Antrim
Brethren in Christ Church
Team Building Message #43
BEING PRODUCTIVE & EFFECTIVE AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
(Lesson Three)
II Peter 1:5-9 – For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness,
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in
increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has
been cleansed from his past sins.
Add to your GOODNESS … KNOWLEDGE
KNOWLEDGE
Biblical Definition of the Greek word translated as
knowledge in verses 5 & 6 – To know by experience, to be
sure
Note: The Greek word translated as “knowledge” in verse 8
is a different Greek word. It means – “full discernment” or
“to become fully acquainted”.
Webster’s Definition – The condition of knowing something
with familiarity gained through experience or association.
The knowledge we are to add to our goodness is an
experiential knowledge, not just a passing acquaintance. In
other words, we need to have a knowledge of God’s written
word and the Living Word (Jesus) to the degree that it guides
and controls our lives. It is a practical knowledge that enables
a person to discern between right and wrong.
How to Add Knowledge to your Goodness
1. Diligent study of God’s Word
Psalm 119:9 –How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to
your word.
2. Obey what God’s Word teaches
James 1:22 – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
3. Allow God’s Holy Spirit to teach and guide you
John 14:26 –But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Thoughts Worth Considering
Gaining knowledge of God’s Word can be a worthy goal…If it leads us to the Lord and nourishes our soul.
He who does not long to know more of Jesus, knows nothing of Him yet.
Questions:
1. Name one thing you can do in order to add “knowledge” to your life.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The “knowledge” we are to add to our lives is a practical knowledge that helps us discern between right and
wrong. True _____ False _____
3. We need to have a knowledge (know by experience) both the ______________________ word and the
____________________________ word (Jesus).