May 17, 2026
Goodness From Knowledge
There is a tremendous emphasis in the Christian religion on knowledge. Within it, teachers often stress the importance of gaining, increasing, and expanding one’s biblical knowledge. But such a push for biblical knowledge can be understood especially when we consider the warnings in the scripture about what happens when knowledge is neglected.
When the Prophet Hosea ministered the word of God to the Northern Kingdom, he spoke of them having “no knowledge of God”, and that they “lack knowledge” and thus they will be destroyed by the hands of the Assyrians (Hos. 4:1,6). Jeremiah had a similar message to Judah proclaiming them to be “foolish,” with “no understanding” but was “wise in doing evil” but had no knowledge in doing good (Jer. 4:22). Apostle Paul spoke of a whole society being given up by God because of their refusal to know Him (Rom. 1:28), and later he wrote about Christians who allowed bad company to corrupt them that they came to a place of no knowledge of God, and such was a shameful thing for them (1 Cor. 15:34).
When we review these passages, we understand why knowledge is important and that God wants us to grow in knowledge. However, a fatal spiritual error can be made regarding this subject, and that is to think that knowledge of biblical things is the goal of gaining knowledge. Some may be deceived into thinking that the more they know, the holier they become. But this is not true. In fact, knowledge has a specific purpose in the Christian life.
When writing to the church at Philippi, toward the end of his petition on their behalf, Apostle Paul reveals to us the reason we should grow in knowledge. He wrote, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11 ESV). Paul desires them to grow and abound more and more in knowledge and discernment, but as soon as he says those things, he then adds the words “so that.” These words tell us why Paul wanted them to grow in knowledge. They are to grow in knowledge for three reasons.
First, “so that” they may approve of what is excellent. The implication is that these brethren with knowledge may test and try what is good and pleasing to God. Knowledge of God’s words gives the brothers a standard to judge what is right and what is evil. However, knowing what is good or excellent is “so” that they may be blameless and pure. This is the second reason to grow in knowledge. The English translation of these two words is wanting, because Paul isn’t just advocating a holy life but a life that testifies to holiness. The word “pure” means shining like the sun, and “blameless” refers to offense or being a stumbling block. Thus, Christians need to live a life that serves as a statement to those around us. Christians can be a good testimony because they are filled with the fruit of righteousness which Christ has wrought in them. Here is the final reason Paul urges them to grow in knowledge, which is that they may be fruitful in their religious walk.
My dear Friends, let us crave to know the word of God, to learn of God, and to learn from God. But let us, at the same time, always be reminded that knowledge is not the goal we are aiming for. Rather, we grow in knowledge so we can know what is right, be a living testimony to those around us, and be filled with the fruit of righteousness. - Christian
Past Articles
The Gospel In Unfavorable Circumstances 5/24/2026
Goodness From Knowledge 5/17/2026
God's Finished Work 5/10/2026
Our Identity 4/26/2026