Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
2 Peter says God “hath called us to glory and virtue”; what does it reveal about God’s intentions that “virtue” is part of the calling, and how would a church change if it treated virtue as a central aim rather than an optional byproduct?
Another way to ask: If God calls us to “glory and virtue,” what does that say about what God wants for us? How would church life change if virtue was a main goal and not just a nice extra?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript presents “virtue” as something God intentionally calls Christians into, not merely a side effect—part of the purpose of salvation life. A church treating virtue as central would aim at forming stable moral excellence in members and organize growth around concrete virtues.
- He reads 2 Peter 1:3 and highlights the point: God “hath called us to glory and virtue.”
- He draws the implication explicitly: “Did you know that’s one of the things you’re called to as a Christian?”
- He notes virtue in a growth sequence: “to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge,” implying intentional development.
- He teaches mindset change toward lifelong practice: from “Do I have to?” to “I want to do it the rest of my life.”
- He frames his goal for the congregation: “help each of us become lovers of virtue.”
- He proposes a structured plan: pick virtues and practice them regularly (“one each day for a month… one a month… 12 times a year”).