by Roby Ellis
[Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:18]
Introduction
A. In spite of the fact that we are living in the information age, the level of Bible knowledge seems to be near an all-time low.
B. Knowledge is vitally important to our wellbeing, particularly when it comes to our spiritual wellbeing (John 8:32).
I. A lack of knowledge can have disastrous results.
A. Without knowledge we are sure to perish (Hosea 4:6).
B. Zeal is worthless (and even dangerous) without knowledge to accompany it (Romans 10:2; 1 Timothy 1:13).
C. Without adequate knowledge we cannot teach others (cf. Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 2:2).
D. Without adequate knowledge we can even be misled ourselves (1 Timothy 6:20-21; Matthew 15:14; 2 Peter 3:14-17).
II. We must be diligent about adding knowledge to our character.
A. We need to try to steadily increase in our knowledge (2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:9-10).
B. We obtain such knowledge through study of the Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Timothy 4:13) and through learning from others (Luke 10:39; Acts 20:7).
C. The kind of study that produces growth requires diligence (2 Peter 1:5).
Conclusion
A. In addition to knowledge, we must also grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).
B. We need to aid the children in their growth in knowledge by teaching them when they are small (Deuteronomy 6:6-12).
C. We should also realize that there are some things that no amount of study will reveal to us (1 Peter 1:10-12; Deuteronomy 29:29).
D. Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness?