Stoicism, a Greek philosophy, was philosophically closest to the truth among the Greeks. Stoics believed in a deity, though pantheistically, and in discipline, self-control, and reason. Paul directed his speech primarily toward the Stoics when he spoke at the Areopagus in Athens.

Stoicism was one of the philosophical schools that Paul encountered and debated with in Athens, as mentioned in Acts 17. The Stoics, along with the Epicureans, represented the intellectual elite of the time, yet their teachings left the Athenians unsatisfied and searching for new ideas.

On Paul's second evangelistic campaign, he preaches in southern Turkey and western Greece. He tries to go north but is prevented.

Reminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.

God has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.

Protestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'

If we trust God, we do not have to worry about the future. Having abundance and having need both have their unique problems and difficulties.

Only by using God's Spirit can we gain the self-discipline, self-mastery, and self-control to put to death the carnal pulls, giving us freedom from sin.

Biblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.

Not one of us with heavenly citizenship has ever been there, but like an ambassador, we are compelled to carry on the culture and laws in our lives.