“…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…” 2nd Peter 1:5
Well, it is back to school time for children and adults alike, and nearly everyone agrees to the value of education in a person’s secular life. However, many of God’s people tend to forget that growing in the knowledge of God is absolutely essential in one’s spiritual life as well? The Lord spoke through Solomon in Proverbs 15:14, “The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness…” The Bible teaches that true knowledge comes from God, but only through our diligence! It is only when we determine to make the study of Scripture an ongoing discipline that the knowledge that comes from heaven is imparted consistently to us. Each of us would do well to study the Bible earnestly and get knowledge, because the knowledge of doctrine will largely dictate our attitude and actions!
The great majority of times the failures in a saint’s prayer life, in both personal and corporate worship, in giving, in witnessing and a whole host of other aspects of Christian life and service is due to the failure to continue to study the Word of God! Years ago Andrew Murray wrote a book entitled, “With Christ in the School of Prayer”. The title says it all! Just as children need get back in school, our heavenly Father’s children need to do likewise!
The U. S. Marines have a reputation for meticulously training their soldiers, and most recruits don’t understand why! While holding their trays in the food line, each is required to hold their hands in a certain position. When failing to do so, they are verbally chastised and ordered to do push-ups! It is not until later, when they are issued their weapons, that each one learns this is the way they are to hold their rifle, whether marching, or running to combat. What seems like meaningless repetition in the dining hall is actually critical training for the battlefield!
The fact is our heavenly Father has us in a similar mode of training. We are instructed to study God’s Word, abide in the Truth and let the Lord’s teachings abide in us. Sometimes it doesn’t seem that certain truths have any bearing on where our life is being lived. Although the truths of God may appear to be far removed from our daily experience, the Lord may be using that truth to train us for future encounters! Therefore, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge…”
Jon Moore
