Word of the Week: Knowledge

Norma Jean and I have recently returned from a trip to Ontario, Canada. We drove 4,000 miles. During the entire time, I used a GPS.

My #1 GPS choice is WAZE. But occasionally, I would use Google maps. Or Apple. And once in a while the GPS on my Ford Expedition.

The GPS mapped the way for us to arrive at our destination. It provided the most direct route. When obstacles such as road closures, traffic jams, or road construction occurred, the GSP either offered us a brief detour or advised us to stay the course because the slowdown would be brief.

I’m thinking there’s an excellent parallel between my GPS and the Bible.

The Bible provides us the way to navigate this life. To journey from earth to heaven. The route is clear. It contains advice. Warnings. Admonitions. And how to deal with problems that arise. It encourages us to “stay the course.”

However, there is a catch. I must access the knowledge. Have heaven as my destination. And commit to following the road which leads there. Just like my GSP is of no value if I don’t use it, the Bible will not help me if it lies on the shelf unopened.

This year, we’re thinking about the importance of renewal. So far, we’ve written about renewal as it relates to…

…Attitude
…Amiability
…Commitment
…Compassion
…Cooperation
…Caring
…Purpose
…Passion
…Priorities
…Faith
…Hope
…Love
…Holiness
…Values
…Determination
…Discipline
…Discipleship
…Diligence
…Initiative
…Introspection
…Ethics
…Enthusiasm
…Relationships
…Ministry
…Values
…Tenderheartedness
…Spirituality

While in each of the instances, we can learn a great deal from human wisdom, and even in some cases receive some good advice, you cannot know and comply with God’s directives without accessing His Divine book, assimilating His counsel, and following His precepts.

We need a renewal of Bible knowledge in 2022. The ancient prophet’s lament might well apply to our current culture. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hos. 4:6).

The word “knowledge” is found 164 times in the Bible. God places a great deal of emphasis on acquiring knowledge. The right kind of knowledge. Some knowledge holds very little value, except in a game of Trivial Pursuit. And issues relating to sin, salvation, redemption, spiritual growth, praising and pleasing God, as well as our eternal destination are no trivial pursuit.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7), begins Proverbs, Solomon’s book of wise counsel. His purpose was to provide the young man “knowledge and discretion.”

Jesus said, “You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). Failure to know and obey Truth leaves us in moral darkness. In spiritual ignorance. And eternal destruction.

On the other hand, knowledge…

…Provides the foundation for our faith (Rom. 10:17, Heb. 11:1).

…Offers stability when we’re tested and tried (Jas. 1:3-8; Eph. 4:12-16).

…Enables us to correctly handle the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

…Equips us to recognize and refute error (Matt 7:15-20; 2 Pet. 3:17-18).

…Diminishes our doubts and fears (Matt. 21;21-22; 2 Tim. 1:7).

…Assures and encourages us in our Christian walk (Read the book of Ephesians).

Becoming a Christian does not automatically infuse you with knowledge. It calls for commitment. Demands discipline. And requires regular reading, thoughtful meditation, and a passionate relationship with the Lord.

Sadly many people are like the Gentile world Paul described as morally depraved and degenerate because they failed to “retain God in their knowledge” (Rom. 1:28). Some well-meaning religious folks are like the Jews who, the apostle said had a “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:2).

Teddy Roosevelt was right, “A thorough understanding of the Bible is better than a college education.” “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

Access and follow your Scriptural GPS.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman