Why Knowledge?

Have you ever wondered why some people find it so easy to "change" what they believe?  This propensity to change beliefs with every "new" idea that comes along has resulted in an instability among many Christians.  Many people will try to build their lives around making money, being important and popular, or going to church just for the sake of going without creating a real stability in their lives.  The only foundation that will offer true stability is one that is built on faith in God and in His Word.  But we can't have faith in something we don't know.  God's Word is the source of truth and knowledge and it is vital for you and I to understand and know His Word.  I want to share with you why it is important as a believer to have the proper knowledge of God's Word.

1.  WE ARE TO STUDY AND KNOW THE TRUTH

Paul instructed Timothy to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).  Knowing the "truth" enables you to better use the "truth."  It is very difficult, if not impossible, to use something you don't know and understand!  When you are studying God's Word here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your study so that you may "rightly divide the word of truth":

• The Bible is a "spiritual" book; therefore as you read it, you must accompany it with prayer and a sensitivity to the Spirit.
• Read slowly and carefully.  It's better to read less in order to meditate and comprehend more.
  
• Study and read each passage within the context of which it is written. Review background of the text. As someone once said, "A text without a context is a pretext for a proof-text!"
• Read it with the hope and expectation that it will change you.  Scripture should be received "personally."

Don't always rely on what others tell you.  They can be a great source of information, but they may also have "biases" that can lead you astray.  Study for yourself to learn the truth of God's Word.

2.  WE ARE TO DEFEND THE TRUTH

Do you know why you believe what you believe? Are you able to articulate what you believe to someone who asks?  It is important for you to know what you believe and to be able to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15).  If you believe the Bible is true, that salvation is true, and the promises of God are true, then you need to have a Biblical knowledge of that truth in order to defend it.  When you're confident about the truth you know, you are better able to defend it and do it with confidence, gentleness, and a quite reverence.  

3.  BIBLE TRUTH ACQUAINTS US WITH GOD

According to Proverbs 2:2-5, we become acquainted with God and have a knowledge of Him when we "incline our ear to wisdom" and our "heart to understanding."  When we seek wisdom and understanding as silver and search for them like a hidden treasure, we become acquainted with God.  You can't have a relationship with God based on what you "think" He may be.  Your relationship must be based on what the "truth" of His Word says about who He is.

4.  BIBLE KNOWLEDGE IS AN ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION

Everyone builds their lives on a foundation that guides the decisions they make and the directions they take.  But the only foundation strong enough to build upon is the Word of God.  Ignorance of God's Word is incredibly dangerous.  A sound understanding of God's Word is necessary for a good foundation of faith.

5.  BIBLE TRUTH FEEDS YOU

Liquids may be enough for a baby to start to grow, but for an adult, we must eat "solid food." Eating solid food is a sign of maturity.  Without solid food, we will remain babies.  This is true in our physical life and it is true in our spiritual life as well.  If you stop feeding on God's Word your spiritual life will weaken. Read Hebrews 5:12-14 for more on this topic.

6.  KNOWING TRUTH PROTECTS YOU AGAINST ERROR

Once you are rooted in the truth of God's Word it becomes very difficult for anyone to lead you astray with false doctrine.  The best way to protect yourself against error of any kind is to simply know "the truth."  When you know the truth, you will recognize a lie immediately.

Knowledge is vital.  But not just any knowledge.  It is the knowledge of God's Word that will set you free, give you life, and give you a firm foundation on which to stand.  Don't allow yourself to be tossed back and forth with every wind of doctrine.  Stand firm on the truth of God's Word and you will be secure!

Pastor Temple