That we henceforth be no more children…But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).
As a Christian, something very important to understand is that Jesus Christ is not only alive today, but He’s also with us through the Holy Spirit, and He cares for us affectionately. Moreover, He wants us to take His message to the ends of the earth.
That’s what our life is about: taking His message to those who are yet to know Him. We’re a light to a world in darkness.
However, in our journey of winning souls and changing lives, there’s a necessity for spiritual growth; we must keep growing in the Word, and consciously enhance our fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
It’s not enough to be born again; there’s so much more in God to enjoy.
How much liberty of the Spirit that you’ll enjoy depends on the spiritual knowledge of God’s Word that you have. His blessings that you’ll enjoy in your life depend on the knowledge of Him that you have in your spirit. The less knowledge you have, the less blessings and joy of the Spirit that will flow through you.
This is important because the knowledge of God’s Word is what puts you over in life.
The Bible says through knowledge shall the just be delivered, not just from trouble, but also into their inheritance (Proverbs 11:9). Through the knowledge of God’s Word, you’re able to exercise dominion and control over circumstances.
In addition, through the growth that you experience by being in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, you’re constantly being lifted over and above the corrupting influences of this world. When men are cast down because of their experiences, you have another message: There’s lifting up (Job 22:29)!
Never allow the challenges you face overwhelm you. Whatever challenges you might be facing today are what you’ve been built, prepared and fashioned for. None of us is given more than he or she can handle: “…God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able…” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Rather than focus on the trouble, act on the Word, and you’ll surely have a testimony.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak… (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
The word translated “know” above is the Greek “aido,” and it means to become aware, or to have knowledge with awareness. We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit, which is of God, that we might become aware of the things that are freely given to us of God.
The thirteenth verse says, “Which things also we speak….” This means there’s a spiritual vocabulary granted us by the Holy Spirit with which to communicate what we have received as absolute knowledge.
For example, Romans 8:28 says, “…We know that all things work together for good to them that love God….”
The word “know” here, again, is the Greek “aido.” The Apostle Paul is saying, we are aware that no matter what happens in life, there’s no need to fret or be apprehensive; you don’t need to cry. There’s an awareness in our spirits that all things are working together for our good.
You need to come to that awareness in your life. You need to have that assurance and rest in your spirit that you can never be defeated. It makes no difference what happens; refuse to be moved. Just know that whatever it is, it can only work out for your good. As a result, laugh your way victoriously through life.
No wonder Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (garrison) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Greek word translated “peace” above is akin to the Hebrew word “shalom,” which refers to peace with prosperity. In other words, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind when you have “aido” knowledge.
Those around you won’t understand why you can be so at peace and full of rest in spite of oppositions, challenges, and contrary winds that may come your way.
The reason is that you have become aware that nothing in this life is set against you; it has become part of the scope of your knowing that you can never be disadvantaged. Halleluiah.
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart (Ephesians 4:18).
The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, highlights the awful state of the non-Christian in our opening text. Let’s read from the Amplified translation for further clarity: “ Their moral understanding is darkened, and their reasoning is beclouded.
[They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance… ” (AMPC).”
What a dreadful state for anyone to be in! If ignorance of God and His Word could put man in such a state of hopelessness, hemmed in the domain of darkness, imagine then what the accurate knowledge of God would do!
Knowledge in this context isn’t scientific or mental. Rather, it’s a special kind of knowledge: “Epignosis” (Greek). It refers to accurate, full, and precise knowledge of God; experiential knowledge of God, acquired through revelation and acquaintance.
After receiving salvation, yielding yourself to the ministry of the Word is crucial. Proverbs 11:9 declares, “… but through knowledge shall the just be delivered .”
You already have an inheritance bequeathed to you in Christ, but through the knowledge of God, you’re able to take hold of what’s rightfully yours in Christ.
Yield yourself to knowledge. Have a voracious appetite for the Word.
Those who don’t know the Word easily get overwhelmed by circumstances and defeated by the crises of life. But through the knowledge of God, grace and power over crisis (peace) are multiplied in your life (2 Peter 1:1-3). Hallelujah!
-GSW-