The next thing we as Christians are told to add to our lives is knowledge. When one thinks about it, this is logically the next step in the path towards Christian maturity. After all, we want to please God and how can we please Him if we do not know what pleases God.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
The first thing we want to notice and one of the most important things we learn, is we need to study the Bible in order to have the things we do be approved by God. In the same way many companies have manuals which they hand out to their new employees and have them read and in many cases have them sign off saying they have read and understand what is in the manual and they become accountable for the things written in the manual. In the same way, God has given us a manual, the Bible, to study so we may know what is pleasing to Him, in order we may worship Him according to the pattern laid down by God.
Another important reason we need to study the Bible is so we can become skillful, efficient workers for God. I have worked on a number of new jobs in my life. The first day working on each of them was a bit awkward and confusing as I did not yet know exactly what was expected, let alone, to feel comfortable in doing the job. Yet, I found if I but asked, in almost every case the workers around me were glad to help. It is the same in the Christian life, if we study the manual, the Bible, we will know what our employer, God, wants us to do in our job. In the beginning of our Christian job, we will need to ask for help, which our fellow workers, Christians, should be willing to provide us in studying our manual, the Bible. We just need to make sure what we are being shown and what is explained comes from the manual, the Holy Scriptures. After a period of time, if we have not become skillful workers for God, we will be in danger of being terminated as we would be in any job.
We need to study with the attitude of accepting what the Bible says, and if we do this, we can come to understand what the Bible says. We need to learn to accept the fact things not found in the manual, the Bible are ungodly and need to be avoided because they lead to more ungodliness. This does not mean they are wrong in every case, for example, bowling is not found in the Bible, so it is ungodly. That does not mean it is wrong to bowl, but if I try to bring it into the spiritual realm, for example, I begin telling people they must bowl a 200 game in order to be saved, then it becomes wrong. As soon as I allow my opinion to become of any spiritual significance, it becomes sin. As soon as my opinion counts, then everyone’s opinion begins to matter and it increases unto more ungodliness and more sin.
Romans 10:1-3 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them Record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
Paul teaches us some very important facts both explicitly and implicitly. The first thing we want to notice is Paul makes it very clear enthusiasm (zeal) that is not based on knowledge cannot save. We learn this because Isreal was zealous for God, they were full of enthusiasm for God, but they were not saved. This was because they did not have their enthusiasm directed by the knowledge of the Bible. Paul goes on to tell us if we let our enthusiasm cause us to act without first studying to see what God wants us to do, we are actually rebelling against God. In order for the things we do to be pleasing unto God we must study and know it is what God wants us to do. Otherwise, we find ourselves in rebellion against God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Paul, in writing to Timothy, reminds Timothy all scripture is God breathed, which is what the Greek word translated inspiration actually means. In simple English, Paul is telling Timothy and us through his writings, when we read the Bible, we need to realize it is exactly the same, authority wise, as if God came and talked in person to us.
One of the reasons we have been given the Old Testament and the New Testament is so we can know what doctrine we need to hold to, so we know what the commands of God are. Another reason given by Paul for the Holy Scriptures is we can reprove someone when they are doing wrong. We are to use the Bible to show a person when they are not doing right. If the Bible does not show it is wrong, then we should not reprove them. Paul goes on to say the scriptures are given to show a person who has been reproved, how to correct the sin in their life, how to make things right with God. Lastly we want to notice the word of God is profitable for use in giving instructions in righteousness. In other words for teaching Christians how to live for the Lord in their daily lives.
The reason for all of these things is so we can become mature Christians and so we can be completely furnished unto all good works. We see if something serves any good purpose, spiritually, we can find it in the Bible. If it is not contained within the pages of the Holy Scriptures, it is not a good work in the eyes of God. If we want to do works that show we are Christians, we must do only these things we find within the Bible. The Bible contains all information we need in order to be completely furnished unto all good works.
DOCTRINE (THINGS THAT ARE COMMANDED)
All scripture is profitable for doctrine. This means we need to study the Bible in order to understand the things that are necessary to be done and are commanded. These can only be found in the Bible.
1 Timothy 4:11-16 "These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Let us take a look at doctrine for a few minutes. These are things we are to command and teach. We see there are certain things we are commanded and must be taught as commands of God. These things are the doctrine of Jesus Christ, we must teach them in order to fulfill the great commission. These are things that we must teach, we must be examples of these things. We must meditate upon these things, and give ourselves completely to them. In order to fulfill this command, we must study the scriptures and know the things that are commanded by God. They are doctrine not just a matter of opinion. They are not just a matter of liberty. For example, in studying the Communion, we see the Bible commands we must use one loaf, which represents the one body of Christ, we must use one cup containing Grape juice. These things are doctrine. They must be commanded and taught. But we also need to realize the white linen cloths we use are a matter of convenience. They are not mentioned in the Bible. Therefore we can use them to keep the flies out of the grape juice and off the loaf. They do not affect the symbolism that is shown in the Communion. There is nothing wrong in using them or not using them, they may help you keep your mind off of the flies, but they serve no scriptural function. They do not represent the burial clothes that wrapped Jesus body. They were introduced to keep flies off of the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
1 Peter 3:15-17 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."
We learn here part of sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts is to be ready always to give an answer for the reason we have a hope of a home in Heaven. Any time someone asks us, why we believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we need to be able to explain why we have faith in Jesus. To sanctify means to set aside as special in our lives. So if we cannot answer honest questions about our beliefs, can we truly claim we are sanctifying God? I think not.
In order to know the doctrine of Jesus Christ, we must study and understand the word of God, the Bible. It is that simple. This is another reason why it is important for us to study the Holy Scriptures, because if we truly have God set aside as special in my life, if we are sanctifying Him, it is natural for us to study His word, in order that we can be pleasing to Him.
Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
When Paul left Thessalonica with the leaders of the city seeking his life and came to Berea, Paul found those in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica. Not because they blindly accepted the things Paul taught, but because they listened with a ready mind, and before forming an opinion or belief on the matter, they studied the scriptures for themselves to see whether the things Paul taught were the truth.
God does not want disciples, who blindly follow what any human being tells them, but He does want His followers to listen, to search the scriptures on a regular basis then if the things taught are true, then God wants His followers to add these things to their lives. Otherwise, if they turn out to be false, God expects His followers to reject the false teachings.
1 Timothy 1:3-4 "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."
This charge Paul made to Timothy and Timothy was to pass on, is one I have tried to take very seriously over the years. Basically it boils down to this, anytime, we teach the word of God we must study it very carefully to make sure we are teaching exactly what the scriptures mean. This implies we have a responsibility as teachers to make sure we study every verse in order we do not leave anything off and we do not add anything. I have found from experience the best way for me to do this is when I locate every verse I can find, before I eliminate any applicable verses I list with each verse the points I see being made by the verse. This helps me to not make additions and if I list the points before deciding to eliminate the verse, it helps me to understand the sense of the verse before deciding to use that particular verse or not. This helps me make sure I do not add to or take away from the truth.
REPROOF (SHOWING SOMEONE WHERE THEY ARE WRONG)
At times it becomes necessary to reprove someone, to show them the doctrine they are either teaching or practicing is wrong. The Bible is given for this purpose. As we have already noticed, all scripture is God-breathed, and given for the purpose of reproving when needed.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
When it becomes necessary to reprove someone, I have come to the conclusion additional effort must be made because we must be sure we understand the subject very well before taking someone aside privately and showing them from the scriptures where they are wrong. Public reproof is another matter and we must be even more careful first of all that the doctrine being taught is false and second of all it is serious enough it needs to be handled from the pulpit stand or in a public withdrawal and thirdly we need to make sure we have the knowledge and patience to handle the false doctrine in such a way we can convince the gainsayer. In my 40 years of teaching, I have heard many mistakes made in one’s delivery of the truth, from minor slips of the tongue to major misunderstandings of basic doctrine.
Only twice in my ministry have I heard false doctrine taught I felt was so egregious I felt it could not wait until after the worship service to deal with in a private manner. The first was very early in my ministry and fortunate for me there was a brother with more knowledge and experience on the subject in the audience who got up and corrected the matter. The matter was serious enough the man who was preaching eventually left the Church rather than to admit that he was wrong.
In the second case, I had been preaching for about 25 years, when at my home congregation, I heard a fellow teacher get up and plainly teach once one was saved, they could not lose their salvation, I fortunately prayed and asked God for guidance and help and when the other teacher was finished, I got up and was able to show from the Bible where the doctrine being taught was wrong. Afterwards I was chewed out by several brethren for embarrassing the other teacher, but later, he came to me and thanked me for handling it the way I had. He had been wrong. The point being we need to be very careful if we think we have found something new in the Bible, we need to study and it would probably be wise, if we studied with other teachers, before we teach a different doctrine publicly.
We must also have patience to make sure we deliver a rebuke in such a fashion if the person being rebuked is honest and sincere in their mistake we allow them the option of thinking about it and giving them the option of repenting. We must give them a reasonable amount of time to study for themselves. We also need to make sure we are chastening for the right reasons. There are a few subjects if taught from the pulpit stand must be dealt with immediately, but in most cases, I have found from experience it is best to handle them privately later.
Ephesians 5:9-13 "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."
We want to notice that we as Christians and especially as teachers are to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness. We are to do this by manifesting the truth by shining the light of truth on these unfruitful works. In other words, we study until we know and understand the truth. We should then show others the truth by showing them from the Holy Scriptures. We should then allow time for others to study and accept the truth. But even then, we can not allow false doctrines to be taught. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to know how we can balance patience and giving a person time to study while at the same time taking a stand for the truth.
CORRECTION (What must be done in order to make things right with God)
The next thing we want to notice is the Bible has been given for correction. If one finds they have not been living right, what must they do in order to make things right with God again? The scriptures are given for this purpose, so if we have shown someone from the Bible they are wrong, if we use the Bible to reprove them, only half of our duty is fulfilled. We also need to be able to show the person how they can restore themselves back to the good graces of God.
Galatians 6:1-8 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
When we see a brother or sister overtaken by sin, if there is anything spiritual about us, we will try to restore them to the truth. We do this by first studying to make sure we understand the truth and are living it. We then show the one overtaken in the sin where they are wrong from the Bible. We then must show them what they must do in order to make things right with God. We must do this in the spirit of meekness. We do not want to make the circumstances worse by sinning ourselves, so we consider ourselves, our temptations, our weaknesses, we then proceed based on this knowledge to make sure we are not overcome. We must help bear each other’s burden, but ultimately each person will face God and answer for their own sins.
Hebrew 10:24-32 "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;"
We have a responsibility to encourage our brothers and sisters to grow in love and good works. One reason we attend the worship service is to encourage each other. How can I encourage my brethren if I do not spent time with them, if I do not know their needs, their strengths and weaknesses? We do this because we realize the consequences of sinning willfully after we become Christians. If we fall away from God, the first thing we must do to return to Him is recognize the fact we have fallen.
James 5:19-20 "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
If a brother or sister sins, we have a responsibility to try and convert them back to serving God. The second step in restoring a wayward Christian is for them to repent, to turn their life back to God. They must stop committing the sin before they can receive forgiveness for their sin. When they have been convinced they are wrong, they must repent, stop committing the sin, and either they must pray and ask forgiveness or they can ask another brother to pray for them. If it is a public sin, the local congregation needs to be informed about this change of mind and subsequent prayer and change of life in order each member can realize their brother has been restored.
Acts 8:18-24 "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that one of these things which ye have spoken come upon me."
When Simon saw the power of the Apostles, he was overcome with covetousness and sinned. Peter recognized this and confronted Simon with his sin. Simon recognized he had sinned and repented. Peter told Simon to pray to God for forgiveness. Simon asked Peter to pray for him. The 3rd step is for either the fallen Christian or a fellow Christian to pray to God for forgiveness. After these 3 steps, the sin is forgiven and forgotten by God. Then the restored Christian is to be accepted back as a brother in Christ.
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNES
The next thing we want to notice is the knowledge of the truth is needed for us to give instruction in righteousness. We need to be able to teach other Christians how God wants them to live their daily lives. We need to have knowledge of the truth in order to do this properly.
Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
After a newborn Christian is baptized, they need to be taught to obey all the commandments of God. We, who are the spiritual parents of the new Christian, need to study in order to instruct a newborn Christians in the things they need to learn. This is part of the Great Commission and is the responsibility of mature Christians as commanded by Jesus and this command is to last until the world comes to an end.
2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
Paul tells Timothy to remember the things Paul had taught him before many witnesses, and instructs him to commit the same to faithful men who are then to teach others also. This is God’s pattern for the Church from generation to generation. Christians are to study in order to grow to the point they can teach others. When they can be considered faithful mature Christians they should be able to teach others the basic principles of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:1 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"
Paul in writing to Titus, commands him to speak the things that become sound doctrine. This fits in with all three parts of the Great Commission, which are:
- 1. To go into all the world and teach the good news of the gospel;
2. Baptizing those who believe the message in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost for the remission of their sins;
3. Teaching them to observe everything Jesus had commanded. These are the things which become sound doctrine.
Titus 2:10 "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
Sound doctrine is not just obeying commands of God, but includes behaving in an appropriate manner. Titus 2:2-9 talks about the proper Christian behavior for Aged men, Aged women, Young Christian women, and young Christian men. This includes even the way Christians who are employed are to act towards their employers. And in verse 10 Paul says, “Not stealing, but showing good fidelity.” Fidelity is acting in a proper manner for things one has been entrusted with, in other words acting in a way that is in the best interest of the owner of the things that have been put in one’s care. Acting in this fashion shows forth the doctrine of Jesus Christ in our lives.
IS KNOWLEDGE ALL THAT IS NECESSARY?
James 3:13-18 "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
Knowledge is necessary, but it is only the basis of the Christian life. We need to let our knowledge shape and show forth in our Christian life. Knowledge needs to be guided by heavenly wisdom. Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to talk to, full of understanding and good works. Earthly wisdom is guided by selfish motives and guided by emotions.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
We must have knowledge in regards to matters relating to doctrine. In matters of liberty our knowledge needs to be tempered by love and concern for our brethren. If we insist on our way because we have knowledge it is not a sin to do something our brother believes is wrong, this shows we lack wisdom, understanding, love, and compassion. Knowledge, even in matters of doctrine, needs to be guided by compassion and demonstrate patience and love towards our brethren. This does not mean we are to overlook sin or ignore doctrine, but we need to make sure we find the proper balance between knowledge and love for our weaker brethren.
Chapter Summary
- 1. The second step we are to add in our path towards Christian maturity is knowledge.
2. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so that God will approve of the things we do.
3. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can become skillful workers for God.
4. We need to avoid discussions about things not found in the Bible.
5. We need to avoid discussions about vain babblings.
6. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life in order to distinguish between doctrine and opinion.
7. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can understand the Doctrine.
8. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life as part of sanctifying God.
9. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can understand things that are to be commanded and taught.
10. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life in order we can be saved.
11. If we do things not found in the Bible we are actually rebelling against God.
12. All scripture is God-Breathed and is given for us to learn what God expects from us.
13. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can properly reprove someone when needed.
14. Reproving someone at times is necessary for their growth toward Christian maturity
15. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can show people how to correct their sins with God.
16. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can give instructions in righteousness.
17. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can commit it to faithful men.
18. We need to add knowledge to our Christian life so we can understand sound doctrine.
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