'Exercising' in the Bible

And he said to them, 'The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority upon them are called benefactors;

And we also thank God continually for this, that when you received the word of God [concerning salvation] which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its inherent, supernatural power in those of faith].

For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed,

shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising oversight, not by necessity, but willingly; not for base gain, but readily;

neither as exercising lordship over the heritages, but patterns becoming of the flock,

For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding),

and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,

and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].