The Importance of __________ Knowledge

In writing to Christians, Pete urged them to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (I I Peter 3:18) Grace, as is well known, is extremely important for all. It is by grace that men and women can have the hope of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-10). No one would doubt the importance of God's mercy. Held equally in this passage is knowledge. The knowledge of our Lord is vital to the Christian, and so he should pursue it. Not content with what he already knows, he will strive to learn more.

The Importance of Having Knowledge
As is seen in Hosea 4:6, there is a consequence for lacking knowledge: destruction. And it is a pretty simple and straightforward reason for this to be so: if one does not know what the commandments of God are, then then the word of God cannot be followed. If God's instructions are got followed, then it is impossible to please God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Hebrews 11:6). There are negative consequences for not having knowledge, and the end is destruction (II Thessalonians 1:8-9). It is not as though we are not given what we need to know. The Lord has provided us with all pertinent information (II Peter 1:3). And so, we are held responsible for not remaining ignorant (Acts 17:30).

At the same time, there are positive consequences for having knowledge of the scriptures. Through knowledge of God's word, belief is possible. (John 20:30-31). Through knowledge, it is possible to obey God (John 14:15) and thus love the Lord. Through knowledge of the scriptures, it is possible to please God and live with Him for eternity (I John 5).

The Importance of Right Knowledge
Now, simply having some knowledge is not good enough. It must be right knowledge. That is, it must be true. To put it in the simplest form, Christ promises that the truth will set you free (John 8:32). By stating this, He of course excludes all non-truths. If we wish to be pleasing to the Lord, our knowledge must be in accordance with what He has said. Many will sincerely follow teachings not by Christ (II Peter 2:1-3). But their sincerity will not save them from condemnation for believing a lie (II Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Instead, caution must be used to have knowledge of the truth: the gospel, the word of God. It is through the gospel that we can know what we must do to be saved (Romans 1:16). It is through proper knowledge of the scriptures that we can be made mature and complete workers (II Timothy 3:16-17). No matter how comforting or appealing lies may be, they do not lead to the same end as the truth.

The Importance of Applying Knowledge
It is one thing to know what to do. It is another thing to actually do it. Having knowledge of the truth does a person no good unless it is applied. In Matthew 7:24-27, Christ teaches about two people: one who hears His words and does nothing, and one who hears His words and acts on them. The first man is compared to a foolish builder whose house collapses. The second man is described as a wise man who built on a rock. A person can completely memorize the entire Bible, but if that person does not follow what the scriptures teach, that knowledge is useless and accomplishes nothing. James teaches us that we cannot be simply a hearer, but must also be a doer of the word (James 1:23-27). It is pretty simple: action must follow knowledge.

Knowledge that is both true and applied is absolutely necessary for living a Christian life. All should dedicate time to studying the scriptures and seeking out the will of God (Acts 17:11, Acts 20:27). In study, knowledge is gained. That knowledge in turn leads to more understanding. And when that knowledge is applied, the cause of Christ is furthered.