PM Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3.14-18           Brent T. Willey

“ADD TO YOUR FAITH…KNOWLEDGE”

2 Peter 1.5-11

(Part Three)

Introduction:

1. Solomon stated: “As he thinks within himself, so he is,” and went on to say: “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge” (Prov. 23.7, 12).
2. How can we “add to our faith” knowledge?

I.BY AN HONEST STUDY GOD’S WORD!

1. Knowledge is seen in two imperatives: “add to your faith… knowledge” and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1.5; 3.18).

2. Knowledge does not come mysteriously or miraculously!

1. The miraculous gift has vanished! (1 Cor. 13.8-10)

2. It is acquired by study! (2 Tim. 2.15; cf., Acts 17.11)

3. Teaching is a must! (2 Tim. 2.2)

II.BY AN HONEST APPLICATION OF GOD’S WORD!

1. Learning for the sake of merely learning has no real value.

1. Some are filled with “windy knowledge!” (Job 15.2)

2. The Athenian curiosity. (Acts 17.16-21)

1. Self-serving studies fail to honestly apply Scripture!

1. Zeal without knowledge is harmful! (Rom. 10.1-3)

2. Quenching useless disputes! (2 Tim. 2.14-16, 23-26)

3. Abstaining from self-willed opinions. (Titus 3.9-11)

1. An honest application requires godly fear!

1. Fools despise correction. (Prov. 1.7; 12.1)

2. The conclusion of the matter is to fear God! (Eccl. 12.13)

Conclusion: A working knowledge of God’s Word supplies us with the courage and ability to add to our faith as we should!