Through the Knowledge of Him that Hath Called Us Unto Glory - Part 901

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:16)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

How? According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:3)

Throughout the new testament, we who believe in Jesus and seek to be fully clothed in His righteousness, are encouraged to study the Word so that we can rightly divide the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) As such, our heart's desire should be to gain a knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour so that we are grounded in His love and grace.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send Him unto you and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-15)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

"No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-7) 

So how do we do this? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- the Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:15-19) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:7)

Finally, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things ... " (Philippians 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.