Introduction:     After establishing the fact that the true Christian has laid a foundation of saving faith by trusting Jesus as their Savior, Peter goes on to challenge the believer to "add to" their faith. He is saying... Build upon that foundation of faith. And here in this passage, Peter shares with us the Lord's plan for building our spiritual lives. To accomplish this we ought to take advantage of every opportunity to learn from the Word of God. So, we are to add "knowledge"... add spiritual truth to our lives...how does that help us?

I.          IT WILL HELPS US KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG.

Some say, well... everybody knows right from wrong.  Oh I wish that were true.

We live in a day that is similar to a time in the Old Testament, where according to the book of Judges, every man was doing what was..."right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25)

Isaiah 5:20 teaches us that there are those who... "..Call evil good and good evil... that put darkness for light and light for darkness." Everyone does not have the correct concept of right and wrong. As a matter of fact, our society seldom is right on what is right and wrong. Society is constantly putting their stamp of approval on sin. (Illus. T. V. shows today). If we are going to know what is right, we had better look to the Word of God. The Book of Hebrews tells us that it is through skillful study of the Word of God that we are equipped..."to discern both good and evil". (Heb. 5:14b) Knowing Spiritual Truth will help us know right from wrong. Secondly...Knowing Spiritual truth...

II.         IT WILL HELP US WIN OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLES

The Christian life is a battle ground. If we are to grow then we must have victory over temptation and sin. Jesus was tempted, (Matthew 4)...and in each case, do you remember what Jesus did to counteract the temptation? He quoted the scriptures. He repeatedly said...it is written! Paul exhorted believers in Ephesians 6 as to how to be equipped for spiritual conflict. He said that we are to put on the whole Armour of God. A part of that Armour is "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." - a defensive tool to turn away Satan's blows.

III.       IT WILL HELP US KNOW, LOVE AND OBEY THE SAVIOR

Peter's burden was to see his readers grow strong in their faith. Look at the final verse of this letter. He underscores the message of this book. 2 Pet.3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” We need to grow in our knowledge of Jesus. The Apostle Paul's ambition was to know Jesus. 1Cor:2:2: “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Phil: 3:8: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” When I was saved, I didn't know that much about Jesus and my salvation. All I really understood was that I was a sinner, bound for a terrible place called hell. Jesus came to the world to bring salvation. I prayed believing that Jesus would forgive me, save me, and live in me. Since my salvation, I've learned a lot more of the details about Jesus and my salvation. That knowledge makes me appreciate Him and love Him more than I was able to when

I first received Him as my Savior.

Conclusion:       Get into the Word. Let it help you grow in your knowledge of Jesus Christ. For those of you who have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, let me tell you that there a knowledge God wants you to pursue. 1Tm:2:4 teaches us that it is God's will for......"all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." God wants you to know the truth about salvation.