2 Peter 1:5-6 “…Supplement … moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control…”
Knowledge is next on our list. Knowledge is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as: facts, information and skills acquired by a person through experience or education. In Proverbs 1:7 we are told “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” This type of fear is actually a great respect for God, His knowledge is flawless and there is no end to His knowledge. God wants us to have a deep respect for His law which will cause us to obey it. We know that God exist, that He is the creator of all, but is that knowledge enough? The more we read God’s word the more we understand and gain knowledge of Him who created us. 2 Peter 3:18 says to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord”. Knowledge apart for God is said to be foolishness (1 Corinthians 8:1). In John 8:32 Jesus told His disciples that they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. As our knowledge of Christ grows our minds become transformed leading us to grow in appreciation for Him, we develop the desire to do what is right in His eyes and also to recognize the truth from false teachings. Knowledge of what is acceptable in God’s eyes will also help us to have more control over our own bodies and minds. Back in September we talked about self-control, so I will just briefly touch on this subject. If you look up the definition of self-control it is the ability to control one’s emotions, desires and behavior. If you think about it, these are all things that the world allows to control them, and it would seem that in this current atmosphere it has become not only acceptable but encouraged. As Christians we strive to master these things instead of becoming a slave to them. If we have no self-control, then we will fall into sin again and we set ourselves up for destruction. From the beginning of creation God gave us free will, it is up to us to choose whether we will give into our emotions and selfish desires or take control of them. Some churches have moved towards making God’s word more attractive to man by watering down His word. But God’s word is truth, He does not change, He is the same now as He was in the beginning. I hope you will join me on Monday as we once again look at enhancing and building on our faith. Until then may God bless you and bring peace to your heart.