Bible Readings for the Home Circle—1914 - A New You Ministry

BIBLE READINGS
13. In spiritual matters, what is also necessary
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge. . . . Give diligence to make your calling and election
sure.” 2 Peter 1:5–10.
NOTE.— In temporal matters the difference between a prosperous
man and a sluggard lies principally in the improvement of opportunities.
One grasps these, while the other is too indolent to do so. In the
gaining of eternal life this same principle applies. God has placed salvation
within the reach of all. None need be lost. Christ died, for all, but
all will not be saved, for, some do not care enough for eternal life
diligently to lay hold of it.
NEAT be your farm; ’tis long confessed
The neatest farmer is the best;
Each bog and marsh industrious drain,
Nor let vile balks deform the plain,
Nor bushes on your headland grow,
Nor briers a sloven culture show.
Neat be your barns, your houses sweet;
Your paths be clean, your dooryards neat;
No moss the sheltering roof enshroud,
No wooden panes the windows cloud;
No sink drains should above ground flow,
Nor weeds with rankling poison grow;
But flowers expand, and fruit-trees bloom,
And fragrant shrubs exhale perfume.
Neatly enclose your garden round;
Smooth, enrich, and clear the ground;
For if to taste and profit you incline,
Beauty and use you always should combine.
PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
{597
597}
1. WHY are we exhorted to patience
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting [lacking] nothing.” James 1:4.
2. How perfect does Christ tell us to be
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.” Matt. 5:48.
3. In whom are we complete
“And ye are complete in Him.” Col. 2:10.
PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
4. After accepting Christ, what are we to do
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection.” Heb. 6:1.
5. In what is the Christian to grow
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.
6. How may one grow in grace
“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; . . . knowledge {598
598};
. . . temperance; . . . patience; . . .godliness; . . . brotherly kindness; . . .
charity.” 2 Peter 1:5–8.
7. Why does Christ desire this growth in His followers
“That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.” Eph. 5:27.
8. What will cause the Christian to grow
“As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may
grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.
9. In order to grow by the word of God, what must one do
“Thy words were found, .and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16. “Thy word
have I hid in mine heart.” Ps. 119:11. See Col. 3:16.
10. What does God’s word then become to the believer
“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer.
15:16, last part.
11. Why are the Scriptures given
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the
man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2
Tim. 3:16, 17.
12. How may the lack of wisdom be supplied
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.
13. In how many things may we ask help from God
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6.
14. What is an evidence of perfection
“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able
also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.
15. What is the bond of perfection
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of per-