Advance
Knowledge and Self-control

Scripture Reading:  2 Peter 1:5-9

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:6

…and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness

As we continue to study the characteristics that we are to add to our faith, Peter points to advancing in our knowledge.  Using an infant as an illustration of this, we can understand that a baby has life in all of its wonderful beauty, but our babies have a long way to grow when it comes to knowledge.  Knowledge will come as the years pass and they apply themselves in school.  So it is with a new Christ follower.  They have all the life of Christ in them that they will ever get, but they will need to apply themselves to advance in their knowledge of Christ and God’s kingdom.  Are you adding knowledge in increasing measures to your faith?  Are you part of a small group and/or Bible study?

            Another characteristic Peter mentions is self-control.  This is a muscle that needs a lot of exercise in most of our lives!  Controlling our cravings; controlling our tempers; controlling our schedules is all part of advancing in our effectiveness.  How can we shine bright if we continually lose the battles of controlling ourselves?  This will take focused prayers on the areas that we struggle in.  We may need to seek out an accountability partner or a mentor to help us in our self-control issues.  The Apostle Paul wrote: “…I discipline my body and make it my slave” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Father, remind me to apply myself to gaining more knowledge in your Word.  Grant me strength to discipline my cravings!  In Jesus’ name, amen.