November 11
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
2 Peter 1:5 - “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”
Godly knowledge is the source of godly wisdom. Without knowledge from God, the purpose of virtue will not be realized. Knowledge involves learning, and it must continue as long as we are here to serve God.
I consider virtue as the quality of life. But without knowledge to apply this quality, virtue serves no purpose. Virtue is a disposition of the heart and the mind to do what is righteous before God and man. Knowledge provides the means and the wherewithal to apply godly virtues according to God’s will.
The display of virtue without knowledge leads to self-righteousness, while knowledge without godly virtue leads to pride and arrogance. Both have to be under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Apostle Peter has learned so much from his mistakes. He was the Apostle the Lord rebuked more than the others. He learned about the relevance of faith, virtue, and knowledge as necessities to live and serve God effectively.
The primary source of godly knowledge is God’s Word. Godly knowledge helps us understand, and we can relate more to what transpires in our daily lives. From this knowledge, we can grow and be equipped and prepared to face whatever challenges are in our path.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
What makes it even more powerful and effective is the work and the power of the Holy Spirit, who communicates to us God’s will through the preserved Word of God.
Proverbs 2:6 - “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
God is the giver of all knowledge, spiritual and secular. It includes all sciences falsely claimed by the world and changed the narrative to give all the glory to man. All our abilities and talents come from the Lord; we must, therefore, use them all for His glory.
My prayer for you:
Our God and Heavenly Father, You are the source of all knowledge. We give You our praise and thanksgiving because You created us from Your image. Without it, we would not be able to learn, understand, process, and enjoy what You have given us.
Forgive us, for sometimes we neglect to honor You. We fail to give You the glory, for often, we take the credit for the victories and abundance we enjoy.
Help us, Lord, to remember that without You, we are nothing. We always need You, especially when we think we know enough that we no longer seek Your will and Your blessings.
We now surrender our minds, will, and hearts. May You fill them with your righteousness and glorious presence. We desire to only magnify and glorify You in Our life's abundance and victory.
Thank You, our Lord God, for your grace and mercy. May we always be worthy of Your praise. We ask all these in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen!