2 Peter 1 5 8 But also for

2 Peter 1: 5 -8 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

“To Virtue Knowledge” (2 PETER 1: 5)

“To Virtue Knowledge” q. With today’s lesson, we will examine the matter of adding “To Virtue Knowledge. ” §We will examine this context a little bit more closely. §We will see how God incorporates this concept in some other passages. §We will learn how to apply these principles to our lives.

“Knowledge, γνω σις, gno sis” 1) knowledge signifies in general intelligence, understanding 1 a) the general knowledge of Christian religion 1 b) the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion, such as belongs to the more advanced 1 c) especially of things lawful and unlawful for Christians 1 d) moral wisdom, such as seen in right living - Thayer’s Greek Definitions

A Strong Greek Term q. The NASB renders “true knowledge” in vs. 8. q. It is not merely a surface knowledge of facts; it is the full, deep knowledge that makes it possible for one to sustain his faith in the face of severe trials, the way to understand & be more like God, our Father (Cf. 2 Pet. 1: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8; 1 Tim. 6: 20; 2 Pet. 3: 17 -18).

Luke 1: 76 -77 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins (NKJV)

Luke 11: 52 -54 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered. " 53 And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, 54 lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him. (NKJV)

Romans 2: 20 -23 … an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery, " do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? (NKJV)

Romans 11: 33 -36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? " 35 "Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him? " 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)

Romans 15: 14 -15 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, (NKJV)

More than mere gathering of “facts”… §And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13: 2 (NKJV) §Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 1 Cor 8: 1 (NKJV) §For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 1 Cor 8: 10 -11 (NKJV)

“To Virtue Knowledge” q There is a distinct relationship between the qualities Peter exhorts Christians to have (2 Pet. 1: 5 -7): § Faith is the foundation. It comes as a direct result of learning about God (Rom. 10: 17). Without faith, there can be no relationship with God (Heb. 11: 6). § Virtue is the desire for moral & spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must have this deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. § Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced. In ALL POINTS we must seek for the things esteemed by God, showing kindness to our brethren & showing love to all men.

Ephesians 3: 19 -21 … to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV)