Tag: knowledge
One True God
Scripture reading for July 16: 1 Corinthians 8
“For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth–as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”–yet for us there is one God, the Father, from Whom are all things and for Whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:5-9
Although our nation was founded on Christian principles, we are far from trusting in the “One God” and “One Lord” that Paul spoke of to these Corinthians. In their culture there were many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’ that competed for attention. Idolatry was common and people worshiped through bringing sacrifices, keeping rules, eating foods, and sexual contacts. Here Paul was dealing with foods served at the idol temples. These had often been animal sacrifices offered to idols. Corinthian believers had come out of this idolatry and looked upon the meat as tainted and thought they would be defiled if they went back to eat it. Paul told them that these idols and false gods were really nothing and had no influence.
But this knowledge could make a believer proud and the pride could keep them from loving God and those made in His image. To love each person where they were was the example and calling of Jesus and God the Father. Mature believers must always act in love towards those still not understanding accurately the influence of these false idols. Some believers were being hindered by the liberty of those flaunting their ability to eat the meat sacrificed to idols. Paul stated, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:13
Have you ever struggled to limit your freedom in Christ for the sake of a new believer coming out of idolatry? Is it easier to act on knowledge and rules than to show genuine love through restraint? How does Jesus advise us to handle believers who have a weak conscience?
Prayer: Father, thank You for being patient with me when I was lacking knowledge and understanding of truth. Help me to show Your love and patience towards newer believers as they struggle to come out of idolatry and often fail to understand the new liberty given by grace and faith. Amen.
Great joy and worship!
Scripture reading for April 7th: Matthew 2, Psalm 70, Proverbs 8
Matthew 2: 7-11 “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
“Wise men (and women) still seek Him!” is a popular bumper sticker with believers in our culture. In the time of Jesus’ birth, God revealed to some men renowned for their wisdom the birth of a King, the Son of God. God sent a “star” to lead them across the desert and wilderness to the exact location of this Child Who was a King. They stopped to inquire of the local king, Herod, about this Child’s birth and location. Herod had asked the Jewish leaders about where the King would be born and they had revealed “Bethlehem” through the prophesies of Micah. Herod sent them to locate this Child with instructions to return and reveal the location. They went onward, led by the star, and found the child. Great joy and worship and the giving of expensive gifts resulted! They were warned not to return to Herod. They obeyed as only “wise” men could! Show your wisdom by seeking Him, worshiping Him and obeying!
Psalm 70:4 “May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, “God is great!””
Prayer: Father God, You Alone are the All-Wise God! In Your Son is hidden all the treasures of true Wisdom and Knowledge! I seek Your instruction as silver and Your Wisdom as fine gold and jewels! Nothing I desire can compare with Jesus Christ, the Wisdom and Knowledge of God My Father! I shout with the psalmist: “God is Great!” and thank You for leading me to Jesus, the Pearl of great price.
Proverbs 8:20-23 “Take My instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”
God’s extravagant grace!
Scripture reading for May 24th: Ephesians 1
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 1:7-11 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him Who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.”
God does all things extravagantly because He is loaded with riches! He doesn’t lack anything. He needs nothing. He has an abundant supply of everything that His children might need and is a loving Father Who provides. Paul states that our redemption through Christ’s blood came from the riches of God’s grace. He has all wisdom and insight and He lavishes that upon us unmerited favor as the way all can be saved by simple faith in His Son. He reveals to us the mystery of His will to unite as one in Christ and in the fullness of time to bring all things together in heaven and earth. Through Christ He lavishes upon His children an inheritance that will be to the eternal praise of God’s glory! Amen!
Ephesians 1:16-17 “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,”
Faith confession and prayer: Thank You Father God and Lord Jesus for our amazing and lavish inheritance and gifts through Your love and mercy in taking our place on Calvary’s cross. Grant me a fresh infilling of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ that I might be conformed to His image and share the Good News of Your lavish riches found in Jesus Christ and His shed blood.
Colossians 2:2-3 “. .that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in who are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Known by God!
Scripture reading for September 3rd: 2nd Chronicles 29-31, 1st Corinthians 8
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 8:1-3 “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
Corinth was a pagan city with an idolatrous culture. Many idol temples worshiping various ‘gods’ were in the city and animal sacrifices were offered to appease these ‘gods.’ Christians knew that these idols were nothing and that eating meat from the sacrifices would not harm them. This knowledge made them proud–‘puffed up’, and lacking in love for those caught in this idolatry whom God loved and wanted to reach. They did not know enough about God’s love and their need to restrain their liberty to reach lost sinners. We should rather have God ‘know’ us because we love Him and the lost than to have religious “knowledge.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with a river of Your love through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Help me to love others caught in the idolatry of these times and reach them with Your love.
2nd Chronicles 30:8 “Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His fierce anger may turn away from you.”
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Declaring Jesus as the Christ!
Scripture reading for June 6th: Acts 24, Psalm 113, Proverbs 20
Key Scriptures: Acts 24:24-26 “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.”
Paul was imprisoned by the Romans with charges by the Jews. He faced Felix, the Roman governor in Caesarea, where he had been sent to protect him from a plot of murder by certain Jews. Felix had a Jewish wife, Drusilla, who along with her husband enjoyed listening to Paul preach–up to the point when he talked about the coming judgment! Their real motivation was money, for they expected a bribe but never got it. Paul just declared Jesus as the Christ, his lips spoke knowledge more valuable than silver or gold.
Faith Confession: Lord, I want to boldly declare Jesus as Lord and Christ to all you put in my path. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to give me boldness like the Apostle Paul.
Proverbs 20:15 “There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”
Listen to Jesus!
Scripture reading for September 6th: Proverbs 5-7, Colossians 1
Key Scriptures: Colossians 1:15-17 “He (Christ Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all created things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Jesus Christ is God! He alone is over all creation, visible and invisible. He is over all authority in heaven and on earth. He created all things and He sustains all things. He is before all things and will endure after all things! What an awesome God we serve! We would do well to pay attention to Him in everything!
Proverbs 5:1 “My son, pay attention to My wisdom, listen well to My words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”
Prayer: Lord, I worship You for Who You are–God Almighty, my Creator, author of all wisdom and giver of knowledge. Give me ears to hear Your instruction today and always. Amen.