Quality of Faith 2: Knowledge

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

From the time of our birth, we are in the process of learning facts, gathering information, and building skills. As a result, we grow in knowledge that we use for evil deeds, or for good works (Romans 1:18–32; Ephesians 2:1–10). As Christians, we are instructed by the apostle Peter to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). To help us in that process, the Lord gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11–16).

Nevertheless, believers are responsible to pursue that knowledge. The Bereans were commended for not simply accepting everything they heard from Paul and Silas. The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were hearing was true. Therefore, many of them believed the gospel (Acts 17:10–l2). Without a proper understanding of the Scriptures, we cannot come to the knowledge that brings salvation (Romans 1:16).

Once Peter had a proper understanding of the Scriptures, and was empowered by the Holy Spirit, he preached a sermon that convicted three thousand persons of their sin, who then believed the gospel message and were baptized (Luke 24:45–49; Acts 2). The same Scriptures Jesus taught His disciples, and which Peter quoted in his Pentecost sermon were inspired by God, and are, “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14–17).

Solomon highlighted the diligence we need to employ to pursue godly knowledge when he told his son that if he receives his words, and treasures his commandments, is attentive to wisdom, understanding, and discernment, if he seeks these things as though looking for treasures, “Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1–5). Acquiring the true knowledge of God is not something to be left to chance (2 Peter 3:14–18; 2 Timothy 2:15).