Knowledge or life? Which do you have?

sermonindex Mar 29, 2007

Satan is trying to lead us back to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He is beginning to whisper in your ear -- you know, your faith would be stronger if you had a better knowledge of what was good and what was evil in the spiritual life. He tells you that if you had a better understanding of what was right and what is wrong, then you will be stronger in your faith. All he is doing is trying to get you to substitute knowledge for the life that comes from your relationship with Jesus. And so many of us, sink from knowing Him to knowing about Him. We want learn all we can about certain doctrines and views on Christianity. We spend a great deal of time and effort to get a better understanding of how Christ operates. The problem is as our knowledge grows, gradually our faith becomes smaller and smaller, until it disappears completely. Then we have no living personal trust of Jesus, there is just a head full of dry facts about Christianity.

sermonindex Apr 1, 2007

freecd wrote:
Satan is trying to lead us back to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He is beginning to whisper in your ear -- you know, your faith would be stronger if you had a better knowledge of what was good and what was evil in the spiritual life. He tells you that if you had a better understanding of what was right and what is wrong, then you will be stronger in your faith. All he is doing is trying to get you to substitute knowledge for the life that comes from your relationship with Jesus. And so many of us, sink from knowing Him to knowing about Him. We want learn all we can about certain doctrines and views on Christianity. We spend a great deal of time and effort to get a better understanding of how Christ operates. The problem is as our knowledge grows, gradually our faith becomes smaller and smaller, until it disappears completely. Then we have no living personal trust of Jesus, there is just a head full of dry facts about Christianity.

That is soooo true, and challenging. Been there, done that, still trying to get from there! :oops:

Jeannette

sermonindex Apr 1, 2007

Knowledge or life? Which do you have?

What a thought provoking question!!

If I were to judge myself, my conclusion would be that I have neither. If others were to judge me they may have a different opinion.

Thank you for sharing that thought.

J

John173 Apr 1, 2007

This ties in with something Zac Poonen said in last months featured sermon. He talked about how we can read the Word and listen to teaching with the intent of grasping it well enough to teach it. He likened this to regurgitating truth and pointed out that type of teaching has no life in it. What is needed is to approach the Word of God asking that God would shine His holy light upon us, that we would encounter the inner working of the Holy Spirit. Then and only then can we impart the life giving truth we have learned to others. This so convicted me, for I had been in the first group my entire walk. Having repented of this I can honestly say I am growing again, after having stagnated for years.

To God be the glory,

Doug

S

Stan53 Apr 2, 2007

Take life. If you have life then you will have knowledge. This I believe was the eror of Adam and Eve. They were presented with 2 trees. One contained life, the other knowledge. What they didn't know was that if they had chosen life they would have gained knowledge. They wanted to improve their station but in the process lost all.
Consider/ponder: God has given you all that you need for this very moment in time. Not a bit more, nor a bit less. And He will continue to do so forever.

W

w4tkn79 Apr 3, 2007

Here are my thoughts and something that came out of a dream I had about my brother. I was praying about it and was led to the word to interpret it.

My brother goes to a more strict, you might say religious congregation than I do. In my dream my cousin asked us both a question, I dont rememebr the quetion but it wasnt super relevant, like on what mountain did Elijah say this? I didnt know but my brother did. My cousin then asked my brother the question, why are you in that Church, adn he replied well I am probably in the happiest state of being a Christian, after being backslidden for so many years, and after the joy goes away, I want to know more truth.

I woke up and thought, wow that was an odd dream and it stuck with me that day as I saught a meaning. Faith comes by what? By hearing the word of God. So in theory the more we hear, understand and know - the more faith we have. Then in James it says - I will show you my faith by my works. So this means more faith - leads to more Godly works.
There is also a very strong warning there, to know the truth and to not do it - is SIN. I was wondering, so is it right Lord to not seek for more knowledge? It can't be, but if I'm decipling someone, I'd like them to be doing what they know before we progress. Like my mum used to say, eat what's on your plate first.

We need to want knowledge and understanding, but if it's to pump up our own pride and we dont do any works for the kingdom - then its a waste of time, it reeks of pride. I think theres a balance - of knowing what the word says and working and surrendering to it - out of obedience, and thus humbleness. I want to know more, and have Biblical understanding - rather then read the scriptures and filter it through a humanistic mindset and come to a conclusion that sits well with me.

I know that's a scary thing because that means more of me has to die so that Christ may live in me and perhaps I would rather say to God - I know enough. But that doesnt glorify him.

P

PreachParsly Apr 4, 2007

John173 wrote:
This ties in with something Zac Poonen said in last months featured sermon. He talked about how we can read the Word and listen to teaching with the intent of grasping it well enough to teach it. He likened this to regurgitating truth and pointed out that type of teaching has no life in it. What is needed is to approach the Word of God asking that God would shine His holy light upon us, that we would encounter the inner working of the Holy Spirit. Then and only then can we impart the life giving truth we have learned to others. This so convicted me, for I had been in the first group my entire walk. Having repented of this I can honestly say I am growing again, after having stagnated for years.
To God be the glory,
Doug

Amen. Thank you for your testimony. I didn't read this thread until a moment ago. I was just thinking on the topic and it came to mind that someone had started a thread about it.

D

dohzman Apr 4, 2007

I understand what you're trying to say , I believe, however you need to take a look at that passage in Gen2 again, the tree of knowledge of good AND EVIL

Gen 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Is knowledge what the main thrust is here? Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
I think not. I know a pastor who fell into porngraphy while researching it for a seris of sermons on the worlds influence through the internet, he partook of the knowledge of evil (in other words he subjected himself to it in order to preach against it). Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Agood example of these proverbs in life is this: most people will discipline a baby who bites by biting them back, they fall in the vs 4 catagory, however a firm swat on the behind will get the lesson across nicely, and that individual falls in the vs 5 catagory. Get my drift?
That tree represented more than just mere knowledge. At this point Adam and Eve had no idea what good or evil was, they were still innocent, or naive if you will. The same way a little child (2-8????) is pretaining to things of this world. I won't take this illustration any further because it'll quuickly move to original sin and doctrines where greater minds than mine present on this board can address and have addressed. But as to knowledge, you need to refine your understanding of what really is happening in Gen2 and how exactly the devil steals our faith through knowledge, I'll give you a hint----look to conscience, look to the motive love, and study obedience and its influences on the relationship of both toward God.