As grace believers, what is our primary objective? (Part 3)

As grace believers, what is our primary objective? (Part 3)

Start this series of posts with: Part 1

No knowledge, no understanding, no foundation

The key verse in this series confirms that after we come to salvation, it is God’s will that we come to a knowledge of the truth, 1Tim.2:4. Isn’t it interesting that God’s one desire for us, having been saved, is not to get busy with any activities, no matter how spiritual or noble they might appear to be, but to sit down, to quiet our minds, and to study His Word.

2Tim.2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Why is this so?

Well, simply put, without knowledge, there is no understanding of God. Without knowledge, there is no stable foundation of truth. If the truth of God’s Word is not in us, then we default to the flesh, which is enmity towards God. How can we walk after the Spirit if the life and instruction of God’s Word is not within us. The light of God’s Word must first shine in our hearts before we have any capacity to bring light to others.

Notice what Paul writes to the spiritually immature church at Corinth, 2Cor.4:1-7,

(1)  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  (2)  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

The list involving dishonesty, craftiness, and deceit, were elements found in this carnal church. Paul’s reproof of the Corinthians brings a statement of correction that would offset these carnal behaviours. Paul mentions the necessity of the manifestation of the truth which is only found in the Word of God. The Corinthians had to come to a knowledge of the truth. Their behaviours had to come into conformity to the truth. Paul continues,  

(3)  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  

Without knowledge, a person will remain in the dark. Knowledge of God’s Word shines the light on truth. It takes the focus off ourselves and our vanities and it spotlights the nature of Christ. It might be appropriate to mention that only knowledge of God’s truth does this. Remember that any knowledge outside of God’s truth simply puffs up and brings focus on human selfishness and vanity, 1Cor.8:1; Col.2:18. God’s Word shines in a different direction, always pointing squarely on Christ.

(5)  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  (6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  (7)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

When we get saved, God’s light of truth, through the power of the gospel, has pierced our hearts. However, that light should increase and should illuminate our minds, bringing understanding of God’s Word, intimacy with Christ, and comprehension of God’s will and ways. We cannot increase in God if we do not have an increase in the knowledge of His Word, (which equates to a knowledge of God’s plan of redemption, of Christ, of Israel, of the Body of Christ, and how all these components work together to restore creation and glorify Christ).

If we dismiss the instruction, and will of God, to come to a knowledge of the truth, and choose rather to focus on the external performances of religion, like the carnal babes of Corinth did, involving dishonesty, craftiness, and deceit, or in more subtle terms, just being ignorant, having a lack of spiritual understanding, we will continue to grope around in the dark, having a form of godliness without the true light and power of it.

Paul sums up, without reservation, what a lack of the knowledge of God’s truth does in these verses,

Eph.4:17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Rom.1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

I encourage you to follow this series and allow it to motivate you into the value and importance of the written Word and its purpose in our lives.