Faith’s Extension

Knowledge

2 Peter 1:2-11…

Verse 5 - "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence [earnest zeal], add [generously and abundantly supply] to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge."

So what exactly was Peter telling us to generously and abundantly supply to our faith - with all diligence and earnest zeal? Actually, he said there were several things we needed to add! But the first thing is virtue, and we examined this in the morning.

To recap – In ancient Greek this word had many different meanings and applications, as diverse as, "excellence, moral goodness, strength, energy and miracle working power." The word for virtue is also used but translated as power in the story about a sick woman with the issue of blood [Mark 5:27-30]. And it was when this sick woman touched Jesus that He knew virtue had gone out of Him.

You see, when this woman touched Jesus she touched Him in a different way - and He knew it! She touched Him with faith, believing for a miracle. But when she did, it says "virtue" was released from Jesus' physical body. So what was this virtue? It was inherent power! Indwelling power was released from Jesus and that's how He knew someone had touched Him! Now, this same intrinsic power is inherent [indwelling] in us also, and it's the resurrection power mentioned in Romans 8:11. The very power which was released by a sick woman's faith, and which caused a miracle to happen, is the intrinsic power which Peter has told us to add [or supply] to our faith. We are always looking for something powerful to manifest as a result of our faith. We expect energy to follow faith! But this is putting the cart before the horse.

It is the inherent power or indwelling energy which we already possess that is to be added to our faith. And that's what will cause the miracles to happen. Yet, we must learn to produce it in good supply and then add it to our faith - generously and abundantly. This is the only sure way to a dynamic Christian life and ministry.

In the opening verses you will find a lofty prayer written for all his readers. In it, the apostle expresses a sincere desire that grace and peace might be multiplied to them in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Implying that the better they got to know God, the more they will experience His grace and supernatural peace.

The method of knowing Him is progress toward holiness. The more we get to know Him, the One who has laid out a plan and purpose for our lives, the more we will become like Him. God has called us by revealing to us the wonders of His divine Person, in order that we may know Him more!

Verse 5 - "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence [earnest zeal], add [generously and abundantly supply] to your faith virtue [inherent and intrinsic power], to virtue [inherent and intrinsic power] knowledge."

In these four verses of scripture [2 Peter 1:2-5] there are three references to "knowledge". The first two are without doubt referring to "knowledge" in relation to "knowledge of God"… And the Greek word denotes 'to observe, fully perceive, discern and recognise'. But, it may also suggest advanced knowledge or special appreciation. Note, in the New Testament it is often used in the relationship between man and God – which perfectly unites the subject with the person being 'known'. However, the third time the word "knowledge" appears it changes context and the Greek word also changes - from 'epignosy' it becomes simply 'gnosy'.... "Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge ['gnosy']."

'Gnosy' is from the root word 'ginosko' which signifies 'to be taking in knowledge', in order to 'come to know, recognise and understand'. It frequently means 'to know in the sense of comprehending'. This is a practical attribute likened to common sense, even though it may have spiritual implications. And, 'gnosis' is rooted primarily in a desire to 'know' - a seeking to know. This is the kind of knowledge we are asked to add to the inherent power which is zealously being supplied to our faith.

When we are operating in power and in faith, we are not to think that we know it all. The knowledge we are told to add must remain rooted in a sincere desire to know more (a teachable spirit).

Knowledge can mean different things to different people. However, there is one word which can be interchanged with knowledge, and it’s used in the Amplified Translation of this verse, that is, 'intelligence'. Oh how many people need to simply add intelligence to their faith! How many times do we come across people who are supposedly 'in faith', and operating 'in power', yet they are doing some of the dumbest things? Maybe what Peter was trying to get across is simply; "Why not add some good old tried and tested intelligent spirituality!"

Intelligence is applying knowledge correctly. Anyone can amass all kinds of knowledge, but the real question is, "What are you doing with all that knowledge?" Maybe some of us need to stop chasing after more knowledge and start to use what we already have.

A truly intelligent person has a sincere desire to acquire additional knowledge, by learning more and more, but he always does something with it. Many Christians seek deeper revelation, but there will never be deeper revelation until they use what they already have!

Remember, God never adds until there is something flowing out.

You should be contemplating:

*   Intelligence when applying God's Word.

*   Intelligence when seeking prosperity.

*   Intelligence when expecting healing.

*   Intelligence when inviting the Holy Spirit.

You can operate in faith, foolishness or presumption. Only a generous supply of intelligence will ensure success. In 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 God says to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches or wealth, or honour or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked for long life - but you have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king - wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honour.”

Notice, riches and wealth and honour didn’t just fall out of the sky! Solomon had acquired wisdom and knowledge from God, and thereafter, the shrewd application of what he had gained caused him to be very successful and receive great honour. Through Jesus Christ, all believers have access to the very same source of divine wisdom. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.”

Please understand wisdom wasn’t all that Solomon had asked for, he also asked for (and obtained) “knowledge.” And what I find very interesting is that the ancient Hebrew word for knowledge is derived from a verb which means “to know through experience.” It implies “experiential or first-hand knowledge!” Therefore, Solomon was not asking God for information alone but rather for information that leads to knowledge. Genuine, experiential knowledge of God is what we need and what must add to our faith in good supply.

Chris Demetriou, 11/03/2007