Friday, September 21, 2012

September 22, 2012

“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to goodness, knowledge….” II Peter 1:5

 
According to, William Barclay, the original Greek word used for knowledge is “gnosis” a practical knowledge, that knowledge which enables a man to decide rightly and to act honorably and efficiently in the day to day circumstances of life.
 

It is easy to think that knowledge is the key to gaining access to all the good things God wants you to have. Most world religions teach you some version of this idea - the way to God is through meditation and enlightenment. Unfortunately, some Christians buy into that notion.
 
Peter teaches just the opposite. In the first few verses of this chapter he stresses the truth that when you received Jesus as Savior you also received everything you need to live a godly life. So, the purpose of knowledge when added to moral courage, is to help you know how to live out what God has put in.
 
You must know it so you can grow in it so you can show it!
 
What do I need to know about knowledge?


You Need A Head Knowledge

 
Here’s your “head” start:

 
Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

II Corinthians 5:17 –“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!”
 
You need to know God and You can’t know God well until you get your mind right! You can't get your mind right without a knowledge of the Word and a personal relationship with Christ.
 
Peter must have been thinking how he got to know Jesus after he left his nets and began following Him. Peter heard the teachings, marvelled at the parables, beheld the miracles and then declared in an inspired moment, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"
 
By following Christ, Peter gained knowledge of Who He was!
 
That is how you will know Him and how I will know Him. Paul said, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of God!"
 
Have you gotten your head right? Do you know Who Jesus is? Are you learning form His Word?

THE GOAL of HEAD KNOWLEDGE IS TO KNOW THE MIND OF GOD!