Adding KNOWLEDGE to Your Faith

The Apostle Peter exhorted believers to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self control…” (2 Peter 1:6). The word knowledge is used several times by Peter in this short letter (see 1:2, 3, 6, 8, & 3:18). Knowledge is something that Christians ought to have and possess “in increasing measure” (v. 8). As in our chosen vocation, we must continually add to our knowledge and grow in it if we want to be effective and productive individuals.

Perhaps you have noticed that the New Testament Epistles generally are about two-thirds doctrine and the remaining one-third consists of practical exhortation. For instance, in the Book of Romans, chapters 1-11 is doctrinal, chapters 12-16 is exhortation. Dr. George Brunk, II, Dean of the Seminary I attended, used to say that this is because “before you can do right you have to know right.” This is why Peter, writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says that we should add knowledge to our faith. It is not enough for Christians to just believe – we need to grow in our faith and knowledge.

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Christians at Colossae. “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10). Notice that Paul prayed that their knowledge would increase in two areas—about God himself and his will for our lives. Let us focus on these two points:

First of all, the knowledge of God (v. 2-3). The Book of Proverbs states: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (1:7). And, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9-10). Peter at the end of this letter said, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (3:18). “How,” might we ask, “does one grow in the knowledge of God?” The way we grow in our knowledge of God is how we grow with anyone – through a relationship. As we get to know God better, we will obviously know more about him. The Apostle Paul had an intense desire to know the Lord better (see Phil. 3:10-11).

Secondly, the knowledge of his will. We learn about God’s will for our lives primarily through the principles that are in his Word; The Holy Bible. In the Scriptures, God has revealed himself to us. Along with his existence, we learn about his character and his attributes. The Bible also teaches us how to live, giving us knowledge and understanding. This being true, we ought to personally study the Bible. It is not enough just to read it – we need to study and meditate upon it (see 2 Tim. 2:15). We should also avail ourselves of the opportunity to sit under those who have been given the gift of teaching. God has given certain individuals special enabling to impart spiritual knowledge. But teachers cannot teach if they do not have willing students who want to learn and develop. Have you grown in your knowledge of God and his Word? Do you know more now that you did last year?