Building Biblical Understanding |
The theme of this ministry year is "Building Biblical Understanding". It is interesting to see what God says the requirements and benefits are regarding Building Biblical Understanding. Proverbs 2, starting with verse 1 1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear (respect) of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee... Verse 6 indicates that the source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is God. These come from His mouth; out of the mouth comes words. So, if we want the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that God has for us, we need to go to His Word. Verses 1 through 4 show the value we need to place upon obtaining wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, as well as the depth of desire we should have. Some of the benefits mentioned are: God preserves the way of his saints, discretion preserves us, and understanding keeps us. Proverbs 3:13 and following instructs us in the true value of wisdom and understanding, and reveals other benefits: 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. All things that the senses realm holds to be valuable and desirable, are not to be compared with the value of wisdom and understanding. Other benefits associated with wisdom and understanding are happiness, length of days (a long life), riches and honor. So, what are the requirements for obtaining wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? We desire it to the end that it becomes one of the highest priorities that we act upon. We apply ourselves from our hearts. Understanding comes from Gods Word. That is where we look for it. Look at Psalms 119:130: 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. In Eph. 5:14, we learn that Christ, the Word in the flesh, gives us light: 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. It is God's will for us to be wise, and to understand His will. It is available to wake up, and to obtain the light that Christ will give us. Let us line up our priorities with God's Word, and put forth our best efforts to build our biblical understanding. Our efforts will be well rewarded! |