“From Virtue to Knowledge”

Richard Thetford

Once we obtain virtue which is in fact "moral excellence" then we should add knowledge. In 2 Peter 1:4-11, the Apostle Peter shares with us some valuable information that we should take to heart. "...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge..." (2 Pet 1:5 KJV). Knowledge is a clear understanding of a truth or fact; the act or state of knowing; that which has been perceived or grasped mentally; learning. We must understand that God granted us his precious and magnificent promises. Why? So that we might become partakers of the divine nature. God wants us to do the best we can and to grow each day of our lives to become more Christ like. After we achieve moral excellence then it is very important that we strive to gain as much knowledge of God and Jesus as we possibly can. But we can't stop there because what would we be if we only had knowledge and not the other qualities that go with it. From knowledge we can see in this reading that we are to gain "self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love" (2 Pet 1:6-7). Yes, we need to ultimately have love because if we don't have the love that goes with all these other virtues, then we are nothing (1 Cor 13:2). If these qualities are yours and increasing you will be useful and fruitful. Those that are lacking these qualities are blind and don't know real Christianity. Peter tells us in verse 10 that we'll never stumble if we practice these things.