But it is also clear that simply being aware of God's existence is not sufficient; the knowledge of God must encompass the deep appreciation for and relationship with Him. It will give us assurance of salvation. I also find that writing scripture helps me to memorize more of the Bible and draws me to Him in a deeper way. As a pastor, its easy to fall into the trap of thinking that fruitfulness is measured in terms of numbers: If I can pastor a large, growing church, write best-selling books, and travel all over the world to influence thousands of other Christian leaders, I will be fruitful. Ministering to large numbers may indicate success in human terms, but we need to measure fruitfulness by Gods criteria. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,Nor can it be valued in pure gold. Please refer to the image below these scriptures for a summary. The benefits of growing in godliness are fruitfulness, Compare John 14:9 with what Paul said thirty years later look up Acts 9:4-6 and Philippians 3:10. Real knowledge, Sanford says, is from God the Father (James 1:16-18), Gods Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and Gods Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27).. Knowledge and understanding help believers identify, avoid, and rebuke false teaching (2 Thessalonians 3:14; 2 John 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; 6:3-5). that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge. Hello, my name is Kenny Gatlin. Unwillingness was the case in a sober passage about knowledge, Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Gods people rejected knowledge of His laws. Solomon and the wise men of Israel prized wisdom, understanding, and knowledge as crucial to living prosperously, safely, and effectively. God speaks to us through the Bible. Just as in biblical days, there is a crisis of the Word of God in homes, communities, and places of worship today. The words return and receive, in verses 22 and 23 in the Authorised Version, give us the answer. It is written in His word that we are saved when we put our hope in Him. One of these things, as we see in the verse above, is that we are to add the knowledge of Gods Word to our lives. Blind and short-sighted are used somewhat synonymously. Guard your heart. That is the way God has decreed that we will know Himonly through the Word of God and what the Word of God says. In John 3:16, we are told, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life., We also saw that wisdom and understanding dwell in the heart and mind. Matthew 4:4 "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God." Psalm 42:1 "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103. Your testimonies aremy heritage forever,for they arethe joy of my heart. In Latin, there is a phrase called summum bonum, which means "the highest good out of which all other good flows.". Proverbs 24:14 Verse Concepts This gift encourages action through intercessory prayer and serves as a witness of Gods eternal knowledge to the world. All rights reserved., Posted on Published: December 27, 2021- Last updated: January 10, 2023, Reuben in the Bible: The Lost Tribe & Lessons From His Life, Who was Simeon in the Bible? is beneath the surface. As you learn what He has taught and how to conduct yourself and your business and daily affairs and as you see How to conduct your business in an ethical, God-ordained manner, you will become more successful. Good comes to those who are adding the knowledge of God to their life continually. Certainly, daily Bible reading, study, and meditation are a good starting point. No one gets to God the Father except through Jesus Christ. Jude, which parallels 2 Peter 2, ends his short letter (Jude 24), Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy. The means that God uses to help us persevere in the faith is to motivate us to grow in godliness. What you dont know can kill you! Knowledge and understanding of the scriptures is one way God transforms believers, through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Believers can ask God for more knowledge (Psalm 119:66). When we understand more about who God is and what He desires for our lives, we can develop a deeper relationship with Him. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. This means that we heard the gospel and God opened the eyes of our darkened understanding and imparted new life to us so that we believed in Christ (1 Pet. Verse 26 tells us this. Also, we begin to find a new desire for the things which give Him pleasure look up Psalm 37:4. There is no need to be a weak, anaemic Christian. It is important that we listen to God and His words. Promises that He will be our rock, our refuge and stronghold. I also plan to become addicted to alcohol and drugs. 2:9; 2 Pet. ), and paste them into a notebook. Evil knowledge is what Satan wants us to know, believe, and heed. They had become virtually blind to what Christ had done for them in cleansing them from their sins. Proverbs 24:4 Verse Concepts The knowledge of God's Word will build you up, and deliver your God-given inheritance into your hands (Acts 20:32). Reading his Word can embolden you to be set free from those chains. How blessed is the man who finds wisdomAnd the man who gains understanding. Therefore, we must align ourselves with the Word and our spiritual assignments. What are the benefits of knowing God? In short, what motivation is there to be diligent to grow in godliness? Where understanding is, there also you will find wisdom because wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding. 2. Believers who desire to operate in the gifts of the Spirit can have confidence knowing God will distribute multiple gifts to those that steward them well. Bible study brings strength and guidance for life. Proverbs 16:16 Verse Concepts How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Your faith will hold you and sustain you. Dont waste it living for selfish pursuits or for things that will perish. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. Proverbs 24:5 KJV. The context of that verse is Christians who had knowledge about the problem of food sacrificed to idolsmaking it ceremoniously uncleanbut new believers didnt have that knowledge yet. We saw earlier in this article that understanding is the knowledge of the Holy One. Solomons point was that accumulation of knowledge isnt as important as fearing and obeying God (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13). Pray and ask God for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. You can gain knowledge by reading a book on becoming a better homemaker or how to cook the best apple pie, but when you read the Bible, you gain wisdom that will strengthen you, give you peace, give you joy and equip you to face lifes difficulties. May we not pass it by, but pull our chair up to the table regularly to feed our soul. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. We have the very life of God in us. I still know the meaning of sesquipedalian (a person who uses long words), erudite (scholarly), osculate (to kiss), pensive (thoughtful), and many more. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all understanding. But solid food is forthe mature, for those who have their powersof discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.. This is not to say that salvation is by works, but rather that genuine salvation always results in a life of growing godliness. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? The devil loves to blind the minds of people so they will be easy prey. He began to comprehend a revelation that was released through Christs blood. Our Humor pageinvites you take an exit ramp from the rat race, relax a little, and get a good dose of the best medicine: laughter! Also, just as Christians can ask God for wisdom, they can also ask Him to guide them to books, sermons, podcasts, etc., that can boost their growth in spiritual knowledge. Forwhatever was written in former days was written for ourinstruction, that through endurance and throughthe encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.. Some understand verse 9 to be referring to those who are not truly saved, who may have been following the false teachers. Gold or glass cannot equal it,Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Peter is saying, One way to be certain that God has called and chosen you is to be diligent to grow in these godly character qualities. The same message sums up the book of First John, but is stated specifically in 1 John 2:28, Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (see, also, 1 John 3:18-21). 3. We should want this knowledge so that our lives can be more like Him and live according to his will. that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeedour fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.. How can the fallen person know if hes saved? You read in Romans 15:5-6 of Gods design that we are to work together as one for His glory. Proud member Without keeping the cross in view, you will drift into ungodly living and will waste your life in light of eternity. Additionally, you will need to put away a deceitful mouth and focus straight on the path of goodness, avoiding evil. The One New Man Network acts as a voice to the Nations, walking out the instructions of Mark 16:15, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature. With the vision to preach and to publish openly the good news, The One New Man Network brings a message of salvation that can be heard throughout the Nations of the World! So the first benefit of growing in godliness is fruitfulness in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This kind of wisdom describes perception with discernment. Peter said (Matt. How much more can God deliver you and lift your burdens knowing His incredible love for you. First, have you heard the call to repent of your sins and believe in Christ and did you obey that call? The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift given to Believers by the Holy Spirit. These are just a few benefits of Bible study, friend, but there are many more (keep an eye out for more in an upcoming post)! We believe that there is one God, our creator, manifested into three persons God the Father, Jesus the Son, our Savior and the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of God, who provides spiritual power for daily living and Godly service. 2. How, then, do we gain the assurance that God has called and chosen us? Indeed, thoughts without God are hostile to Him and a reason for sinful pride (1 Corinthians 8:1b). The mission of The One New Man Network is to be a bridge of unity and restoration between Israel and the Church, releasing Gods fullness throughout the earth. Life is a vapor (James 4:14)! Here are some other verses that remind us of how we should be longing for God and His Word. The gift of knowledge is the supernatural ability to impart a specific word of wisdom into a situation. Should we give assurance of salvation immediately after a person professes faith in Christ, or should that come later? Reading the Word prepares us for battle against the evil one. Be the Daniel 11:32 kind! Peter explains why (For) we should apply all diligence to supply these qualities (1:8): For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then he explains further and warns (1:9), For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Note three things: Peter states his point negatively to call attention to what happens if you do not grow in godliness: you will live a useless, unfruitful life. Please get in touch with me so I can celebrate with you. While this is similar to the one above, it is distinctly different. Taking life too seriously? Many Believers operate within a word of knowledge without even realizing it. Whats in it for us? Believers need to know the tactics of the enemySatans wicked schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus in. Here are a few benefits of reading the Bible that I keep close to my heart and serve as reminders for me to stay in the Word daily. If He had not chosen us and called us, we would still be lost in our sins. But if his word of warning applied to some, they should take heed. 19:27), Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us? Jesus replied (Matt. She knew that motivation is a key to learning and she was a master motivator! As a Christians knowledge grows, love and understanding are needed toward those who may not have as much training. God tells us plainly He that wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30). What biblical criteria are there? It includes things like a teachable spirit, a willingness to listen, a desire to discover what is really there. In verse 10, Peter brings together two things that we often separate: Gods sovereignty in calling and choosing us and our responsibility to be diligent to grow in godliness so that we grow in assurance about Gods calling and choosing us. 3. Believers who are cultivating the godly qualities listed in verses 5-7 are walking closely with the Lord. As believers learn to fear God, the knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding (Proverbs 9:10). 2 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou c The Hebrew term for understanding is tebuna, which denotes intelligence or discernment. John 14:1 "Don't let your hearts be troubled. For I have never eaten anything common or unclean. And a voice spoke to him again the second time, What God has cleansed you must not call common. This was done three times. Before we see how having wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will benefit you, let us look at how some people in the Bible already enjoyed these benefits. Therefore knowledge is emphasized in the Bible as the highest priority. Years later, in my thirties, I went over to her house and thanked her for being such a great teacher. Even so, they recognized the limits of human thinking: Trust in the LORD with all your heartAnd do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He will make your paths straight.Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. I hope this doesnt describe you, because diligence in the things of God is of critical importance. Before Moses died, Joshua has been filled with the spirit of wisdom; therefore, the children of Israel listened to Joshua and did what the LORD had commanded Moses because of the spirit of wisdom imparted on him. One of the spiritual disciplines and a sign of spiritual maturity is daily time reading and studying Gods Word. This is one of the most impactful and important benefits of reading the Bible. The proper . To know is not to be intellectually informed about some abstract principle, but to apprehend and . Photo credit: Getty Images/Prostock-Studio. Ill be reading the Bible, curled up with my pup, and a cup of coffee! This first couple knew intellectually about good and evil because of Gods command, but they understood good and evil experientiallyas well as the devastating consequences of their choicein disobedience. But since Peter has talked about the true knowledge of Christ in reference to conversion (1:3), I understand him here (1:8) to be saying, If you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be growing in godliness and seeking to be useful and fruitful in serving Him..

Anastasia Karanikolaou Parents, Carlsbad Homes For Sale By Owner, Recent Car Crashes Illinois 2022, Did House Bill 4218 Pass In Michigan, Articles B