1. Concerning what did Paul reason before Felix?
“He reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.” Acts 24:25.
Note.—Temperance means habitual moderation and control in the indulgence of the appetites and passions; in other words, self-control.
2. Of what is temperance a fruit?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23.
Note.—“Temperance puts wood on the fire, meal in the barrel, flour in the tub, money in the purse, credit in the country, contentment in the house, clothes on the back, and vigor in the body.”—Benjamin Franklin.
3. Where in Christian growth and experience is temperance placed by the apostle Peter?
“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. See page [542].
Note.—Temperance is rightly placed here as to order. Knowledge is a prerequisite to temperance, and temperance to patience. It is very difficult for an intemperate person to be patient.
4. What is said of those who strive for the mastery?