“Established in the Truth”
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UNITED APOSTOLIC CHURCH
ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH
Lesson 4: “Diligent Growth and a Fruitful Life”
October 27 & November 3, 2026
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:5–11
Introduction
As we continue our series, “Established in the Truth,” it is helpful to remember what we have learned so far.
Lesson 1: Partakers of His Divine Nature
God desires every believer to grow spiritually. Peter teaches that we are called to become partakers of the divine nature—not to become God, but for our lives to increasingly reflect His character. Spiritual growth should be intentional, not accidental.
Lesson 2: God Has Provided What We Need
God has already provided what we need for life and godliness. We do not have to produce spiritual life in our own strength. God supplies the power and resources, but we must respond to what He has given us. His provision does not remove our responsibility.
Lesson 3: God’s Promises and Christlike Living
God’s promises are not merely words that encourage us; they are meant to lead us to a changed life. As we trust God and obey His Word, we escape the corruption of sinful desires and increasingly develop Christlike character.
If God has given us what we need, and His promises are meant to change us, what are we supposed to do with what He has given us?
That is where Lesson 4 begins.
Peter now moves from what God has provided to how the believer should respond. In 2 Peter 1:5–11, he urges us to be diligent in our spiritual growth by cultivating virtues such as virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.
Just as a garden will not grow simply because the gardener has seed, tools, and water, spiritual maturity does not occur simply because God has made growth possible. We must faithfully use what He has provided.
God provides what we need, but we must diligently grow in what He has given us. The goal is to become strong, fruitful Christians.
Grace Does Not Produce Passivity
“And beside this, 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.”
2 Peter 1:5–7
Verses 3–4 describe what God has given. Verses 5–7 explain what believers must diligently pursue. There is no contradiction between God’s provision and our responsibility. His grace makes growth possible and calls for a faithful response.
“Giving all diligence” means making spiritual growth a serious priority. We do not earn salvation by our efforts, but we respond to God’s grace by obeying Him, learning His Word, resisting sin, and choosing to do what is right.
Peter does not simply urge us to work hard at growing spiritually; he tells us what to focus on. Our diligence should show in the virtues we add to our faith. Diligence is the effort, and these virtues are where that effort should be evident.
Understanding the Eight Qualities
1. Faith
Trusting God and believing His Word.
2. Virtue
Choosing to live in a way that is morally right and pleasing to God.
3. Knowledge
Understanding God’s Word and knowing how He wants us to live.
4. Temperance
Self-control; learning to control our desires, emotions, and actions.
5. Patience
Remaining faithful and steady, especially during difficulty.
6. Godliness
Living with reverence for God and seeking to please Him in everyday life.
7. Brotherly Kindness
Showing genuine care, concern, and love toward other believers.
8. Charity
Christlike love that seeks the good of others, even when it requires sacrifice.
In This Session
We will focus on Faith, Virtue, and Knowledge.
In the next session, we will continue with Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Charity.
A Picture of Spiritual Growth
The growing tree represents a Christian who is growing spiritually. Its single trunk shows that these qualities are not found in separate kinds of Christians; they are part of the same spiritual life.
The Fruits of a Growing Believer
Faith • Virtue • Knowledge
Temperance • Patience • Godliness
Brotherly Kindness • Charity
A Growing Believer
The branches and fruits represent the eight qualities Peter describes. Each is distinct because it serves a different purpose, yet all grow from the same tree. The roots and the stone marked “A Growing Believer” symbolize stability and continued spiritual growth.
Faith, Virtue, and Knowledge
1. Faith Is the Foundation
Peter begins with faith because everything else grows from our relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith means trusting God, believing His Word, and depending on Him.
Peter does not tell us to replace faith, but to add to it. As our faith grows, other Christlike qualities should begin to develop in our lives.
2. Virtue Is Moral Excellence
Virtue means choosing to live in a way that is right, honorable, and pleasing to God. A growing believer should increasingly ask:
“Does this choice reflect Christ?”
Virtue is not limited to how we behave in church. It should be seen in our conduct at home, at work, in our relationships, and even when no one else is watching.
Virtue May Be Seen When We:
- Tell the truth even when dishonesty seems easier.
- Accept correction rather than defend wrong behavior.
- Refuse choices that could damage our Christian witness.
- Choose what is right even when it is difficult.
3. Knowledge Guides Our Conduct
Knowledge means understanding God’s Word and learning how He wants us to live. Good intentions are not enough; our lives must be guided by biblical truth.
Through the Word of God, We Learn to Recognize:
- Truth from error.
- Wisdom from foolishness.
- Godliness from compromise.
- What pleases God from what does not.
Knowledge must lead to obedience. It is not enough to know what the Bible says; we must be willing to follow what it teaches.
A person may know the correct Scripture and still choose not to obey it. True spiritual growth takes place when what we know in our minds affects how we respond in our hearts and how we live our lives.
How These Three Qualities Connect
Faith trusts God.
Virtue chooses what is right.
Knowledge teaches us what is right.
Together, they show that spiritual growth involves what we believe, how we live, and how well we understand God’s truth.
Discussion Scenario: Choosing What Is Right
You are at work and notice that a mistake was made on a report. If you admit that you caused the mistake, you may be embarrassed or corrected. No one else knows that you were responsible, so it would be easy to remain silent.
Discuss Together
Faith: How should trusting God affect your decision?
Virtue: What would moral excellence require you to do?
Knowledge: What biblical truth should guide your response?
When these three qualities work together, the believer does more than know the right thing.
The believer trusts God, chooses what is right, and acts on what God’s Word teaches.
This Week’s Application
This week, look for opportunities to practice faith, virtue, and knowledge together in real-life situations.
1. Practice Faith
When you face a difficult decision, pause and ask:
“Am I trusting God enough to do what is right, even if the outcome is uncomfortable?”
My practical step this week:
2. Practice Virtue
In your daily choices, ask:
“Does this decision reflect the character of Christ?”
Choose honesty, integrity, and what is morally right, even when another option seems easier.
My practical step this week:
3. Practice Knowledge
Before making an important choice, ask:
“What does God’s Word teach me about this situation?”
Let Scripture guide your response instead of feelings, pressure, or convenience.
My practical step this week:
4. Bring Them Together
Identify at least one situation this week where you consciously apply all three:
Trust God. Choose what is right. Follow what His Word teaches.
The situation I will apply this to:
Notes
Use this space to record additional thoughts, Scripture references, and lessons from the discussion.
ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH
Diligent Growth and a Fruitful Life
God provides what we need. We respond with diligence. Our lives grow to reflect Christ.
Faith • Virtue • Knowledge
United Apostolic Church
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