Add Temperance to Knowledge

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The scripture contains many admonitions to seek for knowledge. Today's passage says that knowledge is something that should be added to the foundation of faith. Yet, knowledge brings with it a set of temptations. Knowledge increases sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:18), has potential to pervert (Isaiah 47:10), and when not handled properly, “knowledge puffeth up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). With this understanding, it should come as no surprise that the Lord would instruct us to add temperance to our knowledge. Knowledge without temperance leads to many pitfalls in an individual, church, or ministry. Our knowledge must be balanced by temperance.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): What things are easy for you to learn and do well? Do you think this knowledge makes you better than others? Study and discuss 1 Corinthians 4:7. Why not commit to use your God-given abilities to help others?

• (For everyone): Pride is one of the greatest pitfalls of knowledge. Do you find your pride and humility frequently getting out of balance because of the things that you know?

• What are some reasons why you think the Lord said that we should add temperance to our knowledge? How can temperance be beneficial with knowledge?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord to help you add temperance to your knowledge.

• Ask God to help you maintain balance during times of temptation.

SONG: Almighty Maker of My Frame

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Temperance