Knowledge of God
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
Greetings, everyone!
September typically marks the period when students resume their studies, either by returning to school or commencing their education at a school or college for the first time. However, I was surprised to learn that the new academic year started in August. It is understandable that both parents and students may experience a range of emotions, including excitement as well as frustration. Regardless of students' or parents' opinions, students are required or encouraged to return to school. Why? Because we were taught that knowledge is power. The knowledge that we are encouraged and commanded to have is the knowledge of God.
In the Old Testament, five books are classified as wisdom literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon (also known as Songs). The Book of Job addresses the sovereignty of God and demonstrates faithfulness during adversity. Psalms teach us to communicate with God and the principles of worship. Proverbs offer guidance and practical wisdom for adherents. Ecclesiastes examines the pursuit of meaning and truth. The Song of Solomon depicts the joy and significance of genuine love within the context of marriage. Even though throughout the Bible we learn about human nature and conduct, what to do, and what not to do, we still have questions. Paul even mentioned this to the Romans, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 1:15).
This reflects Paul's perspective; however, his understanding of Christ prompted a different response: “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Romans 7:22-25). Paul possessed a comprehensive understanding of the law as well as a meaningful relationship with Christ. This connection with Christ provided him with insight into both legal principles and human nature.
Developing self-awareness and an understanding of God equips Christians to confidently guide others toward faith in Christ. So, in the next few months, I will be discussing: The Doctrine of God, Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Christology, and Soteriology (The Cross). Learning more about the Bible is essential, even if we have been in church all of our lives. God is calling us to reach the lost and the unsaved, and for us to do that, we have to truly study the Bible and stop flipping the pages or swiping if you have an eBible. Satan is studying us and our behavior. Now is the time to counterstrike with the knowledge of God. Who is with me?
