Every sensitive believer has at least a modicum of desire to know the heart and mind of God. Wherever that desire is present, God will fulfill it (Matthew 5:6). But you need more than just knowledge. Your knowledge should lead to a real discernment and understanding which produces a genuine Christian walk. Let’s look the Christian’s Care & Use Manual (the Word of God) for instruction.
Your walk as a Christian is to be characterized by wisdom (Ephesians 5:15; Colossian 4:5). Knowledge without wisdom can destroy (I Corinthians 8). Proverbs 2:1-5 deals with the important issue of how to acquire the wisdom of God – a wisdom that is based upon facts and knowledge in contrast to the unbeliever’s attitude toward God (I Corinthians 2:14).
Let’s Begin: True wisdom and knowledge begins and ends with truth – the intake of truth from the Word of God and the outflow of truth through the child of God (Matthew 4:4, Proverbs 2:6).
The Process: Obtaining wisdom is a personal thing “My son, if you will receive” Prov.
2:1.
A look in Webster’s Dictionary defines “receive” as to take, seize, appropriate, welcome readily “and treasure” (to hoard or get the most out of, esteem). In Matthew 13:3-8 and 18-25 we read that only one type of ground retained the Word of God when sown upon it. The Word must be received and meditated upon until the light bulb goes off! And then our understanding should be used, not locked away (Colossians 3:16).
“Make you ear attentive” We need to force ourselves to hear what God is saying (Matthew 11:15) and be careful not to “tune out” the message (Hebrews 2:1). “For if you cry for discernment” We need to pray for understanding and have an inner hunger for a knowledge of the truth. That hunger is expressed in fervent prayer to God for illumination (Psalm 119:18-20).
“If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasure.” We need to really dig into it. Prayer alone does not bring satisfaction and illumination. Prayer must be accompanied by personal, persistent Bible study. There are four requirements for hunting treasure –
• promise of discovery
• necessary equipment
• desire
• hard work.
The Fruit of our Efforts: “Then you will discern the fear of the Lord”. We will experience that fear of God – that He is holy and hates evil. We will establish a loving reverence for God and a submission to His Lordship.
“And discover the
knowledge of God”. Wisdom is never
an asset that is separate from God, knowing and understanding His person and
His ways.
And Then What?
“If you know these things, you are
blessed if you do them” John 13:17.
James 1:22). Our challenge this week then is not only to seek wisdom, but use it to live as Christ would have us live. God bless.
Love to you all,