October 8
PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE / PART 5
THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
-In order to be a partaker of something it is imperative that we have a knowledge of what it is that we are
to partake of. In this case we are referring to a knowledge of partaking of GOD’S DIVINE NATURE. The word “knowledge”
used in 2nd Peter 1:2 comes from the Greek word “epignosis”, which means: clear and exact knowledge,
expressing a more thorough participation in the object of knowledge on the part of the subject, knowledge which very powerfully
influences the form of the religious life, and a knowledge laying claim to personal sympathy and exerting an influence upon
the person. In this case ( 2nd Peter 1:2 ) it would refer to having an intimate and thorough knowledge of God.
This knowledge would be based off of a person’s experience in God, which knowledge would influence the life of that
person, and which knowledge would result in a manifestation of the CHRIST-LIFE.
-Pay close attention to the word “knowledge” in 2nd Peter chapter one. It is used no
less than six times. Peter was obviously placing an extreme amount of emphasis on the believer’s need for THE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD. As well, Romans chapters six through eight places the same amount of emphasis on the importance of the believer having
a thorough knowledge of God. This knowledge ( the knowledge of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ ) is what leads
us to be a partaker of God’s divine nature.
-Without a true and proper knowledge of God, we are doomed to failure and condemnation, being sentenced to the
bondage of the traditions and doctrines of men. Hosea 4:6 states, … My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
… This tells us that a lack of knowledge is what causes us to perish, keeping us in a life of failure, frustration,
and condemnation.
-The difference between a believer and a non-believer is this: One believes and knows about God, and
the other does not. THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS WORTH MORE THAN ALL THE EARTHLY RICHES THAT ONE COULD ACQUIRE! IT IS WORTH WHATEVER
IT TAKES TO ACQUIRE IT! It is to be seen as a mighty key in God’s Kingdom that unlocks to us an experience that could
not otherwise be experienced. The opposite of perishing is to live. Let us seek the knowledge of God …
-THAT WE MIGHT LIVE!-
