You have probably heard the saying, ‘Knowledge is power.’ This to a a degree is true, having knowledge can be powerful, but knowledge itself is not powerful. The way we use our knowledge that is what is powerful.
Look at the words of Paul in I Corinthians 8:1b-2: ….Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
Whoa! Knowledge according to Paul puffs us up, that means the more knowledge that we have the more proud we become, the we more build up ourselves and look down on others! Knowledge used in the wrong way will cause pride to fill our lives, and according to God’s Word; ‘Pride cometh before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.’ Having an improper view of knowledge brings pride into our lives. This can be any kind of knowledge, including knowledge on spiritual matters!
On the other hand charity, love, edifies. When we have a proper knowledge of God’s Word it should produce a love that edifies. Our love should help build others up, it should help them grow stronger in their relationship with Jesus. Love should be an action that all believers take to help another person be built up. The question is, “What has our love built lately?”
Paul finishes by telling us that if we think we know much, we really don’t. We more I study God’s Word the more I realize I know very little. Today if you have to choose knowledge or love, choose love. Love can build, knowledge used wrongly will tear down. A proper knowledge of God’s Word should drive us to love. An improper use of our knowledge of God’s Word will drive us to pride and destruction.
Because of the Cross,
Pastor Chris
abidingfaithbaptist.com 