One of the most practical, yet powerful benefits of reading the Bible is that it releases our chains and lifts our burdens. Finally, Peter gives us an eternal benefit: Verse 11 explains (for) verse 10: for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. Supplied is the same word that we saw in verse 5, which meant to richly supply as a philanthropist would supply the chorus or theater. for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he isa child. Our salvation is totally from God. Therefore in some cases, we shall refer to all the three and in other instances only two, or one of them depending on the scripture reference. Additionally, knowledge can help us make wise choices in life. Shouldnt we do those things apart from any benefit to us because theyre the right thing to do? 3 Places to Find Wisdom. To me, this has become one of the most important benefits of reading the Bible. Q. How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. There are some things that we are to develop in in our Christian walk that helps us to grow strong in faith and to be pleasing unto the Lord. Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,But the discipline of fools is folly. (Deuteronomy 34:9). 2. Proverbs 11:9 Verse Concepts With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. R.C. For one thing, she would use the words in a humorous way, so that you had to know the meaning of the word to understand the joke. Paul warned, knowledge puffs up while love builds up.. How did she do it? Knowledge, therefore, is learning with perception. Nobody in their right mind would set out at age 20 and say, Id like to waste my life! Nobody writes out a plan for a wasted life: I think Ill devote three hours per day, 21 hours per week, to watching television! (That is the national average!) The Hebrew root yada [ [;d"y ],translated "know"/"knowledge, " appears almost 950 times in the Hebrew Bible. What biblical criteria are there? This is one of the most impactful and important benefits of reading the Bible. We adhere to biblically based moral and ethical principles, and maintain these principles both in public and in private. Before we see how having wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will benefit you, let us look at how some people in the Bible already enjoyed these benefits. It means that you are earnest about something, and eager to inquire about what God has promised, and eager to acquire what He has promised. I pray that you are blessed by being here. I think I could score 100 on a test on those words today, almost fifty years later! Psa 103:2. If He had not chosen us and called us, we would still be lost in our sins. So, the benefits of being diligent to grow in godliness are fruitfulnessyou wont waste your life; and, assurance that God called and chose you to eternal life, as confirmed by your desire to be diligent to grow in godliness. Verse 27 tells us this. I am Patience Lancelot. Reprinted by permission of Worthy Inspired., an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc. For more in-depth reading on the benefits of reading the Bible, consider these recommended books: Top 10 Reasons to Read the Bible Today: The Life-Changing Benefits of Daily Bible Reading by Wayne Davies, Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the BibleHoward G. Hendricks. It can become a point of pride or arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:1b). Those with understanding can extract the meaning out of informationseeing the what, how, and whyenabling a person to produce life principles. Knowledge is important to know God and what He expects of us. In You Dont Know What You Dont Know: Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom, Hugh Whelchel charts the differences between the three terms. 19:27), Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us? Jesus replied (Matt. If we claim to follow Christ, then its important for us not only know the character of God but also how He has worked His plan through history. Whatever method you use, . It is a supernatural knowledge that manifests as a vision, dream, thought, voice, or feeling. assurance, perseverance, and eternal blessings. The Bible is filled with Gods promises. (2 Chronicles 9:1-8), 2 Chronicles 9:23 says, And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.. Looking back, see what God has done for us in Christ. Believers need to know the tactics of the enemySatans wicked schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). People of faith could learn from Old Testament saints mistakes. In Job 22:21-29, which section of scripture is introduced by our key verse, we are told of the good, the blessing, the benefits which will come to us if we really know God. If so, confess your sin and take steps to grow in godliness. How can I use the time, talents, and treasure that God has entrusted to me so that one day I will hear, Well done, good and faithful servant? Then, after believing in Christ, through His Word we come to understand that the reason God called us to salvation is that He first chose us before the foundation of the world (Eph. Believers need to know the tactics of the enemySatan's wicked schemes ( 2 Corinthians 2:11 ). And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 2 Peter 1:5 KJV. Solomon said, Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body; but that doesnt mean education is useless. We believe that Gods truth has the power to set people free, and we do everything in our power to remain faithful to His truth, in thought, in word, and in deed. If not, why not? 3. And yet, many people end up that way! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Knowledge and understanding of the scriptures is one way God transforms believers, through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). And this is why we must continually add the knowledge of Gods Word to our life without fail. We can rejoice in our salvation and in the fact that we have a God Who loves us unconditionally more than we can fathom. A wise man is strong,And a man of knowledge increases power. So we all competed with one another to find sesquipedalian, osculate, cogitate, petulant, and all the other words. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. Knowledge forever pursues the truth. One reason for this view is that Peter changes from the second person in verse 8 to the more impersonal third person in verse 9, but then reverts back to the second person, along with the warm brethren (the only time Peter uses that word) in verse 10. Spiritual gifts are often complemented by other gifts. The Hebrew term for understanding is tebuna, which denotes intelligence or discernment. But they overlook the clear biblical truth that new life in Christ always manifests itself in the fruit of godliness. Then begin to ACT. They are seeking to know Him better and to please Him every day. Pray and ask God for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Its easy to be busy in the Lords work, but I dont want to be just busyI want to be useful and fruitful. Please help me to live for you, Jesus, for the rest of my life. that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge. Quality time together strengthens friendships and relationships. Also, just as Christians can ask God for wisdom, they can also ask Him to guide them to books, sermons, podcasts, etc., that can boost their growth in spiritual knowledge. Ask the Spirit to reveal any roadblocks that may be standing in the way of you operating in a word of knowledge. Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom of God (, Wisdom dwells in the heart of him that has understanding, according to, Wisdom, being understanding, also dwells in the mind and heart as we learn from Gods conversation with Job in the book of, Understanding what is right and just and fairevery good thing, Discretion will protect you, and understanding will keep you to deliver you from the way of evil, You will walk in the way of goodness and keep the paths of righteousness, You will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones, Riches and honor; enduring wealth and prosperity, Will build, establish and fill a house with precious and beautiful treasures, You will have hope that cannot be cut off, Wisdom will brighten your face and change its tough appearance, Shift from the wisdom of this world and believe in biblical wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Have a great day! (2:11), The lips of the righteous feed many,But fools die for lack of understanding. Your testimonies aremy heritage forever,for they arethe joy of my heart. He shed His blood on the cross to purify you from your sins. The Christian attitude should be life-long learningThe more I learn, the more I realize how much I needto learn. The heart attitudes of humility and love should guide all intellectual pursuits and engagement. Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it. So I said, Wisdom is better than strength. But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. This is part of our inheritance as Believers in Christ. The wisdom of the OT, however, is quite distinct from other ancient world views. The importance of the Bible in our daily life. Level 7 CIPD qualified - Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. All rights reserved. Peter encouraged believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. 3. (2 Peter 3:15). And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. But to say that those in verse 9 are not truly saved, you must say that they were never really purified from their former sins; they only claimed to be purified, perhaps through baptism. With so much foolishness in the world, Lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel (Proverbs 20:15b). As you read His Word, you will be strengthened and fortified through God the Father. (16:22). You see, only a fool thinks ignorance is bliss! All rights reserved. Tools. The Biblical Benefits of Adding Knowledge In Your Life. It has a wider sweep than our English word "know, " including perceiving, learning, understanding, willing, performing, and experiencing. A Christian who has light views of sin certainly does not know God very intimately. But God also offers plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge about Him. Learning to walk in the Spirityielding to His controlwill also enable growth in knowledge and understanding, because the Holy Spirit is the Christians greatest teacher. The more I read the Bible, the more I realized the meaning of these powerful words and that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. From Living the Proverbs by Charles R. Swindoll, copyright 2012. True, good knowledge comes from God as a giftfrom His own mouthto those who have understanding (Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 2:6). All believers are to diligently study the Word. It is important that we listen to God and His words. Verse 23 tells us this. Then in verses 5-7, he shows our responsibility to grow in godliness, as summarized by seven qualities that we are to add to our faith. There could be some of both here. We will look at assurance next. The mission of The One New Man Network is to be a bridge of unity and restoration between Israel and the Church, releasing Gods fullness throughout the earth. Alternatively, you could say the prayer at the end of this article then find guidance on what to do after saying the prayer from HERE. Godpredicted that in the last days knowledge will increase, but the knowledge of the world is not the same as biblical knowledge. Prayer is the great privilege of every Christian, even the youngest; but the testimony of the whole Bible and of experience proves that it is the people who really know God intimately who receive answers to their prayers look up 1 John 3:22 and 5:14-15. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Solomon and the wise men of Israel prized wisdom, understanding, and knowledge as crucial to living prosperously, safely, and effectively. Find guidance on how to proceed with your life in Jesus HERE. This gift can manifest as a vision, dream, thought, voice, or feeling. 2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative, Study 3 MAKING IT OUR AMBITION TO PLEASE HIM. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul lists nine gifts of the Spirit. Understanding is another term the Bible uses that acts as a bridge between knowledge and wisdom. Some understand verse 9 to be referring to those who are not truly saved, who may have been following the false teachers. The original Hebrew word emphasizes accuracy and the ability to sense what The word of knowledge is a revelatory gift and often works in unison with other gifts of the Spirit. It is written in His word that we are saved when we put our hope in Him. November 4, 2020 by Curt Landry Ministries, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,1 Corinthians 12:7-8 (emphasis added). For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 106 Powerful Affirmations towards Your Desired Life, How to Know The Power of The Lords Prayer, The Wonderful Secrets to the Best Life in Jesus, Powerful Scriptures on Gods Will You Want to Know, Wonderful Ways to Stand Fast as a Child of God, Embrace the Most Fascinating Help You Will Ever Need. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, publishes Upgrade with Dawn, and writes for Crosswalk.com. While there are numerous ways that reading the Bible brings us closer to God and benefits us daily. You desire to please and obey the Lord who gave Himself on the cross to rescue you from judgment. Answer: Remember what Christ did for you! We know from Scripture that knowledge is a gift from God. She used several methods. This is done through a deeper understanding of our identity and inheritance in Christ. Whelchel noted that the word disciple literally means a learner. Christians are called to acquire knowledge of God in order to know what they are called to do. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: This word describes our ability to observe, gain insight, and then discern in order to devise a plan or make a decision. Should we give assurance of salvation immediately after a person professes faith in Christ, or should that come later? This is one example of how our perspective about life changes as wegrow in the Lord. Lori Stith, from Stoic Matchmaker, a platform with a unique method to help other Christians apply the Bible to their lives. As you learn what He has taught and how to conduct yourself and your business and daily affairs and as you see How to conduct your business in an ethical, God-ordained manner, you will become more successful. First, have you heard the call to repent of your sins and believe in Christ and did you obey that call? As you learn more about His character, His promises and His plan for salvation of mankind, you will grow in your spiritual maturity. For more detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage. By His divine power, He has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (1:3). Have you returned to God by receiving Christ as your own personal Saviour? One benefit is that knowledge can help us grow closer to God. Possess your possession (Obadiah 17), and you will experience perfect peace (John 14:27); fullness of joy (John 15:11); power to witness (Acts 1:8); and grace sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). 1. If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Verse Concepts For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors. Being strengthened by the Father to face whatever life has before you. It is mymeditation all the day.. Forwhatever was written in former days was written for ourinstruction, that through endurance and throughthe encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.. We saw earlier in this article that understanding is the knowledge of the Holy One. When something in the Bible doesnt make sense, Christians can test statements and arguments, and hold fast to what is good knowledge and biblical practice. In the present, growing in godliness will give us the joy of being useful and fruitful to the Lord, so that we dont waste our lives. 11 Bible Verses about Drawbacks To Knowledge 1 Corinthians 8:1 Verse Concepts Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Peter is saying, One way to be certain that God has called and chosen you is to be diligent to grow in these godly character qualities. The same message sums up the book of First John, but is stated specifically in 1 John 2:28, Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (see, also, 1 John 3:18-21). My prayer is that you will search them out as you continually seek to add knowledge in your life. Jesus was saying that the eternal benefits should motivate us to endure whatever hardship we now encounter in following Him. The One New Man Network acts as a voice to the Nations, walking out the instructions of Mark 16:15, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature. With the vision to preach and to publish openly the good news, The One New Man Network brings a message of salvation that can be heard throughout the Nations of the World! People with knowledge can collect, remember, and access information, but they might not know what to do with that information. Scripture is life and nourishment to us as believers, and meant to help us thrive as we walk out the life of faith. Joshua had to step up and lead the children of Israel because Moses had died and the mourning period of thirty days had ended. Sheand her husband Bob live in Southern California. Therefore knowledge is emphasized in the Bible as the highest priority. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;He who keeps understanding will find good. Real knowledge, Sanford says, is from God the Father (James 1:16-18), Gods Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and Gods Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27).. And, when we step into eternity, there will be a grand welcome! Lets look at a few scriptures that confirm that fact: Proverbs 2:6 says, For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.. Required fields are marked *. With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. The people who are effective witnesses for the Lord, by life or by lip, are the people who really know Him. If this sounds familiar, it could mean that you have the gift of a word of knowledge waiting to be released, stretching out the tent of Gods Kingdom. Look at verse 28. The abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom (this is the only time eternal is used with kingdom) may have behind it the picture of a returning war hero who is welcomed into the city with great fanfare. The Biblical Benefits of Adding Knowledge In Your Life Most Christians are not diligent about anything in their Christian walk, which explains why things often turn out the way they do in their lives. Queen Sheba, like many others, had heard of the fame of Solomon. 2:21b). Take a close look at this verse below, as an example of this. Of course, there is a great difference between knowing God and simply knowing about Him. Have you returned to God by receiving Christ as your own personal Saviour? It didnt start with Eves first bite. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). Andthe tempter came and said to him, If you arethe Son of God, commandthese stones to become loaves of bread.But he answered,It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.. Just as in biblical days, there is a crisis of the Word of God in homes, communities, and places of worship today. If you have knowledge, there'll be a difference in your life. Why expend the energy and discipline to set your alarm early enough to get out of bed and spend time with the Lord each morning? May we not pass it by, but pull our chair up to the table regularly to feed our soul. I also plan to become addicted to alcohol and drugs. and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.. Your browser does not support JavaScript. You realize that it is all due to Gods sovereign grace in calling and choosing you while you were still in your sins. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? God speaks to us through the Bible. Your email address will not be published. DILIGENCE = to search out; enquire; to seek after; to investigate; to crave. Even if you are already a believer, rereading the words reminds us that He gave His only son for us to live in Him. If you need more convincing on why you should embrace this wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, please read Proverbs, chapters 8 and 9. Unwillingness was the case in a sober passage about knowledge, Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Gods people rejected knowledge of His laws. In John 3:16, we are told, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life., We also saw that wisdom and understanding dwell in the heart and mind. Can a true Christian fall away from the faith permanently? Knowledge, therefore, is learning with perception. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can repent of sin. Joshua and the children of Israel had a smooth and peaceful transition. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. Many Christians have also found that fasting heightens their learning process, making them more sensitive to what God wants to teach them. Jesus modeled this for us. If you are caught in the chains of addiction (from alcohol to shopping or absolutely anything), you can break those chains by leaning into The Father and giving them to Him. He was a faithful pastor in England for many years. In Proverbs 1:27-29, God warned His people that in times of calamity, they would call out to Him, but He would not answer, because they hated knowledge and did not fear Him.