Godly Hacks: Knowledge

By far the most annoying perception about Christianity, in my opinion, is the perception that somehow to be a Christian is to be unintelligent or to not be a thinker. While I understand that it is simply a manipulation of the enemy from the pit of hell, it is one of those constantly repeated comments that really Irks me. How can Christianity possibly be a religion for the unintelligent when we serve a God who knows the end from the beginning and is the source of all knowledge. I think part of the problem if we're being honest is that a number of Christians have also come to believe this lie. Some of us believe that if we share a deep bond with God, then they have no need to pursue intellectual discourse or knowledge and that couldn't be farther from the truth. How do you serve a thinking God and not be a thinker? How can you solve problems and be of impact to your world if you cannot translate that spiritual insight into solutions and profitable knowledge? Tonight, we dispel many of the myths we have about learning and knowledge by telling us just what God has to say about this topic.

1)      The Fear of God is the starting point of acquiring true knowledge.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7

2)      The Holy Spirit is our number one teacher and Jesus is our ultimate example.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. – 1 John 2:7

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29

3)      God expects us to acquire knowledge

Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her (wisdom), and she will guard you. – Proverbs 4:5-6

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. – Proverbs 18:15

Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, - Proverbs 6:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge - Hosea 4:6

4)      Beyond acquisition, we ought to grow in wisdom and knowledge

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. – Luke 2:52

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.- Proverbs 9:9

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, - Proverbs 1:5

5)      God also expects us to teach each other in wisdom

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom… - Colossians 3:16

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine – Titus 2:1

6)      If we lack knowledge on specific issues and wisdom on how to act, God wants us to ask Him.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

For the Lord Gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding – Proverbs 2:6

7)      God actually desires to distinguish us intellectually, creatively and philosophically.

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. – Daniel 1:17

“And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, - Exodus 35: 30 - 31

8)      Yet God doesn’t expect us to be deceived by the worldly knowledge (Discernment)

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

9)      Knowledge is only valuable when it is put into use. What’s the point of knowing if you won’t practice?

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4: 9

10)  Finally, no one is above learning or being taught.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. – Hebrews 5:8