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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 - 2 (2Pe 1:5 from vss. 3-10) 8-12 Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert I. ADD MORAL EXCELLENCE II. ADD KNOWLEDGE A. The Explanation of
Knowledge (gnōsis) B. The Means of Knowledge for
the Believer 1. It is
Through the Illumination of the Holy Spirit 2. It is by
the Inspired Word of God C. True Knowledge is Based on
the Knowledge of God 1. In
reference to the knowledge that God Himself possess, it is defined as
“omniscience” (all knowing). God alone possesses all knowledge of everything
infinitely and perfectly. God knows every possibility, actual or imagined,
and every possible outcome along with its ramifications (Job21:22; Pro 3:20;
Psa 139:1-6; Isa 46:9-10). God knows all things completely, equally, and
eternally, never forgetting or needing to increase in any form or sense of
knowledge. God’s thoughts and ways are based upon His virtuous knowledge and
omniscience. Man is limited in his knowledge by his finiteness and depravity.
Therefore man must seeks knowledge from God and learn the knowledge of
(about) God. 2. In reference to knowledge of (about) God,
this knowledge is gained through the understanding of the outworking of God’s
glory, attributes, character, knowledge, thoughts, and ways (Isa 55:8-9; 2Co
4:6). 3. The knowledge of God gives the believer
understanding of how to live life before God (Pro 9:10). 4. Knowledge and all its treasures are found
only in Christ (Col 2:3 cp. Isa 11:2). All knowledge necessary for man is
found in Christ who is the exact representation of God and His knowledge,
wisdom, thoughts, applications, ways, and methods (Col 1:15; Heb 1:3). 5. True knowledge cannot oppose or
contradict the knowledge of God and becomes a litmus test for detecting the
difference between God’s knowledge and man’s (2Co 10:5). D. Knowledge, which is based
on the knowledge of God, leads to growth and maturity. 1. The
believer bears fruit as he walks and increases in the knowledge of God. As
the believer walks according to the knowledge of God in His Word, He
understands how to please God and live in virtuous knowledge (Col 1:10). 2. The believer grows in grace as he grows
in the knowledge of God. Since the believer is limited in his knowledge
because of his finiteness and depravity, he must grow in his knowledge of
God. In this way he can grow in the grace of God (2Pe 3:18). 3. The believer’s new nature is renewed as
his knowledge of God increases. The believer is only able to live out the
practical virtuous knowledge of God because he has been regenerated and given
a new nature (Col 3:10; 2Pe 1:2-3). 4. The believer grows in maturity as he
grows in the knowledge of God. The goal for the believer is maturity by
growing in the knowledge of the Son of God and emulating Christ (Eph 4:13). E. Knowledge is concerned with
the discernment and application to every aspect of life. 1. Without
the knowledge of God and His Word, men come to ruin (Hos 4:6). 2. Knowledge equips the believer with
understanding of the God’s principles for every aspect of practical life (Pro
2:9-20). 3. The believer’s thoughts and speech should
be based on the knowledge of God and His principles (Mal 2:7). 4. Knowledge gives the believer prudence and
foresight into life and its dangers (Pro 13:16; 22:3; 27:12). F. OBSERVATIONS AND
APPLICATIONS 1. Salvation
begins with the saving knowledge of Christ . a) The
beginning and highest knowledge is saving knowledge of Christ (Phil 3:8). b) There is no spiritual knowledge outside of
the knowledge of God (Pro 30:2-4; Jer 10:14) c) The beginning of knowledge is the
reverential trust in the Lord (Pro 1:7; Pro 2:5). 2. Pursue
and grow in the virtuous and practical knowledge of God in Christ found in
His Word (2Pe 1:2-4; 2Co 2:14). 3. Beware of having knowledge and not
applying it (1Sa 2:3; 2Chr 1:10). a) Apply
God’s knowledge and principles in His Word to every decision we make. b) Apply God’s knowledge and principles in
His Word to every action we take. 4. Beware of
false and mystical knowledge (Rom 10:2; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 2:25; 3:7). Use God’s
knowledge in His Word as the only litmus test for life and godliness (2Co
10:5). |
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