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- Preaching the Living WORD through the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4:2
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REFINEMENTS OF
CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: KNOWLEDGE - 1 (2Pe 1:5 from vss. 3-10) 8-26-12 Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert I. ADD MORAL EXCELLENCE II. ADD KNOWLEDGE A. The Explanation of
Knowledge (gnōsis) 1. Gnōsis is
knowledge that is gained through the normal means of learning and
understanding. It can include the idea of perception, but a perception based
on learning and understanding. It is knowledge that grasps truth, its
reality, and the comprehension of it. It is achieved in all the acts in which
a man can attain knowledge, in seeing, observing, investigating, and
reflecting. 2. In the mystery religions, gnosis and
epignōsis are erroneously
believed to be an esoteric and mystical knowledge. That is, knowledge that
only the elite are able to attain. This erroneous knowledge is gained not
through rational thought but through enlightenment of the deities. To them
this mystical knowledge is the pathway to salvation. 3. In the Scriptures gnosis and epignōsis are true, full, and virtuous knowledge
that are based on the knowledge of God. It therefore seeks the true and full
knowledge of God and His truths and applies them to every aspect of life. It
refers to a virtuous and practical knowledge that lives life according to the
knowledge of god and His Word through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. a) knowledge. This means understanding, correct insight,
truth properly comprehended and applied. This virtue involves a diligent
study and pursuit of truth in the Word of God. MSB b) Knowledge refers to the divine truth that
is the foundation of spiritual discernment and wisdom (Rom. 15:14; 2 Cor.
10:5; Col. 1:9; cf. Prov. 2:5–6; 9:10), the truth properly understood and
applied (cf. Col. 1:10; Phile. 6). This virtue is related to illumination
(cf. 2 Cor. 4:6), which is having one’s mind accurately enlightened about the
truth of Scripture (Col. 3:10; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:3; 3:18) and involves
diligent study and meditation on it (John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15; cf.
Deut. 11:18; Job 23:12; Ps. 119:97, 105), so as to acquire “the mind of
Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). MAC B. The Means of Knowledge for
the Believer 1. It is
Through the Illumination of the Holy Spirit a) The
difference between the believer and the unbeliever (1Co 2:11, 14) in regard
to knowledge is the indwelling and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. b) Because the believer was sealed and
indwelt by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation (Eph 1:13; 1Co 3:16),
the Holy Spirit illuminates the believer to understand and gain the knowledge
of God (Joh 14:26; 16:13-15). c) Illumination is the process whereby the
Holy Spirit opens the mind of the believer to observe and comprehend God’s
knowledge and truths in Scripture (1Co 2:9-16). 2. It is by
the Inspired Word of God a) Since the
Holy Spirit gave believers God’s knowledge and truth in the Scriptures (2Pe
1:20-21; Heb 3:7; 9:8; 10:15), it is through the Scriptures that He
illuminates the believer. b) The Old Testament made it clear that the
embodiment of knowledge and truth was found in God’s Law (Rom 2:20). c) The Scripture’s view of the source of
wisdom and knowledge comes from the Word of God (Jer 8:9; Pro 2:6; Col 3:16). d) The Holy Spirit uses the Scriptures to
enlighten the believer heart to the knowledge and truths of God (Psa 19:8;
119:105, 13; Eph 1:17-18). |
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