 1. 8 negative characteristics: a. "Charity" does not envy [is not jealous]. b. "Charity" does not vaunt itself [does not brag or boast]. c. "Charity" is not puffed up [arrogant]. d. "Charity" does not behave itself unseemly [act in a way unbecoming of a child of God]. e. "Charity" does not seek its own [have to have its own way]. f. "Charity" is not easily provoked. g. "Charity" does not think evil [does not take into account a wrong suffered]. h. "Charity" does not rejoice in iniquity [unrighteousness]. 2. 7 positive characteristics: a. "Charity" suffers long [is patient]. b. "Charity" is kind. c. "Charity" rejoices in the truth. d. "Charity" bears all things. e. "Charity" believes all things. f. "Charity" hopes all things. g. "Charity" endures all things. E. "Charity" is even greater than "faith" and "hope" (1 Corinthians 13:13).