Through Knowledge

by Hugh DeLong

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (II Peter 1:2-3).

Through the true knowledge of Him, we find everything pertaining to life and godliness. Knowledge has its own dangers, for it often puffs up and breeds arrogance (I Corinthians 8:1f). We see this in the Corinthians. They thought they knew so much, yet Paul continually asked, “Do you not know…” If they did know, they weren’t doing it!

Ignorance has its own peculiar problems! "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"(Hosea 4:6). Zeal without knowledge leads to ungodliness (Romans 10:1f).

Two things then seem to be needed. First, practice what you know heartily! It isn’t just about knowing, but knowledge that results in our living a life of godliness. To know the right thing and not do it is sin (James 4:17). Second, keep on growing in knowledge (II Peter 3:18).

Thus Paul prayed for the brethren that their "love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and discernment" (Philippians 1:9). What are you learning today?