Knowledge of God Leads to an Increase in Godly Activity (Part 1 of 2)

The Goal of the Passage

The goal of this passage in 2 Peter 1:1-11 is to understand that knowledge of God leads to an increase of godly activities. As godly activities increase, they grant benefits not just in the future life, but also as we pursue life now as individuals, human beings, and Christians.

The knowledge of God is a key concept here. It is a significant blessing that motivates an increase of godly activities, which glorifies God and brings good and blessing to our lives.

For New and Seasoned Christians Alike

If you are new in the faith, have never grasped what Christians should do on an ongoing basis, struggle with a particular sin, or are unsure about your salvation, this message is for you.

At the same time, if you have been a Christian for a long time, engaging in meaningful Christian activities, or if you have read this chapter many times or heard sermons on it, this message is also for you. As 2 Peter 1:12 says:

I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.

Even seasoned or well-educated Christians who know these truths need to hear them again. Fresh knowledge motivates growth, just as a new driver might outperform a veteran because the rules are fresh in mind. Peter's audience knew these things and were established in them, yet they needed reminders repeatedly.

Don't ever feel like you have arrived. No sermon is ever enough on any passage. These qualities are gospel activities, Christlike activities, godly activities spread throughout Scripture. Charles Spurgeon said regarding repentance: Don't feel like the amount you've exhibited is enough; always be disgruntled with your level of repentance and continue increasing.

Some say they don't attend church because they've "heard it all," even at places like John MacArthur's church where every New Testament verse has been taught. The premise is clear: knowledge of God leads to an increase of godly activities.

Addressing the Objection

There could be an objection: Aren't there people with knowledge of God who don't increase in godly activities? Isn't knowledge alone sufficient to make us fruitful and effective, as the passage says? There are individuals who know God, even recite Scripture better, yet don't grow.

But aren't there also individuals who increase in godly activities because of their knowledge of God? Yes, we see them in Scripture and life, living godly, holy, humble lives. The real question is: What is the difference between those who become ineffective and unfruitful versus those who are effective and fruitful in the knowledge of God? The answer is right here in our context.

Understanding Knowledge of God

Understanding how knowledge of God leads to an increase of godly activities starts with the knowledge of God itself. The context defines it with reference to His power, saving ability, sovereignty over salvation and our lives, calling, and electing us.

Consider 2 Peter 3:1: This is the same audience as in 1 Peter. Look at 1 Peter 1:1-5:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

These synonymous concepts—God's power, sovereignty in salvation, promises—pertain to knowledge of God that causes increase in godly activities. Peter's concern in both letters is that grace and peace be multiplied to us now, in greater degrees, for satisfaction through circumstances.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We receive everything for this life, eternal life, and godliness. This includes assurance of salvation, all through knowledge.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord... His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

Verse 5 adds: supplement your faith with knowledge. Verse 8: increasing in these qualities keeps you from being unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 12: Peter reminds us of what we know. Verses 16-21 confirm Scripture's trustworthiness.

The Blessings of This Knowledge

This knowledge brings significant blessings: God called us to His glory and excellence. On that basis, He granted precious and very great promises, so we become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped worldly corruption because of sinful desire.

These promises are not because of our deeds but for His glory and excellence. They result in fellowshipping—koinonia—with God's nature: experiencing His majesty, excellence, and glory. This escapes corruption rooted in sinful desire.

Peter gives a basic starting point: God is sovereign; His power is the source of our life and godliness; His active involvement, glory, and excellence save us. Knowing how and why you became a Christian fosters thankfulness. God, in benevolence, glorified Himself in your salvation—a wonderful starting place for godly activities.

Our Responsibility: Make Every Effort

Understanding continues with what to do with this knowledge. Verse 5: For this very reason—referring to what God has done, granting all things for life and godliness, precious promises, escape from corruption—make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and so on.

The Greek means in this same thing also: Your activity is not different from God's work in saving you; it complements it. As Philippians says, work out your salvation because God works in you to will and to work for His good pleasure.

God's involvement motivates diligence in Christianity, demonstrating His reality in your life. Without knowing what you've been saved from—corruption, wrath, God's justice and mercy—it's hard to know why to serve Him.

Make every effort means diligence with speed, haste, zealousness, earnest commitment—not procrastination. It's eagerness, willingness, zeal in discharging obligation or relationship.

Imagine excitement over these as ways to improve, grow like Christ, glorify God, enjoy Him, have grace and peace multiplied, be effective and fruitful, and confirm genuine salvation. A lack of effort explains why some with knowledge of God don't increase in godliness.

Hebrews 5:11 warns of becoming dull of hearing—lazy—about deep truths, even after 30 years as Christians. Make every effort: Do your best, put forth all you can, with haste and commitment, to supplement your faith.