KNOWLEDGE
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
But be increased in grace and in the knowledge …
But grow continually in the grace and knowledge …
2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV, BBE, MNT)
Original Photo by James McIntosh Jr.
Tarsus , Turkey at the location site stated claimed as the Apostle Paul’s home – © July 2006
Barnabas Ministries/E.C.H.O. “Knowledge is power!” As quoted by Sir Francis Bacon. What does this phrase mean? The wikipedia encyclopedia states it “…implies that with knowledge or education one's potential or abilities in life will probably increase… It is possible that Bacon was paraphrasing Proverbs 24:5 – ‘a wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.’” GOD'S WORD ® Translation rephrases Pr 24:5 as, “a strong man knows how to use his strength, but a person with knowledge is even more powerful”
If Yoda (from the Star Wars saga) were to speak on knowledge, he might say something like – “Knowledge leads to understand, understanding leads to wisdom, and wisdom leads to the abundance of knowledge” (Pr 10:14 Wise people store up knowledge…). But how do we gain knowledge? How is knowledge increased in a person’s life?
Pr 1:7 tells us that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” A true reverence for God is the first fruits of knowledge, and as with any fruit when a seed is planted and nourished it will blossom and grow. Our verse for this week instructs us to “GROW” in knowledge… but not just any knowledge, we need to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This knowledge comes from the LORD, Himself!
Ec 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight… Pr 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. The knowledge that God gives is to be more desired than riches and financial wealth, as seen in Pr 8 1-12. Pr 8:10-11 informs us to “receive (wisdom’s) instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” And “whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Pr 12:1).
But what shall we do with the knowledge we gain, and how do we apply it in our life? Consider the words of Jas 4:17 “therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” We see over and over in Proverbs that the one who acts wisely with the knowledge given to them does so prudently, exercising good judgment: Pr 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. Pr 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly. Pr 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. So then, if knowledge truly is power we must take to heart the words that Uncle Ben told his nephew, Peter Parker (Spiderman), “Remember, with great power comes great responsibility!” We are responsible to use the knowledge we have in the proper way, in a way which will bring God glory and honor. Remember the words of James 4:17, if we act in a way that is contrary to the scriptural knowledge God has given us, then that indeed is sin, and does not promote godly honor. Recall what happened to Adam and Eve when they acted against what knowledge they had, and ate from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil…
Oh, may our knowledge be preserved by the LORD, and applied in our hearts.Pr 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless. Pr 22:17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/treeofknowledgeofgoodevil.html http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2001/0412news.asp http://www.answersingenesis.org/us/newsletters/0102lead.asp Join us next week as we consider how the LORD but brought life to us twice. |
