“Established in the Truth”
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UNITED APOSTOLIC CHURCH
BIBLE STUDY SERIES
ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH
Lesson 5: Diligent Growth and a Fruitful Life
Temperance, Patience, and Godliness
November 2, 2026
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5–11 (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
This series is a study through 2 Peter designed to strengthen believers in four critical areas: spiritual formation, biblical foundation, spiritual discernment, and faithful Christian living.
In our previous lesson, we considered the importance of adding to our faith virtue and knowledge. In this lesson, we continue through Peter's list of Christian qualities by examining temperance, patience, and godliness.
These qualities are not merely ideas to understand. They are characteristics that should become increasingly evident in the life of a believer as we continue walking with the Lord.
A growing believer learns to govern personal desires, remain faithful under pressure, and live in a way that honors God.
FOUNDATION SCRIPTURE
“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.
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.”
Peter teaches that spiritual growth requires diligence. The qualities he identifies are meant to abound in our lives. They should affect the way we think, respond, speak, and conduct ourselves.
1. TEMPERANCE: BRINGING OURSELVES UNDER GOD'S DIRECTION
Temperance means self-control; bringing our desires, emotions, words, and actions under God's direction.
Knowledge helps us identify the right course, but temperance helps us act on that knowledge. Knowing what is right is not enough if we continually allow our feelings, appetites, or impulses to govern our behavior.
The growing believer must choose obedience in feelings, pressure, and daily conduct.
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
A city without walls is vulnerable. In the same way, a lack of self-control leaves us vulnerable to words, habits, and decisions that damage our lives and our Christian witness.
Practical Ways to Practice Temperance
- Pause before speaking when we are angry.
- Refuse entertainment or desires that lead us toward sin.
- Set wise limits on entertainment and screen time.
- Bring our reactions and decisions under the direction of God's Word.
Consider: What has the greatest influence over my responses—God's Word or my emotions?
2. PATIENCE: REMAINING FAITHFUL THROUGH DIFFICULTY
Patience means steadfast endurance; continuing to trust and obey God through difficulty and delay.
Patience helps us continue doing what is right when the difficulty does not quickly pass. It is more than waiting quietly. It is continuing to trust God, obey His Word, and fulfill our responsibilities while we wait.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Trials and difficulties can test our faith. Yet Scripture teaches that patience has a work to accomplish in us. We must not allow difficult circumstances to cause us to abandon faithfulness.
Practical Ways to Practice Patience
- Continue praying when an answer has not yet come.
- Remain faithful when obedience is inconvenient.
- Respond graciously while others are still growing.
- Refuse sinful shortcuts to obtain a desired result.
An Example from Joseph's Life
Joseph remained faithful during unjust circumstances. His conduct in Potiphar's house and in prison gives us an example to consider.
- He served diligently and responsibly, even in an unfair situation.
- He resisted temptation and would not sin against God.
- He remained faithful when he was falsely accused and mistreated.
- He kept a trustworthy spirit and continued doing right in prison.
Joseph's circumstances did not determine his character. He continued to honor God even when his situation was difficult.
Am I willing to remain faithful when my circumstances do not improve immediately?
3. GODLINESS: LIVING IN A WAY THAT HONORS GOD
Godliness means reverence for God that shapes our choices and conduct in everyday life.
Godliness is not limited to what people see during church services. It should influence our speech, relationships, habits, private decisions, and everyday conduct.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
God's grace teaches us to deny sin and to live differently now. Our conduct should reflect the relationship we profess to have with the Lord.
Practical Ways to Practice Godliness
- Maintain prayer and attention to God's Word.
- Practice honesty when no one is watching.
- Treat family members with the care we show at church.
- Reject compromise, even when others approve of it.
An Example from Daniel's Life
Daniel continued praying when faithfulness became costly. His devotion was an established practice, not something he began only when trouble came.
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
Daniel's example reminds us that godliness is developed through consistent devotion to God. His circumstances changed, but his commitment to the Lord remained.
Does my private conduct honor and reflect my relationship with God?
4. THESE QUALITIES MUST GROW TOGETHER
Temperance, patience, and godliness are not separate achievements that we complete one at a time and then leave behind. These qualities develop together as we continue walking with the Lord. They should become increasingly evident in our lives.
A growing believer:
- Learns to govern personal desires.
- Remains faithful under pressure.
- Lives to please God.
Spiritual growth is demonstrated not merely by what we know, but by how we live when our faith is tested.
5. QUICK CHECK
Consider the following statements. Which quality is being demonstrated?
- “I resist a sharp reply.” __________________________
- “I stay faithful while waiting.” __________________________
- “I act honestly in private.” __________________________
Discussion: Why is it important for these qualities to be evident in both our public and private lives?
6. GROUP DISCUSSION: RESPONDING LIKE A BELIEVER
You work with someone who repeatedly speaks disrespectfully. You have tried to respond kindly, but the behavior continues. Today, the coworker embarrasses you in front of others.
You feel angry and want to answer harshly. A friend suggests that you retaliate so the person will stop.
Discuss the following questions:
- What should you do before responding? Which words or actions should you refuse?
- How can you remain faithful if the situation does not improve immediately?
- What response would honor Jesus and preserve your Christian witness?
- How do temperance, patience, and godliness work together in this situation?
7. WEEKLY APPLICATION
This week, look for opportunities to practice temperance, patience, and godliness together in real-life situations.
Practice Temperance
Identify one area where you tend to act on impulse. Before responding, pause and pray.
My area of focus:
Practice Patience
Identify one situation in which you are becoming weary. Ask: “What does faithfulness require of me today?” Continue in the right action, even if the outcome has not changed.
My situation:
Practice Godliness
Consider whether your private conduct agrees with your public confession. Ask: “Does this honor Jesus?” Make one specific change in your speech, habits, relationships, or devotional life.
My specific change:
Record one situation in which you controlled your response, continued doing what was right, and consciously sought to please God.
8. PERSONAL REFLECTION
Take a few moments to consider the following questions prayerfully:
- Where do I need greater self-control?
- What situation is currently testing my patience?
- Does my daily conduct reflect reverence for God?
- What is one practical step I can take this week to grow in these qualities?
My thoughts and prayer:
CLOSING SCRIPTURE
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Peter calls believers to give diligence. Our calling should be reflected in a life that continues to grow in Christlike character. As we practice temperance, patience, and godliness, we demonstrate the transforming work of God in our lives.
ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH
Growing in Christ. Living faithfully. Bringing glory to God.
UNITED APOSTOLIC CHURCH
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