As Peter continues his appeal that we work steadily at Christian character, he writes: “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). Gnosis is the word translated knowledge in this text and quite a few additional New Testament passages. The word has several shades of meaning in Scripture. Knowledge can refer to intelligence, information gathered, understanding, and experience. As compared with wisdom, knowledge is generally defined as information acquired and wisdom is the ability to apply it correctly. One may have a head full of knowledge but lack the “good sense” to use it. Thayer’s excellent old Greek lexicon defines the knowledge of 2 Peter 1:5 as “moral wisdom” as seen in right living. In the Old Testament, fear of the Lord is said to be both the beginning of knowledge and of wisdom (Prov. 1:7; 9:10). On the other hand, Hosea the prophet warned that lack of knowledge leads to destruction (Hos. 4:6). At times, God’s own people rejected knowledge of God and his will (Matt. 13:15). We must work and study to know God, his Son, and his Word. Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
