MAY YOU GROW IN LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT

Proclamation:

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written in a letter by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Philippi.  After introducing himself and greeting them, Paul offers a prayer for them knowing that the good work which Christ had begun in them would be completed. (Philippians 1:3-6)  He prays that they would grow in love and knowledge and insight, so that they would know and do what is good and right to the glory and praise of God.

Application:

As believers we are to love all of God’s people, even those who are difficult to love.  However, there are some people that we need to love at a distance.  We need to learn how to love with knowledge and discernment because there are some individuals who would take advantage of us.  We need God’s help in deciding what is the best thing, and right thing to do.  If on our own we choose the wrong path, we need to confess that we made a mistake, and then turn around and head in the direction that The Lord God would have us to go.  Additionally, as we deal with people, we need to be sincere and honest.  The truth may offend some people but we should speak the truth in an effort to be helpful and therefore be blameless. (Philippians 1:10)  We should speak in such a way as to be helpful and to edify the body of Christ.  In all that we do, it should be done to the glory and praise of God. 

KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

Proclamation:

“The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King Solomon, the wisest man ever (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) and the son of King David, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the people of God in order to provide them with basic guidelines and instruction in Christian living.

Application:

Some people say "I know, I know, I know," and some say it a lot.  But how much do they really know?  A lot has been said about knowledge.  "If you only have a little bit of knowledge, then you are dangerous."  And "Only a fool doesn't know that he doesn't know."  Having a series of facts at ones disposal does not make one knowledgeable.  Knowledge implies an understanding of something.  However, having a large amount of information and even understanding it is useless if one does not know how to apply it.  Wisdom is often used as a synonym for knowledge but it implies an ability to discern relationships between things or facts and the ability to apply of that information.  Having knowledge and wisdom suggests the ability to understand and appropriately apply the facts at ones disposal.  Knowledge and wisdom are God given abilities.  Knowledge is the correct understanding of the world and one’s self.  Wisdom is the God given ability to apply that knowledge correctly.  It is possible to knowledgeable about some things and totally ignorant about other things.  There are a lot of smart people in the world who know very little about The Word of God.  Unfortunately, there are also a lot of believers who can quote parts of The Bible but they do not live or behave as it says we ought to live.  We all need to pray to God for wisdom and knowledge of His Word and for His help in being living examples of good Christian behavior.  Having knowledge without wisdom and understanding leads to destruction.  The devil knows who God is and chose not to obey Him and to go against Him. (James 2:19)  Having knowledge without the appropriate actions is useless. (James 2:17)

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED

Proclamation:

“That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.  From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)

Explanation:

With these Holy Spirit inspired words Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, offered words of warning and encouragement to the people of God.  He told them that those who do wrong but do not know any better will still be punished for doing wrong. However, those who do wrong intentionally will be punished more severely than the uninformed wrong doer.  He also said that more will be required from those who are given a lot.

Application:

More will be expected from those who are given more, entrusted with more, who know more, and who are blessed more than others.  When we know better, we should do better. 

When we have more, we will be expected to give more.  The more that we are blessed, the more we should share our blessings with others.  Sin is sin, and wrong is wrong.  The punishment that we will receive for wrong doing will depend upon our knowledge of right and wrong.  When we know that what we are doing is wrong, and we continue to do it, our chastisement will be greater because of our willful commission of sin.  When we know the right thing to do or say and we choose not to, our punishment will be more severe than for someone who did not know.  When we are blessed and do not share our blessings with others but keep them to ourselves, God is not pleased.  We need to pray for God's help so that we can avoid the sins committed consciously, knowingly, and intentionally.  When we have been blessed with much and know better, we will be held to a much higher standard and more will be expected from us.  With knowledge comes greater responsibility.

We Need Knowledge Understanding And Wisdom

"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of The Holy One is understanding."  Proverbs 9:9-10 (NIV)

King Solomon states that if one instructs, corrects, or teaches a wise and righteous man, he will become wiser.  He also makes it clear that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10)

Only someone who values wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will appreciate and gain from instruction, correction, and teaching.  Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding through experience.  One can know facts and not understand their significance.  One can understand but not know how to apply the information.  Wisdom is a gift from God.  (Proverbs 2:6)  A reverence for God and the dislike of His wrath is provide the basis for wisdom.  The knowledge of The Word of God, by reading or hearing, with due diligence, praying and studying, can lead to understanding.  However, God only grants wisdom to those who apply The Word to their lives. 

God Enlightens Rewards And Protects Us

"For The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones."  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

King Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, (1 Kings 4:29-34), states that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to those that He chooses, and He rewards, guards, and protects them.

There are many blessings that are given to us for being a child of God.  While we do not all get the same exact blessings, we are all enlightened, rewarded, and protected as He sees is fitting for us.  As we demonstrate that we will do the right thing with the blessings that we have received, then we will be blessed with more.  (Matthew 25:21 & 23) 

Seriously Pursue Wisdom

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."  Proverbs 23:12 (NIV)

King Solomon suggests that one ought to sereously pursue wisdom.  One should put their heart into it and listen to wise instruction in an effort to gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

In our whole hearted pursuit of instruction and education in oder to gain knowledge understanding , and wisdom, let us remember that wisdom comes from God and begins with the fear of The Lord.  (Psalms 111:10 & Proverbs 9:10)  It is only useful if God is in it.

Share Wisdom And Understanding When You Speak

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions ... The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:2-4 (NIV)

This proverb of King Solomon teaches that a fool is not interested in gaining understanding, all he wants to do is express his own opinion. Whereas the words of a wise man express his deep and seemingly inexhaustible wisdom and understanding.

It seems that some people like to hear themselves talk, even when they have nothing substantial to say. Before we speak, we should make sure that we know what we are talking about. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are essential for effective communication and sharing The Word of God. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) If you are not sure that you know something, be quiet and listen, then verify what you have heard. The Bible records in 2 Timothy 4:15 (KJV): "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Know what you are talking about before you speak, do not simply repeat hearsay or offer an unsubstantiated opinion.

Blessed With More Than We Asked For

"God said to Solomon, 'Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NIV)

When David's son Solomon became king, he prayed to God for wisdom and knowledge in order to properly govern God's people. Because his request pleased God, He gave him what he asked for and blessed him with much more than he asked for, including wealth, riches, and honor.

Sometimes when our prayers are for the best interest of others, God blesses us with more than we ask for. God knows the desires of our hearts, and when our desires are in line with His will, He blesses us in more ways than we requested. Frequently, we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.

Knowledge As Compared To Wisdom

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:13-18 (NIV)

James teaches that there is a difference between being wise and knowledgeable in things of the world and in things of God. A person's thoughts, speech, and behavior depend upon the source of their knowledge and wisdom.

One can know a lot of facts about man and the world or about God and His Word, knowledge, but wisdom is knowing how to apply what you know to your life. How one uses the knowledge that he has suggests the source of its origin, Godly or Satanic. How are you using that which you know? If our efforts and applications are Godly, then they will produce good fruit.

How Do You Walk Talk Act And Think?

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

In his discourse on Christian behavior, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the Christians in Corinth to grow up spiritually, and act like mature Christian adults, and not like selfish uninformed children.

Children have only a very limited understanding of God and the scriptures, and their speech and behavior reflects this. The same is true for babies in Christ. By reading and studying the Bible, mature Christians gain a greater understanding of The Word of God, and our speech and our behavior should reflect this. When we know better, we ought to do better. There will come a time when our partial knowledge of God will be replaced with complete and perfect insight into all things eternal. But until that glorious day comes, let us make sure that our speech and our behavior shows the world a Christ-like individual.

To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Required

"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)

Luke, the physician, offers warnings and encouragements to the people. Those who do wrong but do not know any better, will still be punished for doing wrong. However, those who do wrong and know that what they are doing is wrong, will be punished more severely than the uninformed wrong doer.

More will be expected from those who are given more, entrusted with more, and who know more. When you know better, you should do better. Sin is sin, and wrong is wrong, but our punishment for wrong doing will depend upon our knowledge of right and wrong. When we know that what we are doing is wrong, and we continue to do it, our chastisement will be greater because of our willful commission of wrong. We need to pray for God's help in the avoidance of sins committed knowingly and intentionally.

May You Live Worthy And Gorw In His Knowledge And Power

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of The Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to The Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul is letting the Christians in Colossae know that he is praying for them. He appreciates the good work that they have done and prays that they will continue, and grow in knowledge, and bear good fruit, and be strengthened with His power to endure what is ahead.

It is not just the preachers that work for The Lord, but every beliver has a job to do for God. He has to prepare us before He can use us to work for His glory. That preparation can sometimes be painful and unpleasant, but it is for our benefit. No matter how much we know, or think that we know, we all need to grow in spiritual knowledge and holiness. We need to be strengthened with His power to produce good fruit and to withstand the storms of life that are to come. According to John MacArthur, the good fruit we need to produce includes leading people to Christ (1 Cor 16:15), praising God (Heb 13:15), giving money (Rom 15:26-28), living a Godly life (Heb 12:11), and displaying holy attitudes (Gal 5:22-23). Thomas Nelson states that endurance and patience are necessary for our persevering through the storms, problems, trials, and tribulations that are to come, along with forebearing the faults and offences of others.

When You Know Better, You Ought To Do Better

There are sins of omission as well as sins of commission.

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't dot it, sins." James 4:17 (NIV)

Not only is it a sin to do wrong when you know it is wrong, but it is also a sin to do nothing when you know what good you ought to do. These sins are commonly called "sins of omission".

"When you know better, you ought to do better." Unknown author, but maybe this is where that old saying comes from.

So, not only can we sin by things that we do, say, and think, we can also sin by doing nothing when we should be doing good. We need to pray for forgiveness and for God's help to do better when we know better.

Knowledge And Wisdom

Some people say "I know, I know", and some people say it a lot. But how much do they really know? A lot has been said about knowledge. "If you only have a little bit of knowledge, then you are dangerous." And "Only a fool doesn't know that he doesn't know."

Having a series of facts at ones disposal does not make one knowledgeable. Knowledge implies an understanding of something. Wisdom, often used as a synonym for knowledge, implies an ability to discern relationships between things or facts and the application of that information.

Knowledge and wisdom suggest the ability to understand and appropriately apply the facts at ones disposal.

"The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

Knowledge and wisdom are God given abilities. Knowledge is the correct understanding of the world and ones self. Wisdom is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge correctly. We all need to pray to God for wisdom and knowledge.