THE PURPOSE OF KNOWLEDGE IS TO GAIN STRENGTH

Victor M. Eskew

 

          Growing in knowledge is one of the responsibilities of the child of God.  “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5).  In the last chapter of this same epistle, Peter writes:  “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and forever” (2 Pet. 3:18).

          The title of this article is:  “The Purpose of Knowledge Is to Gain Strength.”  There are some people who are like sponges.  They love to acquire knowledge.  However, this knowledge doesn’t do much for them.  The process of getting the knowledge brings them pleasure.  Yet, their knowledge doesn’t manifest itself in their Christian living.  Other than having the right answers to some Bible questions or knowing the location of a particular verse, their knowledge has not displayed any change in their Christian behavior.  They participate now in their Christian life about the way they did when they first became a disciple of Christ.

          Dear readers, the purpose of knowledge is not for sheer entertainment.  Knowledge to the spiritual man is like food to the physical man.  It is supposed to provide strength and growth to the inner man.  Over the course of time the individual grows and develops into a mature, adult Christian.  Evidence of the individual’s strength can be seen in many different areas.

          First, the individual has an increase in faith.  Romans 10:17 is familiar to all Bible students.  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  This person is grounded.  This person is anchored.  This person is settled.  He has a foundation based upon the inspired testimony of truth.  This person is not easily shaken.  This person entrusts his care into the hands of his precious Lord and Savior.  Satan has a difficult time finding a weak spot in this individual’s armor.  The shield of faith enables him to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph. 6:16).

          Second, a person who grows in knowledge comes to understand the importance of engaging in good works.  “What doth is profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works?  can faith save him?...Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone…But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?...Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (Jam. 2:14, 17, 20, 24).  Useful knowledge will not allow a member of the body of Christ to be a “once-a-week” worshiper.  It will not allow the child of God to simply be a pew-sitter.  A person with genuine knowledge comes to understand what Paul taught in Ephesians 2:10.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  A person with a true understanding of God’s Word will seek out good works in which to be involved.  He will eventually spew good works everywhere he goes.  He comes to understand that by these his heavenly Father is glorified.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

          Third, the Christian who has increased in knowledge will be a soldier of the cross.  He will stand against all opposition to the cause of Christianity.  Paul revealed that he counted “all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8).  This knowledge caused Paul to become a valiant defender of the faith.  Paul stood against Judaizing teachers.  He stood against the Greek philosophers of his day.  He opposed the heathen worship and immorality of the first century.  He boldly defended his Christian faith before governors, kings, and Ceasar himself.  Paul’s mindset about preaching the gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 9:16.  “…for necessity is laid upon me, woe unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

          Fourth, a Christian whose mind is filled with the knowledge of Christ is one who will constantly be bearing fruit unto God.  This is one of the “badges” of his discipleship according to Jesus.  “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).  We mentioned previously that Paul gave up all to acquire the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  As we study his life, we quickly learn that fruit was something he desperately desired to produce.  When he wrote to the saints in Rome, he expressed his desire to come to them.  Not only is his desire expressed, but he also reveals the reason he longs to make it to the Imperial City.  “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles” (Rom. 1:13).  Paul had not been in Rome.  Deep in his heart, he yearned to make new converts to Christ in that city.  A knowledgeable Christian knows the grace that has been given to him.  He wants that same grace delivered into the lives as many other people as possible. 

          Dear Christians, we must read God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13).  We must study God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15).  We must store up God’s Word in our minds (Ps. 119:11).  But, we are not to become walking encyclopedias.  Instead, we are to become workers, builders, soldiers, and evangelists within the body of Christ.  Our knowledge seeps out of us in many ways.  We are strong in the faith.  We produce good works.  We fight the good fight of faith against the enemies of the cross of Christ.  And, we produce fruit in abundance.  We have all the knowledge we need in the pages of the Bible.  What is desperately needed in the church today are Christians who are diligent in showing others just what is means to put knowledge into action in one’s Christian life.