Christian Growth Lesson 16 D
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Add To Your Faith Knowledge
Add To Your Faith Knowledge
Scripture Lesson:
Scripture Lesson:
II Peter 1:5-7
II Peter 1:5-7
II Peter 1:5- 7
II Peter 1:5- 7
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Two Definitions Of Knowledge
Two Definitions Of Knowledge
1. The Greek root word for knowledge is “gnosis” information, facts, and important details
1. The Greek root word for knowledge is “gnosis” information, facts, and important details
2. The Greek word is “ . epignosis ” knowledge that comes from truly knowing someone, growing close together in a relationship.
2. The Greek word is “ . epignosis ” knowledge that comes from truly knowing someone, growing close together in a relationship.
New Testament Examples of ▪ “ epignosis ” knowledge:
New Testament Examples of ▪ “ epignosis ” knowledge:
Romans 10:2,
Romans 10:2,
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
( epignosis ▪ the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. ).
( epignosis ▪ the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. ).
" Ephesians 4:13, ▪ ▪
" Ephesians 4:13, ▪ ▪
I Timothy 2:4,
I Timothy 2:4,
II Timothy 3:7, ▪
II Timothy 3:7, ▪
New Testament Examples of (gnosis) knowledge:
New Testament Examples of (gnosis) knowledge:
II Peter 3:18, (gnosis)
II Peter 3:18, (gnosis)
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
I Corinthians 1:5, ▪
I Corinthians 1:5, ▪
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
I Corinthians 8:1, ▪
I Corinthians 8:1, ▪
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
II Corinthians 8:7,
II Corinthians 8:7,
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
▪ Philippians 3:10,
▪ Philippians 3:10,
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Growing Through Scripture
Growing Through Scripture
THE BIBLE IS: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ A Lamp The Living and Active Word A Spiritual Mirror “God breathed”
THE BIBLE IS: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ A Lamp The Living and Active Word A Spiritual Mirror “God breathed”
The Sword of The the Spirit Source of True Wisdom.
The Sword of The the Spirit Source of True Wisdom.
The Search For Knowledge
The Search For Knowledge
Four Attitudes That Are Needed:
Four Attitudes That Are Needed:
1. A Heart That Longs And Searches For Knowledge.
1. A Heart That Longs And Searches For Knowledge.
Prov 2:3- 6
Prov 2:3- 6
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, And liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, And searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
2. A Mind That Values Knowledge More Highly Than Gold.
2. A Mind That Values Knowledge More Highly Than Gold.
Proverbs 8:10-11,
Proverbs 8:10-11,
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
3. A Love For Instruction
3. A Love For Instruction
Proverbs 12:1 , Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 , Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: But he that hateth reproof is brutish.
A Spiritual Analogy Contrasts Between “Milk” And The “Meat”“The Word Christian is and he must be bred fed by the by it.
A Spiritual Analogy Contrasts Between “Milk” And The “Meat”“The Word Christian is and he must be bred fed by the by it.
”I Peter 2:13,
”I Peter 2:13,
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
The word C “milk” in the Greek (gala) means the basic, elemental teachings of Christianity first learned by new believers.
The word C “milk” in the Greek (gala) means the basic, elemental teachings of Christianity first learned by new believers.
to Some books are written inform, a few to only one can truly reform but transform!
to Some books are written inform, a few to only one can truly reform but transform!
I Corinthians 3:1-3
I Corinthians 3:1-3
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
“A well-- fed soul.” read bible is a sign of a well
“A well-- fed soul.” read bible is a sign of a well
Hebrews 5:12 ,
Hebrews 5:12 ,
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
The words meat” “meat” and “strong refer to deeper, more complex Christian teachings.
The words meat” “meat” and “strong refer to deeper, more complex Christian teachings.
My People Are Destroyed For Lack Of Knowledge.up himself for the hard life. Anyone who ignores knowledge is setting
My People Are Destroyed For Lack Of Knowledge.up himself for the hard life. Anyone who ignores knowledge is setting
Hosea 4:6,
Hosea 4:6,
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
A little learning dangerous thing. can be a Three Ways To Add Knowledge To Your Faith:
A little learning dangerous thing. can be a Three Ways To Add Knowledge To Your Faith:
I. THROUGH DAILY DEVOTION
I. THROUGH DAILY DEVOTION
Matthew 4:4,
Matthew 4:4,
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Psalm 55:17,
Psalm 55:17,
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: And he shall hear my voice.
Job 23:12,
Job 23:12,
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
II Timothy 2:15,
II Timothy 2:15,
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 3:14-17,
II Timothy 3:14-17,
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
"SIX WAYS TO STUDY:Six Ways to Study:
"SIX WAYS TO STUDY:Six Ways to Study:
A. Study Corporately
A. Study Corporately
B. Study Topically
B. Study Topically
C. Study Ex positional
C. Study Ex positional
D. Study Hermeneutically
D. Study Hermeneutically
II. THROUGH DILIGENT INVESTIGATION
II. THROUGH DILIGENT INVESTIGATION
E. Study Practically
E. Study Practically
F. Study Diligently
F. Study Diligently
III. THROUGH DUTIFUL APPLICATION
III. THROUGH DUTIFUL APPLICATION
The only thing that is stopping you is You. Distractions, misplaced priorities, and laziness are the things that are keeping you from obeying the Lord’s command.
The only thing that is stopping you is You. Distractions, misplaced priorities, and laziness are the things that are keeping you from obeying the Lord’s command.
Bible Study Follow up Chat Questions:
Bible Study Follow up Chat Questions:
1. Why is faith in God more important than knowledge of God?
1. Why is faith in God more important than knowledge of God?
2. What is considered “real” knowledge?
2. What is considered “real” knowledge?
3. For the Christian, knowledge implies a relationship. How so?
3. For the Christian, knowledge implies a relationship. How so?
4. How has the knowledge of the scriptures enhanced your walk with God?
4. How has the knowledge of the scriptures enhanced your walk with God?
5. How do you grow in the knowledge of God?
5. How do you grow in the knowledge of God?
6. Are you satisfied with the amount of time you spend in your devotional time with God? If not, what is your strategy to do better?
6. Are you satisfied with the amount of time you spend in your devotional time with God? If not, what is your strategy to do better?
7. Have you grown in your knowledge of God and His Word? Do you know more now that you did last year?
7. Have you grown in your knowledge of God and His Word? Do you know more now that you did last year?
8. Why , when it comes to Christianity, are many satisfied to just rely on our emotions or what we arbitrarily think?
8. Why , when it comes to Christianity, are many satisfied to just rely on our emotions or what we arbitrarily think?
Knowledge Personally Knowing Something To Be True, Not Just Accepting It As True “and to virtue knowledge”
Knowledge Personally Knowing Something To Be True, Not Just Accepting It As True “and to virtue knowledge”
Philippians 3:10
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
I. Introduction (1Peter 2:1,2)
I. Introduction (1Peter 2:1,2)
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
A. Faith gets us into God’s family, and forms the foundation that our life can rest upon
A. Faith gets us into God’s family, and forms the foundation that our life can rest upon
B. Virtue keeps us from getting trapped and defeated by sin like it used to
B. Virtue keeps us from getting trapped and defeated by sin like it used to
C. Next comes KNOWLEDGE that needs to be added to our spiritual diet
C. Next comes KNOWLEDGE that needs to be added to our spiritual diet
1. Why must a Christian pick this Book up and read it from cover to cover?
1. Why must a Christian pick this Book up and read it from cover to cover?
2. Why come to a church that teaches through the contents of this Bible Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening?
2. Why come to a church that teaches through the contents of this Bible Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening?
3. Why go through Discipleship? Two years of discipleship!
3. Why go through Discipleship? Two years of discipleship!
4. Because there is a spiritual instinct, a spiritual need in every human being to feed on TRUTH – knowing it, and learning it, and believing it, and living on it – instead of living on fairy tales and on theories and on opinions, and on philosophies!
4. Because there is a spiritual instinct, a spiritual need in every human being to feed on TRUTH – knowing it, and learning it, and believing it, and living on it – instead of living on fairy tales and on theories and on opinions, and on philosophies!
D. The purpose of growing in my own personal knowledge is so that I have some answers for the problems I go through, and answers for the uncertainties in those troubles – in other words, if I could just KNOW some things, the devil will not be able to easily scare me anymore!
D. The purpose of growing in my own personal knowledge is so that I have some answers for the problems I go through, and answers for the uncertainties in those troubles – in other words, if I could just KNOW some things, the devil will not be able to easily scare me anymore!
Examples:
Examples:
1. Car acting up – just dying, right on the road in traffic – scary.
1. Car acting up – just dying, right on the road in traffic – scary.
But then when I know that it is an idle problem, then I can adjust my driving and just keep it above the idle and get it home – confidence
But then when I know that it is an idle problem, then I can adjust my driving and just keep it above the idle and get it home – confidence
2. Health scare – scary when you feel like you are in danger.
2. Health scare – scary when you feel like you are in danger.
Only to find out it is the flu, and you are just weak, and will get better in a week – then you can endure without the fear!
Only to find out it is the flu, and you are just weak, and will get better in a week – then you can endure without the fear!
II. Knowledge is More than Information and Education
II. Knowledge is More than Information and Education
A. Knowledge alone is wrong
A. Knowledge alone is wrong
1. Information and education fill your mind with facts, names, places, events, statistics – all but with no meaning – no relationship with your life and purpose
1. Information and education fill your mind with facts, names, places, events, statistics – all but with no meaning – no relationship with your life and purpose
2. Knowledge alone kills – is dead – just promotes pride (1Cor 8:1)
2. Knowledge alone kills – is dead – just promotes pride (1Cor 8:1)
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
3. Martin Luther said “Education without salvation equals damnation”
3. Martin Luther said “Education without salvation equals damnation”
B. God’s Knowledge is what we need
B. God’s Knowledge is what we need
1. Knowledge is a confidence, a calm assurance in what I KNOW to be true and real, in spite of how I or anyone else feels!
1. Knowledge is a confidence, a calm assurance in what I KNOW to be true and real, in spite of how I or anyone else feels!
2. Knowledge is an intimacy with some things (knowing something through and through – not just skimming, or superficially)
2. Knowledge is an intimacy with some things (knowing something through and through – not just skimming, or superficially)
a. Like knowing God – I KNOW God, and I want to KNOW Him better and deeper (2Tim 1:12; Philp 3:10)
a. Like knowing God – I KNOW God, and I want to KNOW Him better and deeper (2Tim 1:12; Philp 3:10)
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
b. Like knowing the Bible – I know some of the truths in this Book, but I so want to know the depths of the riches of the knowledge in this Book (Rom 11:33)
b. Like knowing the Bible – I know some of the truths in this Book, but I so want to know the depths of the riches of the knowledge in this Book (Rom 11:33)
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
c. Like knowing my wife (1Pet 3:7), and the wife with her husband
c. Like knowing my wife (1Pet 3:7), and the wife with her husband
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
d. Like knowing my Job – supposed to learn it better and better, and read up on how to do it better, and improve my performance – that’s how you get raises and promotions folks!!!
d. Like knowing my Job – supposed to learn it better and better, and read up on how to do it better, and improve my performance – that’s how you get raises and promotions folks!!!
3. Knowledge is something that is Proven to be True – you must be able to prove something that you know, or else it is just a guess, or a feeling.
3. Knowledge is something that is Proven to be True – you must be able to prove something that you know, or else it is just a guess, or a feeling.
If you know something, CAN YOU PROVE IT?
If you know something, CAN YOU PROVE IT?
C. Grow in Knowledge (2Peter 3:18) – don’t ever stagnate!
C. Grow in Knowledge (2Peter 3:18) – don’t ever stagnate!
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1. All the days of our lives as Christians we are to be increasing in our knowledge of the things of God.
1. All the days of our lives as Christians we are to be increasing in our knowledge of the things of God.
It is not enough that we should coast along on the little knowledge we have at our conversion to Christ. We have to have some knowledge in order to be saved.
It is not enough that we should coast along on the little knowledge we have at our conversion to Christ. We have to have some knowledge in order to be saved.
No one is converted to Christ without any knowledge at all. What we know when we are first converted is like the ABC; it is not the whole alphabet.
No one is converted to Christ without any knowledge at all. What we know when we are first converted is like the ABC; it is not the whole alphabet.
a. Start off with milk – only able to digest simple truths like a baby
a. Start off with milk – only able to digest simple truths like a baby
b. Then, slowly you add meat and potatoes
b. Then, slowly you add meat and potatoes
c. Add some salt
c. Add some salt
d. Then, top it off with some honey from time to time – good stuff, encouraging stuff, uplifting stuff
d. Then, top it off with some honey from time to time – good stuff, encouraging stuff, uplifting stuff
2. So, the appeal of Peter (2Pet 1:5) here is to be always at our Bible.
2. So, the appeal of Peter (2Pet 1:5) here is to be always at our Bible.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Always, either reading it or, when we have a moment to spare, thinking about what it says, meditating upon what it says, reflecting on what it means.
Always, either reading it or, when we have a moment to spare, thinking about what it says, meditating upon what it says, reflecting on what it means.
Even when we are resting, our minds should be trained to go back to the words of this Book and its teaching, its truths and think about how they relate to your life right then and there
Even when we are resting, our minds should be trained to go back to the words of this Book and its teaching, its truths and think about how they relate to your life right then and there
3. The appeal is for us to be getting to know more and more of our Lord, and His will – but always through personal, first hand knowledge through the Scriptures – not through other people’s knowledge, not through their thinking, or their interpretations – your own!
3. The appeal is for us to be getting to know more and more of our Lord, and His will – but always through personal, first hand knowledge through the Scriptures – not through other people’s knowledge, not through their thinking, or their interpretations – your own!
4. The appeal is the same as for us to be getting to know more and more of our wives and our husbands, our kids, and our daily tasks
4. The appeal is the same as for us to be getting to know more and more of our wives and our husbands, our kids, and our daily tasks
III. Things a Christian Can and Should Firmly KNOW inside and out
III. Things a Christian Can and Should Firmly KNOW inside and out
A. That God keeps His promises (Rom 4:17-21)
A. That God keeps His promises (Rom 4:17-21)
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
B. Your eternal destiny (Job 19:25; Jn 5:24)
B. Your eternal destiny (Job 19:25; Jn 5:24)
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
C. That you are different because of Jesus Christ (Jn 9:25; 2Cor 5:17)
C. That you are different because of Jesus Christ (Jn 9:25; 2Cor 5:17)
25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
D. The will of God for your life (Rom 12:1,2) – your purpose and calling
D. The will of God for your life (Rom 12:1,2) – your purpose and calling
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
E. That you reap what you sow (Gal 6:7)
E. That you reap what you sow (Gal 6:7)
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
F. What is clearly right and clearly wrong – convictions (Amos 5:15)
F. What is clearly right and clearly wrong – convictions (Amos 5:15)
15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
G. That people are wicked and in need of God and His word (Dt 31:29; Acts 20:29,32; Rom 7:18)
G. That people are wicked and in need of God and His word (Dt 31:29; Acts 20:29,32; Rom 7:18)
29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
H. That troubles are ultimately God’s business (Ps 119:75)
H. That troubles are ultimately God’s business (Ps 119:75)
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
I. The Joy of the Lord (Neh 8:10) – don’t just act like you believe it’s there – KNOW it, experience it, LIVE in it, and show it
I. The Joy of the Lord (Neh 8:10) – don’t just act like you believe it’s there – KNOW it, experience it, LIVE in it, and show it
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
J. The Fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7) – you had better know this inside and out – don’t ignore
J. The Fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7) – you had better know this inside and out – don’t ignore
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
K. Some things will be hard to understand (2Pet 3:15,16) – this is why:
K. Some things will be hard to understand (2Pet 3:15,16) – this is why:
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
1. Some things are meat, so are meant to be chewed, not just swallowed – very painful, and not easily digested that way – so that means, you have got to study your Bible
1. Some things are meat, so are meant to be chewed, not just swallowed – very painful, and not easily digested that way – so that means, you have got to study your Bible
a. Read the context
a. Read the context
b. Ask the questions c. Look up cross-references – many Bibles have them listed
b. Ask the questions c. Look up cross-references – many Bibles have them listed
2. Some things must be experienced yourself before they are understood
2. Some things must be experienced yourself before they are understood
a. Like tithing – you will not ever know the blessings of giving no matter how much you read about it, until you just start giving!
a. Like tithing – you will not ever know the blessings of giving no matter how much you read about it, until you just start giving!
b. Like patience – have to go through trials to appreciate grace and patience and rewards for endurance
b. Like patience – have to go through trials to appreciate grace and patience and rewards for endurance
3. Some things are meant for others
3. Some things are meant for others
a. Lambs and temple and Jerusalem and priesthood – belong to the Jews, not to Christians
a. Lambs and temple and Jerusalem and priesthood – belong to the Jews, not to Christians
b. Reading Matthew 24 and it says what to do when the antichrist comes – meant for the Jews in Israel
b. Reading Matthew 24 and it says what to do when the antichrist comes – meant for the Jews in Israel
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
4. Some things may never be fully understood (1Cor 13:12)
4. Some things may never be fully understood (1Cor 13:12)
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
IV. What is a Christian’s Life without a Growing Amount of Biblical Knowledge?
IV. What is a Christian’s Life without a Growing Amount of Biblical Knowledge?
A. Dead, dry, empty and worthless – why?
A. Dead, dry, empty and worthless – why?
1. Because all the information of the world won’t help your soul
1. Because all the information of the world won’t help your soul
2. You need to get to know things inside and out
2. You need to get to know things inside and out
3. More than just memorising letters on a page, facts, figures, names – who cares?! Real Knowledge is learning the WHY’S of the facts, and the MORALS of the events of history!
3. More than just memorising letters on a page, facts, figures, names – who cares?! Real Knowledge is learning the WHY’S of the facts, and the MORALS of the events of history!
B. Simple knowledge is like a boring relationship – nothing more to talk about, discover, explore – life should not be that way!
B. Simple knowledge is like a boring relationship – nothing more to talk about, discover, explore – life should not be that way!
1. Marriage – always be a little intriguing, always exploring (1Pet 3:7)
1. Marriage – always be a little intriguing, always exploring (1Pet 3:7)
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
2. Bible – go on a treasure hunt – deeper still deeper
2. Bible – go on a treasure hunt – deeper still deeper
3. Prayer – see how much grace you can tap into (James 5:16)
3. Prayer – see how much grace you can tap into (James 5:16)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
V. How to Grow in Knowledge
V. How to Grow in Knowledge
A. Grow in grace first (2Pet 3:18)
A. Grow in grace first (2Pet 3:18)
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
B. Study out what you believe for yourself
B. Study out what you believe for yourself
1. Personal devotions and Bible Study at home
1. Personal devotions and Bible Study at home
a. Bring Bible Study tools
a. Bring Bible Study tools
b. Examples of a search and learning time
b. Examples of a search and learning time
c. Use a notebook!
c. Use a notebook!
2. Church meetings – learning all the time
2. Church meetings – learning all the time
3. Discipleship lessons
3. Discipleship lessons
4. Bible Institute
4. Bible Institute
C. Teach others – get answers for them – then you will grow
C. Teach others – get answers for them – then you will grow
1. The purpose of being discipled, is to learn for sure, but you will REALLY learn when you take the lessons that you learned under Paul, or under myself, or under Tony, and turn around and teach someone else, yourself!
1. The purpose of being discipled, is to learn for sure, but you will REALLY learn when you take the lessons that you learned under Paul, or under myself, or under Tony, and turn around and teach someone else, yourself!
2. There is no better way to learn than to be forced to learn so that you have answers for someone else – Sunday School teacher (Bro Kevin, have you learned through teaching? Of course!)
2. There is no better way to learn than to be forced to learn so that you have answers for someone else – Sunday School teacher (Bro Kevin, have you learned through teaching? Of course!)
3. Moms – teach your kids at home
3. Moms – teach your kids at home
4. Dads – teach your kids
4. Dads – teach your kids
5. Teens – get involved and help out with Sunday School and Creche, and Bible Clubs, and teach a bit – and YOU WILL LEARN!
5. Teens – get involved and help out with Sunday School and Creche, and Bible Clubs, and teach a bit – and YOU WILL LEARN!
D. Test what you think you know – adjust as you discover new truths, and always bring what you know in line with what God says (EX: Christopher Columbus and the circle of the earth)
D. Test what you think you know – adjust as you discover new truths, and always bring what you know in line with what God says (EX: Christopher Columbus and the circle of the earth)
E. Keep your knowledge practical (Heb 13:9; 1Cor 8:1) and balanced with love
E. Keep your knowledge practical (Heb 13:9; 1Cor 8:1) and balanced with love
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
VI. Conclusion
VI. Conclusion
A. In simple terms, we are to be adding knowledge of the Bible constantly to our minds and hearts.
A. In simple terms, we are to be adding knowledge of the Bible constantly to our minds and hearts.
This is the very life of our life: the very soul of our faith - the Word of God.
This is the very life of our life: the very soul of our faith - the Word of God.
If you and I intend to be diligent Christians, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, there is no other formula on earth,
If you and I intend to be diligent Christians, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, there is no other formula on earth,
1. We must have the shield of faith, yes!
1. We must have the shield of faith, yes!
2. And the breastplate of righteousness - virtue
2. And the breastplate of righteousness - virtue
3. AND the knowledge of the Word of God, which is a sharp two-edged sword against all attacks.
3. AND the knowledge of the Word of God, which is a sharp two-edged sword against all attacks.
B. Therefore, Peter tells us we must add knowledge; and that is why we have to read the best books.
B. Therefore, Peter tells us we must add knowledge; and that is why we have to read the best books.
1. There are a million books that we will never read; even good books that we will never be able, in our lifetime, to read. I love good books, and have some books in my study that I will never read. I wish I had time to read them all, but there isn't time. Time is rushing us on with so many duties, night and day.
1. There are a million books that we will never read; even good books that we will never be able, in our lifetime, to read. I love good books, and have some books in my study that I will never read. I wish I had time to read them all, but there isn't time. Time is rushing us on with so many duties, night and day.
2. But, there is one book that we dare not be ignorant about - the Word of God. We must read it from Genesis to Revelation over, and over, and over again.
2. But, there is one book that we dare not be ignorant about - the Word of God. We must read it from Genesis to Revelation over, and over, and over again.
Not simply that we might have a superficial knowledge of it, as a person may scan over a newspaper and pick out a bit here and a bit there.
Not simply that we might have a superficial knowledge of it, as a person may scan over a newspaper and pick out a bit here and a bit there.
No, we must know its very language, its ready application; its very tone and spirit must be ours.
No, we must know its very language, its ready application; its very tone and spirit must be ours.
C. In two weeks (after resurrection Sunday, we will return to the next step to take, the next characteristic to add to our lives - Temperance
C. In two weeks (after resurrection Sunday, we will return to the next step to take, the next characteristic to add to our lives - Temperance
Knowledge
Knowledge
Personally Knowing Something To Be True, Not Just Accepting It As True
Personally Knowing Something To Be True, Not Just Accepting It As True
“and to virtue knowledge” Philippians 3:10 I.
“and to virtue knowledge” Philippians 3:10 I.
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Introduction (1Peter 2:1,2)
Introduction (1Peter 2:1,2)
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
A. Faith gets us into God’s family, and forms the foundation that our life can rest upon
A. Faith gets us into God’s family, and forms the foundation that our life can rest upon
B. Virtue keeps us from getting trapped and defeated by sin like it used to
B. Virtue keeps us from getting trapped and defeated by sin like it used to
C. Next comes KNOWLEDGE that needs to be added to our spiritual diet
C. Next comes KNOWLEDGE that needs to be added to our spiritual diet
1. Why must a Christian pick this Book up and read it from cover to cover?
1. Why must a Christian pick this Book up and read it from cover to cover?
2. Why come to a church that teaches through the contents of this Bible Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening?
2. Why come to a church that teaches through the contents of this Bible Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening?
3. Why go through Discipleship? Two years of discipleship!
3. Why go through Discipleship? Two years of discipleship!
4. Because there is a spiritual instinct, a spiritual need in every human being to feed on TRUTH – knowing it, and learning it, and believing it, and living on it – instead of living on fairy tales and on theories and on opinions, and on philosophies!
4. Because there is a spiritual instinct, a spiritual need in every human being to feed on TRUTH – knowing it, and learning it, and believing it, and living on it – instead of living on fairy tales and on theories and on opinions, and on philosophies!
D. The purpose of growing in my own personal knowledge is so that I have some answers for the problems I go through, and answers for the uncertainties in those troubles – in other words, if I could just KNOW some things, the devil will not be able to easily scare me anymore!
D. The purpose of growing in my own personal knowledge is so that I have some answers for the problems I go through, and answers for the uncertainties in those troubles – in other words, if I could just KNOW some things, the devil will not be able to easily scare me anymore!
Examples:
Examples:
1. Car acting up – just dying, right on the road in traffic – scary. But then when I know that it is an idle problem, then I can adjust my driving and just keep it above the idle and get it home – confidence
1. Car acting up – just dying, right on the road in traffic – scary. But then when I know that it is an idle problem, then I can adjust my driving and just keep it above the idle and get it home – confidence
2. Health scare – scary when you feel like you are in danger. Only to find out it is the flu, and you are just weak, and will get better in a week – then you can endure without the fear!
2. Health scare – scary when you feel like you are in danger. Only to find out it is the flu, and you are just weak, and will get better in a week – then you can endure without the fear!
II. Knowledge is More than Information and Education
II. Knowledge is More than Information and Education
A. Knowledge alone is wrong
A. Knowledge alone is wrong
1. Information and education fill your mind with facts, names, places, events, statistics – all but with no meaning – no relationship with your life and purpose
1. Information and education fill your mind with facts, names, places, events, statistics – all but with no meaning – no relationship with your life and purpose
2. Knowledge alone kills – is dead – just promotes pride (1Cor 8:1)
2. Knowledge alone kills – is dead – just promotes pride (1Cor 8:1)
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
3. Martin Luther said “Education without salvation equals damnation”
3. Martin Luther said “Education without salvation equals damnation”
B. God’s Knowledge is what we need
B. God’s Knowledge is what we need
1. Knowledge is a confidence, a calm assurance in what I KNOW to be true and real, in spite of how I or anyone else feels!
1. Knowledge is a confidence, a calm assurance in what I KNOW to be true and real, in spite of how I or anyone else feels!
2. Knowledge is an intimacy with some things (knowing something through and through – not just skimming, or superficially)
2. Knowledge is an intimacy with some things (knowing something through and through – not just skimming, or superficially)
a. Like knowing God – I KNOW God, and I want to KNOW Him better and deeper (2Tim 1:12;
Phil 3:10)
a. Like knowing God – I KNOW God, and I want to KNOW Him better and deeper (2Tim 1:12;
Phil 3:10)
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
b. Like knowing the Bible – I know some of the truths in this Book, but I so want to know the depths of the riches of the knowledge in this Book (Rom 11:33)
b. Like knowing the Bible – I know some of the truths in this Book, but I so want to know the depths of the riches of the knowledge in this Book (Rom 11:33)
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
c. Like knowing my wife (1Pet 3:7), and the wife with her husband
c. Like knowing my wife (1Pet 3:7), and the wife with her husband
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
d. Like knowing my Job – supposed to learn it better and better, and read up on how to do it better, and improve my performance – that’s how you get raises and promotions folks!!!
d. Like knowing my Job – supposed to learn it better and better, and read up on how to do it better, and improve my performance – that’s how you get raises and promotions folks!!!
3. Knowledge is something that is Proven to be True – you must be able to prove something that you know, or else it is just a guess, or a feeling. If you know something, CAN YOU PROVE IT?
3. Knowledge is something that is Proven to be True – you must be able to prove something that you know, or else it is just a guess, or a feeling. If you know something, CAN YOU PROVE IT?
C. Grow in Knowledge (2Peter 3:18) – don’t ever stagnate!
C. Grow in Knowledge (2Peter 3:18) – don’t ever stagnate!
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1. All the days of our lives as Christians we are to be increasing in our knowledge of the things of God.
1. All the days of our lives as Christians we are to be increasing in our knowledge of the things of God.
It is not enough that we should coast along on the little knowledge we have at our conversion to Christ.
It is not enough that we should coast along on the little knowledge we have at our conversion to Christ.
We have to have some knowledge in order to be saved.
We have to have some knowledge in order to be saved.
No one is converted to Christ without any knowledge at all. What we know when we are first converted is like the ABC; it is not the whole alphabet.
No one is converted to Christ without any knowledge at all. What we know when we are first converted is like the ABC; it is not the whole alphabet.
a. Start off with milk – only able to digest simple truths like a baby b. Then, slowly you add meat and potatoes
a. Start off with milk – only able to digest simple truths like a baby b. Then, slowly you add meat and potatoes
c. Add some salt
c. Add some salt
d. Then, top it off with some honey from time to time – good stuff, encouraging stuff, uplifting stuff
d. Then, top it off with some honey from time to time – good stuff, encouraging stuff, uplifting stuff
2. So, the appeal of Peter (2Pet 1:5) here is to be always at our Bible.
2. So, the appeal of Peter (2Pet 1:5) here is to be always at our Bible.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Always, either reading it or, when we have a moment to spare, thinking about what it says, meditating upon what it says, reflecting on what it means.
Always, either reading it or, when we have a moment to spare, thinking about what it says, meditating upon what it says, reflecting on what it means.
Even when we are resting, our minds should be trained to go back to the words of this Book and its teaching, its truths and think about how they relate to your life right then and there
Even when we are resting, our minds should be trained to go back to the words of this Book and its teaching, its truths and think about how they relate to your life right then and there
3. The appeal is for us to be getting to know more and more of our Lord, and His will – but always through personal, first hand knowledge through the Scriptures – not through other people’s knowledge, not through their thinking, or their interpretations – your own!
3. The appeal is for us to be getting to know more and more of our Lord, and His will – but always through personal, first hand knowledge through the Scriptures – not through other people’s knowledge, not through their thinking, or their interpretations – your own!
4. The appeal is the same as for us to be getting to know more and more of our wives and our husbands, our kids, and our daily tasks III.
4. The appeal is the same as for us to be getting to know more and more of our wives and our husbands, our kids, and our daily tasks III.
Things a Christian Can and Should Firmly KNOW inside and out
Things a Christian Can and Should Firmly KNOW inside and out
A. That God keeps His promises (Rom 4:17-21)
A. That God keeps His promises (Rom 4:17-21)
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
B. Your eternal destiny (Job 19:25; Jn 5:24)
B. Your eternal destiny (Job 19:25; Jn 5:24)
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
C. That you are different because of Jesus Christ (Jn 9:25; 2Cor 5:17)
C. That you are different because of Jesus Christ (Jn 9:25; 2Cor 5:17)
25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
D. The will of God for your life (Rom 12:1,2) – your purpose and calling
D. The will of God for your life (Rom 12:1,2) – your purpose and calling
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
E. That you reap what you sow (Gal 6:7)
E. That you reap what you sow (Gal 6:7)
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
F. What is clearly right and clearly wrong – convictions (Amos 5:15)
F. What is clearly right and clearly wrong – convictions (Amos 5:15)
15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
G. That people are wicked and in need of God and His word (Dt 31:29; Acts 20:29,32; Rom 7:18)
G. That people are wicked and in need of God and His word (Dt 31:29; Acts 20:29,32; Rom 7:18)
29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
H. That troubles are ultimately God’s business (Ps 119:75)
H. That troubles are ultimately God’s business (Ps 119:75)
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
I. The Joy of the Lord (Neh 8:10) – don’t just act like you believe it’s there – KNOW it, experience it, LIVE in it, and show it
I. The Joy of the Lord (Neh 8:10) – don’t just act like you believe it’s there – KNOW it, experience it, LIVE in it, and show it
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
J. The Fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7) – you had better know this inside and out – don’t ignore
J. The Fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7) – you had better know this inside and out – don’t ignore
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
K. Some things will be hard to understand (2Pet 3:15,16) – this is why:
K. Some things will be hard to understand (2Pet 3:15,16) – this is why:
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
1. Some things are meat, so are meant to be chewed, not just swallowed – very painful, and not easily digested that way – so that means, you have got to study your Bible
1. Some things are meat, so are meant to be chewed, not just swallowed – very painful, and not easily digested that way – so that means, you have got to study your Bible
a. Read the context
a. Read the context
b. Ask the questions
b. Ask the questions
c. Look up cross-references – many Bibles have them listed
c. Look up cross-references – many Bibles have them listed
2. Some things must be experienced yourself before they are understood
2. Some things must be experienced yourself before they are understood
a. Like tithing – you will not ever know the blessings of giving no matter how much you read about it, until you just start giving!
a. Like tithing – you will not ever know the blessings of giving no matter how much you read about it, until you just start giving!
b. Like patience – have to go through trials to appreciate grace and patience and rewards for endurance
b. Like patience – have to go through trials to appreciate grace and patience and rewards for endurance
3. Some things are meant for others
3. Some things are meant for others
a. Lambs and temple and Jerusalem and priesthood – belong to the Jews, not to Christians
a. Lambs and temple and Jerusalem and priesthood – belong to the Jews, not to Christians
b. Reading Matthew 24 and it says what to do when the antichrist comes – meant for the Jews in Israel
b. Reading Matthew 24 and it says what to do when the antichrist comes – meant for the Jews in Israel
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
4. Some things may never be fully understood (1Cor 13:12)
4. Some things may never be fully understood (1Cor 13:12)
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
IV. What is a Christian’s Life without a Growing Amount of Biblical Knowledge?
IV. What is a Christian’s Life without a Growing Amount of Biblical Knowledge?
A. Dead, dry, empty and worthless – why?
A. Dead, dry, empty and worthless – why?
1. Because all the information of the world won’t help your soul
1. Because all the information of the world won’t help your soul
2. You need to get to know things inside and out
2. You need to get to know things inside and out
3. More than just memorizing letters on a page, facts, figures, names – who cares?! Real Knowledge is learning the WHY’S of the facts, and the MORALS of the events of history!
3. More than just memorizing letters on a page, facts, figures, names – who cares?! Real Knowledge is learning the WHY’S of the facts, and the MORALS of the events of history!
B. Simple knowledge is like a boring relationship – nothing more to talk about, discover, explore – life should not be that way!
B. Simple knowledge is like a boring relationship – nothing more to talk about, discover, explore – life should not be that way!
1. Marriage – always be a little intriguing, always exploring (1Pet 3:7)
1. Marriage – always be a little intriguing, always exploring (1Pet 3:7)
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
2. Bible – go on a treasure hunt – deeper still deeper
2. Bible – go on a treasure hunt – deeper still deeper
3. Prayer – see how much grace you can tap into (James 5:16)
3. Prayer – see how much grace you can tap into (James 5:16)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
V. How to Grow in Knowledge
V. How to Grow in Knowledge
A. Grow in grace first (2Pet 3:18)
A. Grow in grace first (2Pet 3:18)
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
B. Study out what you believe for yourself
B. Study out what you believe for yourself
1. Personal devotions and Bible Study at home
1. Personal devotions and Bible Study at home
a. Bring Bible Study tools
a. Bring Bible Study tools
b. Examples of a search and learning time
b. Examples of a search and learning time
c. Use a notebook!
c. Use a notebook!
2. Church meetings – learning all the time
2. Church meetings – learning all the time
3. Discipleship lessons
3. Discipleship lessons
4. Bible Institute
4. Bible Institute
C. Teach others – get answers for them – then you will grow
C. Teach others – get answers for them – then you will grow
1. The purpose of being discipled, is to learn for sure, but you will REALLY learn when you take the lessons that you learned under Paul, or under myself, or under Tony, and turn around and teach someone else, yourself!
1. The purpose of being discipled, is to learn for sure, but you will REALLY learn when you take the lessons that you learned under Paul, or under myself, or under Tony, and turn around and teach someone else, yourself!
2. There is no better way to learn than to be forced to learn so that you have answers for someone else – Sunday School teacher (Bro Kevin, have you learned through teaching? Of course!)
2. There is no better way to learn than to be forced to learn so that you have answers for someone else – Sunday School teacher (Bro Kevin, have you learned through teaching? Of course!)
3. Moms – teach your kids at home
3. Moms – teach your kids at home
4. Dads – teach your kids
4. Dads – teach your kids
5. Teens – get involved and help out with Sunday School and Creche, and Bible Clubs, and teach a bit – and YOU WILL LEARN!
5. Teens – get involved and help out with Sunday School and Creche, and Bible Clubs, and teach a bit – and YOU WILL LEARN!
D. Test what you think you know – adjust as you discover new truths, and always bring what you know in line with what God says (EX: Christopher Columbus and the circle of the earth)
D. Test what you think you know – adjust as you discover new truths, and always bring what you know in line with what God says (EX: Christopher Columbus and the circle of the earth)
E. Keep your knowledge practical (Heb 13:9; 1Cor 8:1) and balanced with love
E. Keep your knowledge practical (Heb 13:9; 1Cor 8:1) and balanced with love
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
VI. Conclusion
VI. Conclusion
A. In simple terms, we are to be adding knowledge of the Bible constantly to our minds and hearts.
A. In simple terms, we are to be adding knowledge of the Bible constantly to our minds and hearts.
This is the very life of our life: the very soul of our faith - the Word of God.
This is the very life of our life: the very soul of our faith - the Word of God.
If you and I intend to be diligent Christians, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, there is no other formula on earth,
If you and I intend to be diligent Christians, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, there is no other formula on earth,
1. We must have the shield of faith, yes!
1. We must have the shield of faith, yes!
2. And the breastplate of righteousness - virtue
2. And the breastplate of righteousness - virtue
3. AND the knowledge of the Word of God, which is a sharp two-edged sword against all attacks.
3. AND the knowledge of the Word of God, which is a sharp two-edged sword against all attacks.
B. Therefore, Peter tells us we must add knowledge; and that is why we have to read the best books.
B. Therefore, Peter tells us we must add knowledge; and that is why we have to read the best books.
1. There are a million books that we will never read; even good books that we will never be able, in our lifetime, to read.
1. There are a million books that we will never read; even good books that we will never be able, in our lifetime, to read.
I love good books, and have some books in my study that I will never read. I wish I had time to read them all, but there isn't time.
I love good books, and have some books in my study that I will never read. I wish I had time to read them all, but there isn't time.
Time is rushing us on with so many duties, night and day.
Time is rushing us on with so many duties, night and day.
2. But, there is one book that we dare not be ignorant about - the Word of God.
2. But, there is one book that we dare not be ignorant about - the Word of God.
We must read it from Genesis to Revelation over, and over, and over again.
We must read it from Genesis to Revelation over, and over, and over again.
Not simply that we might have a superficial knowledge of it, as a person may scan over a newspaper and pick out a bit here and a bit there.
Not simply that we might have a superficial knowledge of it, as a person may scan over a newspaper and pick out a bit here and a bit there.
No, we must know its very language, its ready application; its very tone and spirit must be ours.
No, we must know its very language, its ready application; its very tone and spirit must be ours.