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Seven Steps: Step Two: Virtue Needs Knowledge The second step in Peter’s plan for Christian growth is to add knowledge to our good intentions. Notice the natural relationship between virtue and the need for knowledge. It makes sense. Once we have the desire to do the right thing, we need to know what the right thing is. Furthermore, just as having a desire to do the right thing is a good test of our faith, so pursuing knowledge is a valid test of our good intentions. Let’s get right to the point. Do you really want to do what is right? Then how much time do you spend in the Scriptures? How much time do you spend reminding yourself of the words, thoughts, and desires of God? Note that Psalm 1 deals with both virtue and knowledge. There the Hebrew songwriter wrote: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful [thus indicating virtue, the inclination toward good]; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.Remember, the human heart is deceptive. If we don’t want to do what is right, we will fool ourselves. We will convince ourselves that we have better things to do than to pursue knowledge, understanding, and discernment through the Word of God. Or we might spend our time with debatable questions and ideas, using them to sidestep thoughtful meditation on the real issues of our relationship to both God and man. That’s why so many of us are “experts” in such issues as God’s sovereignty, His decrees, prophetic details, and legalistic tradition, while we remain crude in spirit and proud in heart. Because of such dangers, let’s make sure we have knowledge of the essentials. For example:
But that raises another issue. Solomon’s lifestyle reminds us that knowledge isn’t enough. For even though Solomon was the wisest man of his day, he still ended up ruining his life by pursuing and marrying hundreds of women, and by multiplying his personal wealth in violation of the commandment of God. And that’s why Peter told us to take the next step.  [Discovery Series Home][Order Here] ©1986, 2000 RBC Ministries —Grand Rapids, MI 49555 Printed in USA Used with permission. |
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