High Priorities (5)

When the Word of God sets forth a prescribed order, it behooves us to follow it.

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1 Peter 1:14-16 – As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

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Based upon the prescribed order of the Lord set forth in 2 Peter 1, we see that “virtue” follows “faith.”  But then, what follows “virtue?”  The answer is clearly given.  Following “virtue” is “knowledge.”  In the Greek language, the word for “knowledge” is “gnōsis,” meaning knowledge, being aware, being sure, to perceive, being able to speak in a knowing manner. 

I find it intriguing that so many Christians seem to think that any knowledge they have will simply flow from the Lord.  Such thinking, however, is erroneous.  I am fully aware that certain elements of knowledge, especially what we call revelation, must truly flow from Father, and comes to us by Holy Spirit.  But in our present study, the 2 Peter 1 passage clearly indicates that there are certain things Father expects us to pursue for ourselves.  These things are not automatically given to us.  They must be sought after by the believer, and it is clearly our own responsibility to go after them, study them, develop them, and maintain them.  Each of these is clearly a priority in God’s eyes.  I urge you to take the time to read 2 Peter 1:3-15, see it for yourself, settle it in your heart, and if you have not already done so, begin the work of pursuing these immediately: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (agape).

Today’s emphasis is on “knowledge.”  Yes, there are elements of God’s knowledge He desires us to possess that can only come from Him alone.  But there is a vast volume of God’s knowledge that He commands and expects us to pursue on our own through reading, study, meditation, and obedience.  These will NOT simply be given to you.  They must be mined from the Word of God.  And then there is knowledge that one gains from life experiences that are bourn out as we expose our natural learning to the authority of God’s Word.  Such would be elements of true science, of learning the basics of communication in speaking and writing.  We may not all be professionally trained speakers or writers, but we should all be able to clearly communicate the things we know to be truth, and that is especially relevant of our knowledge of God’s Word.  My friend, the ability to talk, and even the desire to do so, does not mean one has the ability to speak clearly and well about their subjects of discussion.  That comes through the knowledge on gains through sound education, proper application of learning disciplines, and exposure to quality models of such in our lives.  Such knowledge requires commitment and dedication on our part.  Just as we study to show ourselves approved unto God, let us seek to represent our God at the highest possible level of excellence through the knowledge we demonstrate in day-to-day living.

Manna for Today – 1 Peter 1:3-25; 2 Peter 1:3-15