Vices & Virtues of the Disciples

Scripture:
Philippians 3:12-13 - "Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it."

Devotional:
The Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians reflect the ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Paul, despite being a leader and a faithful follower of Jesus, admitted that he had not yet “arrived” at full maturity. This mindset of continuous growth is one that the disciples of Jesus also had to adopt. They were a group of men with distinct personalities, vices, and flaws, yet Jesus called them to follow Him, not because they were perfect, but because they were willing to be transformed.

Let’s look briefly at some of the vices that characterized the Twelve Disciples:
 • Peter struggled with impulsiveness and fear, often acting before thinking.
 • James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” were quick-tempered and ambitious, desiring positions of power.
 • Andrew was overshadowed by his brother Peter and often displayed a lack of initiative.
 • Philip was skeptical and had difficulty seeing beyond the physical realm.
 • Thomas is famously known for his doubt and need for tangible evidence.
 • Matthew had a background of greed, being a tax collector, and was despised by his fellow Jews.
 • Simon the Zealot was passionate but often militant, driven by a desire to overthrow Roman rule.
 • Judas Iscariot was characterized by greed and ultimately betrayed Jesus.

Each of these men had a unique set of vices that Jesus sought to transform. For three years, He patiently taught, corrected, and rebuked them, using every opportunity to cultivate virtues such as humility, meekness, purity of heart, and a hunger for righteousness. Jesus did not ignore their flaws but addressed them head-on, helping them grow into the men who would later carry His message to the ends of the earth.

Just as Jesus worked in the lives of these disciples, He desires to work in our lives as well. We must be willing to acknowledge our vices and surrender them to Him, trusting that He can replace them with virtues that reflect His character.

Reflection Questions:
 1. Which of the disciples’ vices do you identify with the most, and why?
 2. How has Jesus worked to transform a particular vice in your life into a virtue?
 3. What role does community play in helping you recognize and address your vices?

Application:
Consider taking the Becoming the Twelve Temperament Assessment to gain a clearer understanding of which disciple you most closely resemble in terms of temperament and struggles. As you do, ask God to show you how He wants to transform these areas into strengths for His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of the Twelve Disciples, who were far from perfect yet were used mightily by You. Help me to see myself honestly and to be willing to let go of my vices. Transform me, Lord, into someone who reflects Your love, grace, and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen