Thursday, December 27, 2007

Knowledge Puffs

1 Cor. 8:2 – ’If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.’

I’m a big advocate of Bible study. I’d wonder about a church that didn’t provide people opportunities to study the Word. And I’m concerned about churches with very little in-depth teaching. Bible study is something we all need! Unfortunately, a possible danger of doing Bible study is that we can become proud by the knowledge we accumulate. Because of that, it is important to check our motives in the study we do.

It is possible to attend a Bible study not only to learn, but to show off the knowledge you already have. The phrase, “puffs up” in 1 Corinthians 8:2 means that it makes one arrogant. In contrast, the word “edifies” means to build up. Think about how you participate in Bible studies. Does your behavior display your arrogance, or does it rather indicate a heart that seeks to build up and encourage others?

I hope that you do study the Bible regularly, and that you do share what you learn with others. But if you feel that you know the Bible well, it would be good to remember the words of Paul, “if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” This verse makes it clear that we should always be humble in our pursuit of knowledge, with the realization that regardless of how much we learn, the treasures found in Scripture are so vast. (RL)