Message from Scripture: 5/17/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Eph. 4:13. “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

 

The term that Paul uses to describe the knowledge we are to have of the Son of God is an intensive form of the Greek word for knowledge, ἐπίγνωσις.  “It expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner.  In the New Testament, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement.” Paul isn’t just talking about knowing the reality of the existence of Christ, but of who He is, of His example for us, of living life in Him and the knowledge of His will that helps us grow in His image.

 

Knowing the facts of Scripture alone will never transform lives, and we must experience a transformation, from conformity to the world to living a sanctified life, if the goal of knowing Scripture is to be realized. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). We learn what Scripture teaches so we can practice it in everyday living. It is to be part of our conscience, its principles and precepts familiar to us, so when we face challenges in life, or temptations, or various types of decisions, we have the basis on which to decide how to respond.

 

With Scripture in our hearts and minds, we can choose right from wrong and discern the best course of action to take (Psa. 119:11). We have to know what Scripture teaches through study if we are to gain this knowledge, but we must also apply this knowledge if it is to transform our lives. We must see where it fits in daily life experiences. Based on this, we can go out to effectively serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert