"Faith, Love and Righteousness "

Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12) Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];

for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you. (2 Peter 1:10-11) Filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized]. (Philippians 1:11) For the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth. (Ephesians 5:9)

But as for you, O man of God, aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11)

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love, joy, [inner] peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:23-24) But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians]. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character].

Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good. In a similar way urge the young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely [taking life seriously]. And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:1-3,6-8) Focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. (Hebrews 12:2)