A Way to Knowledge

Introduction

Wow! I just read my favorite Devotional by Oswald Chambers. You must read July 27^th. This is what hit me the hardest.

“If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience.”

I just finished my Blog on “Fear”. (Click here) As soon as I publish a paper, and sometimes just before, I seek God for a new topic. He has never failed to give me one.

This is the point I’m trying to make. I strongly felt that I would not get another topic from the Lord unless I first settled or reconciled a troubling event in my life. I have been praying for the knowledge and wisdom of when to go ahead. This day I have started the ball rolling to do just that. My timing must be His timing. Here is the Scripture that ignited my action.

“So if you are offering your gift (My Blogs) at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

You need to know that I am not this great man of God who writes papers from his vast vault of accumulated knowledge. My “vault” comes from the kingdom of God, always. I seek knowledge always. Scientific knowledge with curiosity, along with insight into His teachings through obedience. I am now at peace with myself and God even though the “situation” is still in process.

“If you want to test my teachings and discover where I received them, first be passionate to do God’s will, and then you will be able to discern if my teachings are from the heart of God or from my own opinions.” (John 7:17) TPT

Having resolved my “issue” let us begin.

Definitions (These are always my definitions with a little help from Google)

Worldly Knowledge

• Empirical knowledge comes from perception, experimentation, observation, and measurement. Knowledge obtained in this manner can be true knowledge or falsehood if not correctly obtained.
• Theoretical knowledge comes from introspection which is an internal mental status and process obtained from mental calculations, thinking it through and then leading to a Theory. The Theory may be true or false however no conclusion can be obtained through theoretical knowledge. It should never be approached as true. For example the theory of evolution. It has never been proven scientifically although some people think so.
• Worldly knowledge usually comes from some kind of scientific knowledge.
• Philosophical knowledge can be useful but it often falls into the category of “Theoretical Knowledge” involving some sort of mental gymnastics and, if it can not be used it is often worthless.

Godly Knowledge

This kind of knowledge can only come through a relationship with our Creator. We draw close to Him by reading His word, meditation, prayer, and, as mentioned above, obedience. We gain knowledge through experience and troubles also but many times God does not teach us through trials but we must “unlearn” something through them. (OC) This “unlearning” is necessary having come from what we have learned through worldly knowledge which is unreliable. You must have Godly knowledge to gain true wisdom being that worldly wisdom is unreliable. Knowledge and wisdom are always linked together.

Godly Wisdom

Can only be defined as the application of Godly knowledge. You can not have worldly knowledge and apply Godly wisdom. Nor can you have worldly wisdom. I’m not sure there is such a thing.

Knowledge without wisdom is useless. This exists in much of the world today and is on the increase. Wisdom without knowledge becomes moot because there is no root from which to apply wisdom.

What the Bible Says About Knowledge and Wisdom

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (Proverbs 2:6) ESV

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me.” (Hosea 4:6) ESV

“For in much wisdom is much grief, and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:18) ASV

Interesting Scriptures. From the Scriptures above you see that God gives knowledge, that you will be destroyed for lack of it, and that an increase in knowledge and wisdom will increase our grief and sorrow. What do we do with this information?

Seek Knowledge

Only God Gives Knowledge You Can Rely On

Worldly knowledge can be very good and is often profitable but, you can not rely on worldly knowledge only as your source. There is very little that the Bible does not address. I firmly believe that when His Word is studied, meditated upon, and, rightly discerned, you can support all useful worldly knowledge.

I once wrote an essay on the sexuality of a pencil. In it, I asked the question, “Where do little pencils come from?” You must use your imagination here. This is BC (Before Christ) in my life. All of this stems from mental gymnastics for which there is no “Gold Medal”. It is useless information that stems from useless knowledge and no wisdom. A toothpick has more value. I think I’ve graduated from this nonsense.

Read Books

Read fiction and non-fiction alike. I’ve told my children along with many others to read everything they can get their hands on. Scientific Fiction, Fantasy, History, Intrigue, and Mystery. You will gain knowledge, however, if this information has no redemptive value – trash it. To know this you have to know the Word of God and wisdom. Reading the Bible and continue to read. It will be your foundation (a rock) for your entire belief system. Then act accordingly.

If I were just beginning (and this journey can start at any age), I would start reading the Classics like Treasure Island, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, etc. Would you be surprised to know that Walt Disney did not tell the whole story? Then don’t be afraid to read books like The Iliad and the Odyssey. Remember, movies and “Classics Illustrated” will not bring you true knowledge they only bring entertainment. Read the source. Then, of course, read the Bible along with these books in order to keep your prospective in line with God’s Words. Never assume! Along with the Bible read some works from well known biblical apologists like Francis Schaeffer, C. S.Lewis, and Charles Colson. They will answer many of your questions. You WILL gain knowledge and wisdom.

With Knowledge Comes Sorrow

Knowledge rules the world. We see this among many rulers in worldly governments. Hopefully, the world will be ruled by both Godly knowledge and worldly knowledge applied with wisdom. Knowledge may rule but power and greed are always at the door ready to take over.

Without Knowledge, You Will be Destroyed

There are myriads of people who do stupid things. I’ve done a few myself. But, we must learn and gain knowledge through these mishaps. This is wise. Do not waste your experiences. However, like history, if you do not learn from these things you will be doomed to repeat them. Believe it or not, this is God’s way. Look around you. All you have to do is look at your family, friends, acquaintances, the news, and our government officials. Many have not learned from their lack of knowledge. It will destroy them and some of us in the process. To prevent this we must always stay alert to true knowledge stemming from Godly wisdom.

Increasing knowledge comes with hard work. Education is difficult. It takes a labor of mind and body alike to become knowledgeable. As knowledge increases you come to an understanding of how much you do not know along with mistakes you made in the past. Hereby a personal sorrow and regret set in. “I wish I had not done that”, I wish I had known that, or I wish I could take that back. But, by God’s Grace and the Holy Spirit we overcome, learn, and press on to win the race. This is also Wisdom.

Seek Wisdom

An Example of a Disciplined Life of Knowledge and Wisdom

Costa Dier PhD X’s 3, was a teacher, evangelist, and pastor from my Charismatic days at Evangel Fellowship International (EFI) and Elim Bible Institute (EBI). He was an acquaintance of my wife and me and was probably the most disciplined individual I have ever met (I will not go into detail). He carried only one Bible his whole life along with his famous tambourine with which he always praised the Lord. His Bible was a loose-leaf Bible in which there were many pages containing a lifetime of carefully penned notes. Everybody wanted to see his Bible. He had three children, all boys. His instructions to his boys were: Get a formal education (University), then learn a trade because one day your education will not be of any use, then go to Bible school and learn the Bible (not necessarily in that order). He died while at Elim in 1998 when my wife and I attended. With three PhDs (Bible, Counseling, and Psychology) he was a man of great wisdom and knowledge. A leader to be admired. My wife and I have a formal education and an education in Missions and Cultural Studies. Neither of us has a trade although many times I wish I had. This is knowledge, this is wisdom.

Why Am I Telling You This

I’m giving you an example of a way to knowledge and wisdom. Much of it is common sense paired with God’s sense. But, you must always ask, seek and, knock, never stopping. I don’t care how young or old you are. God never stops guiding us throughout life.

I know of a young boy who will be graduating from High School in a couple of years. We sat down at a table to eat with him and he laughed – he didn’t know how to use a fork and knife to cut his meat. Everything was always done for him; he had no responsibilities, no ambition, only a little knowledge, and no wisdom. This is not unlike many students today. Not all but some seek the easy way out in their education by only taking courses that are easy and are fun. Our educational system allows this and often pushes them forward giving them diplomas just for attending. After all, we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Now I have not lost hope in our children. Many have not fallen into this trench of Woke education. However many have along with their educators and it is very sad, we grieve. Freedom without knowledge leads to lawlessness. Those who think this way are not free, they are ignorant. They will live a life of bondage to a lack of knowledge and wisdom, being led by others of the same ilk or by those desiring power for themselves only. It is grievous and very sad indeed.

With Wisdom Comes Grief

Again, all we need to do is look at the world around us as Solomon did and see the lack of Wisdom. Many of our Government officials seeking office along with many citizens, have a total lack of Godly wisdom. Their actions make no sense other than their constituents “feel good” showing the world their intellectual incompetence. It grieves us Christians. They just don’t get it no matter how much we preach, fight, and show them the truth. Sin brings forth death.

Conclusion

God does not want us to be ignorant of the ways of the world. We have been placed in this world to live and witness. To be educated in this worldly arena we must be able to see everything but not necessarily participate in everything. In other words, be aware of what the world is saying and doing but do not get involved if it is not God’s Way.

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” (Ephesians 4:18) ESV

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:34) ESV

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16) ESV

Having said all do not fall into the trap that many do who feel that if they read anything but the Bible and pray they are out of God’s will. The normal Christian life should be full of joy. Joy for the Christian is not optional. Therefore enjoy gaining knowledge. It is for your benefit. With it you will gain wisdom and fulfill the will of the Lord.

“You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.” (Isiah 9:3) ESV

The nation is you, the harvest is all that God provides and your plunder is the knowledge and wisdom you gain. You are God’s warrior. Seek always, ask always, knock always and be a conqueror.

Enough said

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.”  (Jeremiah 15:16) ESV