Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ

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               "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

                        Increasing In Knowledge

INTRODUCTION

1. We've seen that growing in the knowledge of Jesus is a process...
   a. That begins with the foundation of faith (trust, conviction)
   b. To which we add the element of virtue (striving for excellence)

2. To faith and virtue we are told to add knowledge (2Pe 1:5), which
   makes sense...
   a. What good is it to have conviction (faith) and the desire to excel
      (virtue)?
   b. Unless we know where to focus our faith and channel our virtue?

[Therefore knowledge is an essential element in growing in the knowledge
of Jesus Christ.  While that may sound redundant, there is a subtle
difference in two words translated knowledge in our text.  So let's
first review...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE

   A. THE KNOWLEDGE (EPIGNOSIS) OF JESUS CHRIST...
      1. As noted in a previous study, Peter uses the word "epignosis"
         in the phrase "the knowledge of Jesus Christ" - cf. 2Pe 1:2,
         3,8
      2. The word epignosis {ep-ig'-no-sis} means "to become thoroughly
         acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know
         well" (Thayer)
      -- Such knowledge comes only as we demonstrate all eight of the
         "Christ-like graces" in our lives

   B. KNOWLEDGE (GNOSIS) IS JUST ONE ELEMENT...
      1. Peter uses the word "gnosis" when he tells us to add knowledge
         to virtue - 2Pe 1:5
      2. The word gnosis {gno'-sis} means "a seeking to know, an
         inquiry, investigation" (Vine)
      3. This word conveys the normal idea of knowledge:  "awareness
         through study and experience" (Wycliffe)
      -- This knowledge pertains to understanding the will of God and
         the way of salvation through Jesus Christ - cf. Lk 1:77; Php 3:8

[So we are add to our faith and virtue that knowledge (gnosis) or
information necessary to truly know (epignosis) Jesus Christ.  The
importance of knowledge is seen further as we consider...]

II. THE DEMAND OF KNOWLEDGE

   A. GOD DEMANDS HIS PEOPLE TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE...
      1. He expected it of Israel - cf. Deut 6:6-9
      2. He foretold that it would be a characteristic of the New
         Covenant - cf. Jer 31:31-34
      -- To be pleasing to the Lord, we must have a knowledge of His
         will - Col 1:9-10  

   B. GOD IS DISPLEASED WITH LACK OF KNOWLEDGE...
      1. Israel was destroyed because of their lack of knowledge - Hos
         4:1,6; 6:4-6
      2. Jesus will come in judgment against those who do not know God 
         - 2Th 1:8-9
      -- Without knowledge, all the sincerity and zeal in the world is in
         vain! - Ro 10:1-3

[Since a knowledge of God and His will is so important, how does "add"
knowledge...?]

III. THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE

   A. THE SOURCE FOR KNOWLEDGE...
      1. Jesus is the ultimate source of true knowledge - cf. Col 2:1-3
         a. Which makes the New Testament essential
         b. For it contains the only reliable source of information
            concerning His teachings while on earth and later through
            His apostles
      2. The OT is also the source of knowledge - cf. 2Ti 3:14-17
         a. Not only for information about Christ and His salvation
         b. But also for that which makes the man of God complete
      -- The knowledge which we are to add to our faith and virtue is
         found only in the pages of God's Word!

   B. THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE...
      1. In our desire to obtain knowledge, certain attitudes are
         necessary:
         a. A heart that longs and searches for knowledge - Pr 2:3-6;
            cf. 1Pe 2:2
         b. A mind that values knowledge more highly than gold - Pr 8:
            10-11
         c. A love for instruction - Pr 12:1
      2. A person with these attitudes will:
         a. Make daily Bible reading a priority in their life!
         b. Utilize every opportunity to study the Word of God alone,
            and with others!
         c. Not take such opportunities for granted
      -- Do we demonstrate that acquiring knowledge of God's Word is a
         priority?

[If one is diligent in their study of God's Word, their progress will be
evident (cf. 1Ti 4:15-16).  Of course, the reverse is just as true
(sadly).  Finally, perhaps a caution or two about...]

IV. THE DANGER OF KNOWLEDGE

   A. KNOWLEDGE CAN MAKE ONE ARROGANT...
      1. Knowledge has the potential to produce arrogance - cf. 1Co 8:
         1-2
         a. It can "puff up" rather than "build up" (edify)
         b. "A little learning is a dangerous thing." - Pope
      2. For this reason we must temper knowledge with love and meekness
         a. Love edifies, and does not puff itself up - cf. 1Co 8:1;
            13:4
         b. What knowledge or wisdom we believe we have, should manifest
            itself in a spirit of meekness - cf. Jm 3:13,17
      -- There is no virtue in knowledge if it leads to arrogance!

   B. KNOWLEDGE CAN DESTROY A BROTHER...
      1. Knowledge can be destructive when misused - cf. 1Co 8:4-11
         a. When we despise the lack of knowledge in others
         b. When we run roughshod over the weak conscience of others
      2. Such abuse of knowledge produces sin in our lives - cf. 1Co 8:
         12-13
         a. We can actually sin against Christ!
         b. Therefore love must properly restrain our use of knowledge 
            - e.g., Ro 14:14-21
      -- Like a sharp knife, knowledge can be dangerous used improperly!

CONCLUSION

1. With the proper application of knowledge, however...
   a. We can build up our faith, as faith comes from God's Word
   b. We provide direction in which to channel our striving for
      excellence

2. Are we growing in knowledge...?
   a. If not, we are setting ourselves up for destruction ("My people
      are destroyed for lack of knowledge...")
   b. If we are, then we are on the right track ("...you will never
      stumble")

To our faith and virtue, therefore, let us be sure to add knowledge,
that we might truly grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ!
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