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God's Exquisite Garden
KNOWLEDGE
The word knowledge means an acquaintance with the facts, truths, or principles, information. A second definition is an awareness, body of truths or facts accumulated in the course of time.
When people do not add to their learning, it is decreased. The person who claims to know all, has so much to learn. The beginning of tolerance is knowledge and the beginning of understanding is tolerance.
In Proverbs 14:6 we read," A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands."
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And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, " You are the Son of God. "
Mark 3:11(NKJV)
You believe there is but one God. Even the devils believe-- and tremble.
James 2:19(NKJV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7(NKJV)
And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:9 (NKJV)
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Someone can be knowledgeable about many things, but if his spiritual life is relinquished, that knowledge is of little importance. There is no human document, creed or book that compares with God's Word. We need to read and study it on a daily basis. No one should deprive themselves of the wondrous blessings found in the Bible. It is our guide throughout life.
A knowledge regarding Jesus isn't the same as a dedication to our Lord. When we know about Jesus, or just believe that He is God's Son, this does not give us the assurance of salvation. Following and obeying Him should be our desire.
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Obedience to the commands of our Lord does not come by sheer knowledge of His Word. We need to know the Bible, but our understanding is foremost.
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We read in Proverbs 9:10," The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. "
II Peter 1:5," But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge..."
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When we relate the will of God to our daily lives, our lives will be lived in the service of the Lord. While this process is occurring God will be powerfully working through us.
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Proverbs 22:12," The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless. "
We read in Proverbs 15:14," The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. "
James 4:17," Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it,to him it is sin."
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As we read and study the Bible, we will be filled with the knowledge of God's will. With fervent study, this knowledge will only grow.
We read in II Peter 1:2," Grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
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The writer of Proverbs had much to say about knowledge. Proverbs 2:5-6," Then you will understand the fear the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. "
The fear of the Lord is a reverence. We are to be in such awe of our God, knowing of the capabilities of our Lord. Once we fear Him as we should, we will receive knowledge and understanding. This understanding is often gained through our experience of working in His service.
There are those who are content to drink at the fountain of knowledge while others take sips. We need to be extremely diligent with our studies of the Bible.
As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.
Socrates
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DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS
(1) How is your spiritual life? Is it as God wants it to be?
(2) Why is Godly knowledge so necessary?
Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
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The Knowledge of the Holy
By A.W. Tozer / Harpersanfrancisco
Deepen your Christian walk with this spiritual classic! In words that go straight to your heart, Tozer's lucid discussion of the attributes of God---from his infinity to his love---will open your eyes to the greatness of our Father and to his active presence in today's world. Ideal for new and mature believers. 120 pages, softcover from HarperCollins.
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Photos courtesy Stock Xchng, Stock Xchng,
Stock Xchng and Heartlight images
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