What you ought to Know      2 Peter 1:5-7
Intro:
A. We established the fact last week that Peter was burdened for the believer.
1. He understood the danger of being shallow.
2. He understood the danger of a words only Christianity.
3. And so he encourages the believer to grow in their faith.
4. To cultivate substance in their Christian life.
B. There are seven qualities or resources that Peter mentions here.
1. We took notice to the first one last week.
2. Virtue: The desire to do what is right.
– The pursuit of Moral excellence.
3. It does not stop there however.
4. Peter then encourages us to add to virtue Knowledge.
5. We need to add to our faith what we need to know.
C. John was on a knowledge campaign in 1 John.
1. 39 times in that some letter he mentions the need to know.
2. Knowledge is important.
3. But let us not forget that it is the right knowledge that matters.
4. The desire to do right must be coupled with the knowledge to do right.
5. You cannot do right unless you know right.
D. Let me define the knowledge that Peter speaks of:
1. Peter is referring here to the investigation of spiritual truth.
2. Peter states we need to add a concentrated effort of learning truth.
E. There are several ways of doing this.
1. First by personal Bible study:
– We ought to study our Bible.
– 2 Timothy 2:15 is good exhortation for study.
– There is no substitute for personal study.
– Set aside some time for Bible study.
2. Second by Corporate Bible study: 1 Pet 5:1
– We need to attend Church regularly.
– Sunday School is a great place to start.
– The Morning and evening service help greatly.
– The mid week service is a great way to cap it off.
3. We ought to take advantage of every opportunity to learn Gods word.
4. We need to add to our faith knowledge.
5. Let me share a few ways that this will help us.
I. It will help us to Determine right from wrong:
A. The ability to discern right from wrong is not a natural ability.
1. Our day is like the days of the judges.
2. Everyone is doing what they think is right to do. Judges 21:25
3. We have those who call evil good and good evil. Isaiah 5:20
4. Everyone does not have the correct concept of right and wrong.
B. As a matter of fact, our society seldom is right on what is right and wrong.
1. Society is constantly putting their stamp of approval on sin.
2. If we are going to know what is right, we had better look to the Bible.
3. Bible study will help us discern between good and evil.Heb. 5:14b
II. It will help us to Defend against enemy attack:
A. The Christian life is a battleground.
1. If we are to grow then we must have victory over temptation and sin.
2. Have you ever read and study the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4.
3. In each temptation Jesus overcame by quoting scripture.
4. And the appropriate scripture might I add.
5. Jesus said it is written.
B. Paul told the believer to put on the whole armor of God.
1. Part of that armor is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
2. Scripture is power and capable to help us over come in time of temptation.
III. It will help us to Develop Christ likeness: 2 Peter 3:18
A. Peter’s burden was to see his readers grow strong in their faith.
1. We need to grow in our knowledge of Jesus.
2. The Apostle Paul’s ambition was to know Jesus. 1Cor:2:2 – Phil:3:8
B. At the time of salvation our knowledge of Christ is limited.
1. We need to learn more about him.
2. The saying goes:
– “ We cannot be like him if we do not know what he was Like.”
3. 2 Cor 3:18 reveals a great truth.
4. Bible study will help us to know Jesus.
5. And then we can become more like him.
6. Notice the will of God as mentioned in 1Tm:2:4
ConcL
A. Give all diligence and add to your faith.
1. Add virtue: The desire to do right.
2. Add knowledge: Knowing what is right.

I heard about a little girl who had gone to Sunday School and Church with a friend. Later in the day her mother who had not attended with her, asked her what the preacher had preached about. The pastor’s sermon had been about
Revival. The little girl couldn’t pronounce her V’s very well so when she answered her mother, she said, “The preacher said that we need… RE-BIBLE. I agree with the preacher and the little girl…. If we ever experience
REVIVAL it will be because we have…. RE-BIBLED !