Saturday 2 July 2016

KNOWLEDGE AND THE BELIEVER (DEMYSTIFYING GOD)


I am a evangelist by distinct calling and indeed a preacher of the word. i never accede to the opinions of individuals whether elite or not on issues bordering the spread of the truth. I am a sticker for anything true by the way.

 I believe it was the will of God to demystify himself by the sending of his son Jesus Christ. In other words, there is nothing mysterious about God.

It’s a gross foundational error to ascribe to mysteries, that which has been demystified.

The Apostle Paul was very keen to point these out to the Corinthian church
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For no other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”.

Foundational errors were not created by the word of God. Foundational errors were created by human beings. Paul clearly states “MEN” as the progenitors of foundational errors.

Errors are hugely attributed to the lack or inadequacy of facts or knowledge bordering a topic of discourse.

Paul rightly explains painstaking bible study (which I call fact-finding) as an effective tool for maturity for the Christian

2 Timothy 16-17
“All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.

The greek words for “perfect” and “furnished” as used in the above contexts are “Artios” and “Exartizo”.  Both words have connotations similar in meanings but quite compatible when used in Paul’s mode of admonition to Timothy.

The word “Artios” connotes maturity and completion of an assignment, especially a functional one. However the word “Exartizo” means to accomplish or fulfill. It is used in Greek texts to chronologically define time of events and task assessment. It is used as an active word in his context of speech

Value is placed on knowledge of God’s word here. This is because precise knowledge is key. In other words, knowledge (epignosis in the Greek) transforms the Christian.

A hoard of prayers prayed by Paul for the early church was for knowledge (Epignosis)- a precise, accurate and definite understanding of the facts.

Ephesians 1:17
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory may give unto you, the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the KNOWLEDGE of Him”

Philemon 1:6
That the communication of your faith might become effectual by the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus

Colossians 1:9
For this cause, we also since the day we heard of it, do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the KNOWLEDGE of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

Phillipians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in all KNOWLEDGE and in all judgement

This word is used by Paul about 15 times in the New testament. It is actually used 20 times when reference is given to letters written by other writers such as Peter and the writer of Hebrews.

This emphasizes the greatest need and burden for believers is to KNOW!

Distortion and disparity in understanding of the Word often bring about fabrications and foundational errors. This is a lack of precise and definite knowledge.

Paul further admonishes Timothy that Painstaking bible study is indeed a requirement to stand on the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.

False teachings will fall when tried against the right teachings. There will be no room for falsity to thrive.

The light of Knowledge shines on the darkness of falsity or ignorance and it cannot withhold it.

In subsequent blogs, I will be discussing how knowledge generates power for the believer

Till then, I call you BLESSED!

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