Knowledge Is Power

In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter commands us to add knowledge to our goodness. In 2 Peter 3:18, he commands us to grow in grace (favor) and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commands prompt us to consider knowledge?

What is knowledge? Knowledge is the sum of all we know. There are many streams of knowledge. They derive from every field of study (and interest). Knowledge can be categorized in three ways: factual knowledge (what we know we know without a doubt), theoretical knowledge (what we think we know, but could be wrong), and false knowledge (what we know, but is definitely untrue).

Peter speaks of a specific field of knowledge. The knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does that knowledge encompass? It covers all biblical knowledge and theology.

Here are five things we need to remember about the knowledge of Jesus Christ:

1. The knowledge of Christ is the starting point of faith. A person must hear about God and Christ before they come to faith. (see Rom. 10:13-17)
2. The knowledge of Christ is the heart of every prayer. Even the Lord's prayer points us to pursue the knowledge of Christ (see Eph. 3:14-21; Col. 1:9-14).
3. The knowledge of Christ is the goal of every ministry. Everyone who serves Christ labors to see others come to him (see Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 1:28-29).
4. The knowledge of Christ enables self-control.
5. The knowledge of Christ fuels perseverance.

As we grow in knowledge, we grow in goodness and faith. They say knowledge is power, and there is some truth in that saying. But the knowledge of Christ is power unto salvation.