KNOWLEDGE

“Quality of Life Series”

10/05/06

LEADER: Knowledge is exploding at such a rate--more than 2000 pages a minute--that even Einstein couldn't keep up. In fact, if you read 24 hours a day, from age 21 to 70, and retained all you read, you would be one and a half million years behind when you finished.

(Campus Life, February, 1979)

The sum total of man's knowledge could be represented graphically:

Up to 1845 = 1 inch
1845 to 1945 = 3 inches
1945 to 1976 = the height of the Washington Monument

(John McArthur, tape on Ephesians 5:15-17 - Grace to You global ministry)

http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/k/knowledge.htm

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #1

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning.”-- Claude Bernard 1813-1878, French Physiologist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #2

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“We don't know one-millionth of one percent about anything.”
Thomas A. Edison 1847-1931,

American Inventor, Entrepreneur, Founder of GE

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #3

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Some people drink deeply from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.”
Grant M. Bright, British-Born American Engineer

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #4

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“He knows so little and knows it so fluently.”
Ellen Glasgow 1874-1945, American Novelist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “ There Is A Saying:”

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Knowledge, humbles a great person, astonishes the common, and puffs up the small.”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #5

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“You can't know too much, but you can say too much.”
Calvin Coolidge 1872-1933, Thirtieth President of the USA

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #6

http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/k/knowledge.htm

“For every man, education should be a process which continues all his life. We have to abandon, as swiftly as possible, the idea that schooling is something restricted to youth. How can it be, in a world where half the things a man knows at 20 are no longer true at 40--and half the things he knows at 40 hadn't been discovered when he was 20?”

Arthur C. Clark,e Author - in The View From Serendip

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #7

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“The man who is too old to learn was probably always too old to learn.”
Caryl Haskins 1908 – 2001 Scientist/Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #8

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“There are things known, and there are things unknown. And in between are the doors.”
Jim Morrison 1943-1971, American Rock Musician

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #9

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“We are drowning in information and starving for knowledge.”
Rutherford D. Roger Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “When You Want Knowledge”

M. Littleton in Moody Monthly, June, 1989, p. 29

http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=862

There’s a story about a proud young man who came to Socrates asking for knowledge. He walked up to the muscular philosopher and said, “O great Socrates, I come to you for knowledge.” Socrates recognized a pompous numbskull when he saw one. He led the young man through the streets, to the sea, and chest deep into water. Then he asked, “What do you want?” “Knowledge, O wise Socrates,” said the young man with a smile. Socrates put his strong hands on the man’s shoulders and pushed him under. Thirty seconds later Socrates let him up. “What do you want?” he asked again. “Wisdom,” the young man sputtered, “O great and wise Socrates.” Socrates crunched him under again. Thirty seconds passed, thirty-five. Forty. Socrates let him up. The man was gasping. “What do you want, young man?” Between heavy, heaving breaths the fellow wheezed, “Knowledge, O wise and wonderful...” Socrates jammed him under again Forty seconds passed. Fifty. “What do you want?” “Air!” he screeched. “I need air!” “When you want knowledge as you have just wanted air, then you will have knowledge.”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #10

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it.”
Thomas Fuller 1608-1661, British Clergyman, Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Perpetual Learning” By Steve Goodier

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon8/perpetual_learning.htm

I recently read of a study of ninety top leaders in a variety of fields. Interviewers were trying to determine just what it is that sets leaders apart. They discovered that those who rise to the top of their professions have the never-ending capacity to develop and improve their skills. In other words, leaders are perpetual learners.
But shouldn't we always walk that path of learning? When do we feel as if we now know enough? When should personal growth end?
I once visited a friend who had just celebrated her 80th birthday. Jessie talked with much enthusiasm about a quilt she had recently finished making for her great-grandson. She wanted the center square to be special and asked him what picture he would like for that square. The little boy replied, "I want a turtle."
Jessie had never made a turtle. "How about a dog?" she suggested. "Or a house? I can't make a turtle."
"Well, Gramma," he said. "I think you're old enough to learn."
And she did! The finished quilt had a turtle right in the middle!
Jessie was especially proud of that quilt because she learned to do something new. And she discovered that he was right - she was old enough to learn!
Are you a perpetual learner? It's part of building a whole and happy life.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #11

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.”
Kahlil Gibran 1883-1931, Lebanese Poet, Novelist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #12

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Say oh wise man how you have come to such knowledge? Because I was never ashamed to confess my ignorance and ask others.”
Johann Gottfried Von Herder 1744-1803, German Critic and Poet

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #13

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“I wish I knew what I know now before.”
Rod Stewart - British Pop Musician

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “A Lawnmower Experience” Richard Poulin

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon4/a_lawnmower_experience.htm

The weather was beautiful here yesterday, so I decided instead of raking the leaves from the yard and contemplating bagging about 20-30 bags of leaves, I thought there must be some easier way of doing this. I thought of starting up my lawn mower and mulching the leaves.

So, I brought the mower out of our shed and attempted to try to start it. (I should tell you we even had a trace of snow in the last week or two, so this weather of 18C or 65F was a real blessing). However, I tried many times even praying over this lawn mower to start and it would not. So of course I got frustrated and started to question God. This was after I tried at least 12 times.

So I saw two men next door bringing in a new dryer into the house. And I asked them, Do you know anything about lawn mowers? So one of them said Sure, I'll be over. So he looked at the spark plug and then saw a small red button to prime the mower. And would you know it, the mower started right away!! It was so simple that I didn't even think of priming the machine. I felt so silly, and you can giggle about this!! That's OK, so am I.

It is like God telling me, I need not just to pray about things, but come to knowledge and utilize the knowledge with His wisdom. It's like asking God to fill us with knowledge and not ever opening up His Word or studying a little bit or none at all.

I can truly say thank you Lord, so in case the same thing should happen, I will know next time what to do. I have never been very mechanical or technical in any case, as you can tell. I guess the same thing happened last year when I ran in to a bit of difficulty with the Simply Accounting at work this past year. However, by the grace of God, I was able to overcome the problem and find a solution in order to be aware of any future occurring problems which I was able to previously detect and not get myself in the same problem again.

When we wonder why we face obstacles, God uses these situations so we can take corrective measures and overcome and prevent the same errors to occur in our daily lives, if we acknowledge Him to teach and guide us. He will then teach us, show us that we will in fact gain knowledge in our daily lives and in His Word. It was a funny lesson with the lawnmower, but it taught me a lot. If we lack knowledge, we will be caught in our foolishness. Like it says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" God richly bless each of you. Love in Christ,

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #14

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Charles V. said that a man who knew four languages was worth four men; and Alexander the Great so valued learning, that he used to say he was more indebted to Aristotle for giving him knowledge that, than his father Philip for giving him life.”
Thomas B. Macaulay 1800-1859, American Essayist and Historian

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #15

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“A man of knowledge lives by acting, not by thinking about acting.”
Carlos Castaneda, American Anthropologist, Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “What Do You Know”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2d/what_do_you_know.htm

Did you hear about the man who attempted sky-diving for the first time? His parachute didn't open. Then his auxiliary chute failed. Now he found himself in free fall with no more options.

Then a strange thing happened. He spotted something coming up TOWARDS him from the ground at a high rate of speed. It was a man! When he was sure they would pass one another without a collision, he shouted down to the figure, "Do you know anything about parachutes?"

"No!" the man called back. "Do you know anything about gas stoves?"

A little bit of technological knowledge could have been helpful in both cases. But it has never just been about how much we KNOW. I read that the world's body of knowledge doubled from 1900 to 1950. In other words, knowledge that took thousands of years to accumulate doubled in only fifty years. It then doubled again between 1950 and 1965. In just fifteen years. It is estimated that the world's body of knowledge doubled once more between 1965 and 1970, and now doubles every five years. Amazing! We can never keep up with all there is to learn.

But perhaps more important than how much any of us KNOWS is how consistently we ACT on whatever knowledge we have. We certainly need enough knowledge to live fruitful and constructive lives, but even knowledge will not serve well if we neglect to use it. You may know that material things don't bring lasting happiness. Will you actively pursue things of the heart and spirit?

You may know peace comes when you forgive. Will you decide to put down that grudge and leave it behind?

You may know that any decision made from fear alone is likely to be wrong. Will you choose the path of courage, even if that path seems hard to navigate?

Most of us know important principles about effective living. But in the end, what we know to be true is of no consequence -- the decisions we make are everything. And if we apply well even the little we know, we can be healthy, happy and hopeful.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #16

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“It is not the quantity but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity.”
William Ellery Channing 1780-1842, American Minister, Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #17

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“Nothing is too small to know, and nothing too big to attempt.”
William Van Horne 1843-1915

railway builder & official, capitalist, and artist

LEADER: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

Never before have so many had access to so much information. With human knowledge doubling every few years and search engines like Google, Alta Vista, and Ask Jeeves at our fingertips, the potential for learning seems endless.

Ironically, much of what we are discovering helps us to see how little we know. According to Reuters News Service, the Hubble Space Telescope has seen 10,000 galaxies in a window of the night sky about the size of a full moon. Who can even begin to imagine what it means to find 10,000 galaxies in one small area of the heavens? Our own galaxy, The Milky Way, is made up of about 100 billion stars, and our whole solar system revolves around only one of them.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Promise of Knowledge”

From: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

The Human Genome Project is another scientific effort that is harvesting knowledge faster than our minds can process. This global effort to map and sequence all of the 100,000 genes of the human body promises hopeful and disturbing implications for the treatment and prevention of disease. Deciphering the DNA alphabet of the human body brings with it the possibility of human clones to donate organs and gain complete knowledge of the human genetic code, so that any human characteristic can be altered with minimal risk or error. But who can understand the real benefits and risks of having this kind of knowledge?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Danger of Knowledge”

From: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

As with everything else in life, there is a downside to living on an information highway. Overloaded computers can crash and our minds can lock up. While looking for useful knowledge, we can get lost in a blinding blizzard of data. The same browsers we are using to solve our problems can be used to look for world-class gossip, pornography, or instructions on how to make a bomb.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Our Need for Wisdom”

From: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

Our first parents discovered long ago that knowledge without wisdom is dangerous. By eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they made the fatal mistake of trying to match wits with their Creator.

From that day until now, infected knowledge has been to the human mind what corrupted files are to our computers. Like the MyDoom virus that did billions of dollars of damage by clogging information systems with unwanted e-mails, so the pursuit of knowledge without wisdom can overload our minds and drown us in data.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Meaning of Wisdom”

From: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

Wisdom is the practical side of knowledge. It shows us what is important, gives proportion to what we know, and enables us to use insight skillfully to reach a desired goal.

There is more than one kind of wisdom. According to the New Testament, the wisdom of the world is different than the wisdom of God. The first uses knowledge to get ahead at the expense of others. The second uses understanding for the good of others. Each is distinguished by its motives.

Seeing that real wisdom is not only a function of the mind but also a condition of the heart, an apostle of Christ wrote:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom . . . . For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”. James 3:13, 16-18

By describing what’s at the heart of both kinds of wisdom, James explained why knowledge makes some people arrogant while enabling others to love. The wisdom he recommended is “pure” because it is not infected with “selfish ambition.” It is “peaceable” because it values good relationships with others. It is “gentle” because it knows the value of handling others with care. This wisdom is “willing to yield” and is “full of mercy and good fruits.” It is also “without partiality and without hypocrisy” because it puts the well-being of others above selfish interests.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Source of Real Wisdom”

From: “Information Overload” EXCERPT

http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/04.aspx

Once we see that knowledge without wisdom is like marriage without love, we can see why Solomon wrote, “Happy is the [person] who finds wisdom, and the man [or woman] who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her”. Proverbs 3:13-15

The priceless treasure Solomon is describing is found by those who invest their lives in the principles of the Bible. The Old Testament describes a wisdom that begins with the fear of God and is rounded out by timeless principles of practical insight in Proverbs 1:1-7; 9:10. The New Testament builds on the wisdom of Moses and Solomon but moves to another level of enlightenment. With the coming of Christ, the Gospel writers introduce us to Someone who makes the wisdom of Solomon pale by comparison. As the Son of God, Jesus did more than teach truth and knowledge and wisdom. He personified it in 1 Corinthians 1:20-31.

As Lord of heaven and earth, Jesus could have overwhelmed us with new information. He could have lectured on science, theology, and philosophy in the most prestigious academies of higher learning. Yet when He walked among us, He talked about what He knew was most important. He talked about honoring His Father and seeing the value of people who were regarded as worthless by others.

Showing wisdom with a heart of love, Jesus had a way of putting other information in perspective. With a wisdom that speaks for itself, He simply asked questions like, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26.

Father, in heaven, we are so quickly distracted from what is important. In our knowledge we are so inclined to be proud and self-sufficient. Please renew us once again in the knowledge and wisdom and love of Your Son

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #18

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

''Knowledge is power.'' Rather, knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge -- broad, deep knowledge -- is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man's progress is to feel the great heartthrobs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.”
Helen Keller 1880-1968, American Blind/Deaf Author, Lecturer, Amorist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Use Your Manual” EXCERPT

http://www.cfdevotionals.org/devpg99/de991105.htm

Before you can drive a car out on the open road, you must have a driver's permit. You must take a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road. In order to take the test, you first must read and study the "Driver's Rules and Regulations" Manual. In other words, in order to pass the test, you need to follow the manual.

When you buy a car, it comes with a "Automobile Manual". This manual tells you about your car. When to change the fluids, how much pressure needs to be in the tires, where the fuses are, etc. In other words, in order to keep your car running smoothly, you need to follow the manual.

The same is for our Christian lives. God wrote a manual on successful living, how to pass all of life's tests that come our way, how to keep running in the best and most efficient way.

Just as you wouldn't toss out the manual to learn to drive a car, or throw away the manual that tells ABOUT your automobile, our "Life's Manual" should be studied and followed to the "T".

The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that's the book for me
I stand alone On the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #19

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.”
Samuel Johnson 1709-1784, British Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #20

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“The mark of a well educated person is not necessarily in knowing all the answers, but in knowing where to find them.”
Douglas Everett - American Hockey Player

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Know Your Product” Our Daily Bread 7/2/06

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-07-29-06.shtml

The word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.

Psalm 33:4

One mark of a good salesperson is a thorough knowledge of his product. He knows the materials from which it is made. He understands its capabilities. He studies the advantages it will bring to the consumer. And he can answer his customers’ questions. The vendor who doesn’t know his product will not get the sales.

John R. Rushmore, in his book The Big Sell, surveyed the men and women who do the buying for large industrial companies in the US. They expressed the opinion that more than 80 percent of the salespeople who called on them did not have a thorough knowledge of the items they were trying to sell.

As I read that, it made me think about those of us who are Christians. We are called to be witnesses for Jesus, but how well do we know our “product”? We represent Christ in everything we do and say. Therefore, when we speak out for Him, we must do so boldly and clearly. This means we must be familiar with what Scripture says about sin, salvation, and man’s need for faith. If we do not represent the gospel accurately, our witness for the Savior will be ineffective.

Study God’s Word. Learn its doctrines and put them into practice. That will make you a better witness. —David C. Egner

Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus’ blood,
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. —Nathan

To be a fisher of men in the world, be a hunter for truth in the Word.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Importance of Knowledge”

Kindred Spirit, Vol. 22, No. 1, Spring, 1998, p. 8

http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=862

In a recent chapel on campus, Chuck Swindoll listed the following six reasons why it is important to pursue knowledge of the Scriptures:

1. Knowledge gives substance to faith.

2. Knowledge stabilizes us during times of testing.

3. Knowledge enables us to handle the Word of God accurately.

4. Knowledge equips us to detect and confront error.

5. Knowledge makes us confident and consistent in our walk with God.

6. Knowledge filters out our fears and superstitions.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ephesians 5:15-17

15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “For His Glory”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon1/forhis.htm

There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man show of readings and recitations from the Classics. He would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23. Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" -- the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.
But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?"
The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.
With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitationthat every eye was full of tears.
Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training -- but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?" The young man humbly replied, "Well sir, you know the psalm...but I know the Shepherd."
I

It's not enough to just know the content of the Bible -- its stories,its sayings, and its teachings. Unless you know the author, the Bible is nothing more than just another book. But when you put your faith in Jesus Christ and have entered into a personal relationship with God the Father, the Bible truly becomes "living and active -- sharper than any double-edged sword." Hebrews 4:12

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Way To Knowledge”

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 7/27/06

http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?day=27&month=07

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine . . .

John 7:17

The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.

No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" Matthew 5:23-24. He is saying, in essence, "Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right." The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.

When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, "First . . . go . . .." Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.

-No author assigned in CUTHAVE SOMEONE READ: “Growing in Knowledge”

http://www.cfdevotionals.org/devpg01/de010115.htm 1/15/01

Isaiah 2:3 And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

I recently came upon a statistic that reported that the percentage of Americans that want to change their bodies in some way is 75%. But the percentage of Americans that would want to change their intelligence is only 13%.

Remember in Luke 24 when Jesus, on the road to Emmaus spoke with two of His followers and opened up to them, "the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures." (Verse 27) When they realized that it was Jesus with whom they had been talking, they say in verse 32, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us."

It was Jesus, imparting knowledge to them that caused excitement. Christ was explaining the way of salvation, starting with Moses, and their hearts were opened, and they understood. If you have ever had the chance to explain the way of salvation to someone, you know when they understand, because you can almost see the light go on in their mind and heart. Their expression changes, and they smile, when they understand God's grace. However, to share with others, we have to know about our faith ourselves.

Paul admonishes Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14, to "Continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them." Of course continuing in what he had learned meant for Timothy, that he had been learning about his faith previously. This is the example left to us in Scripture, we are to grow in the knowledge of our faith.

There is always more to learn in the Christian faith. One of the wonders of being a Christian is that in our knowledge, faith, practice, and understanding, we can always grow deeper. We will never exhaust the depths of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Scripture is clear about our responsibility here, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, 'examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good."

Lastly, we read in 1 Peter 3:15, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts; always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." Always being ready to make a defense...that means in all areas of our faith.

It is a huge undertaking to live the Christian life. It is a life that is to be advancing in the understanding and knowledge of our faith, of all areas of our faith. This is why there is always room to grow in our knowledge and understanding. It may be that we start small, maybe in prayer and reading some short passages of Scripture, but grow we must. No matter where we are in our faith and understanding, none of us have "arrived" and we must press on, and continue to learn and practice more and more faithfully our precious faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

10 to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;

12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Knowledge”

http://www.cfdevotionals.org/devpg00/de001229.htm

Colossians 1:10 "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

The last part of the above verse reads, "increasing in the knowledge of God." Now does this mean that we are to grow in the knowledge of things that God has revealed? Or does this mean that we are to grow in the knowledge of things that are about God, things of which God is the subject? Have you ever thought about that?

Well, I am not going to prolong the questions here because the answer is that they are the same question. Revelation from God is revelation about God. For example, the creation is a revelation from God to us, but it is also a revelation about God, as we see in Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made...."

The knowledge of the revelation of God can been seen in Creation, but this revelation does not reveal Christ to those who have not heard the Gospel. Have you ever thought about how many people have never heard the name of Jesus? Of course you have, but we do have the power and means to inform them in the knowledge of Christ. And may God use those of us who have heard of the message of forgiveness in Christ, to share it with those who have never known that precious message.

Some reject and mock the revelation of God and the knowledge of the Gospel. They have heard of it, but they reject it. Scripture is clear about these sorts of people: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" Hebrews 2:3 Others reject the knowledge of the Gospel by their lifestyles. They know the message, but fail to follow through by denying themselves, taking up their cross, and following Christ.

Lastly, there are those who have a knowledge of the Gospel and of God and it makes a difference. Their hope is firmly founded upon Christ. They live their lives under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit. The more knowledge they gain, the more they are encouraged to continue to grow in grace. This is the sort of person we should all seek to become like. As 2 Peter 3:18 says, "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." And this is just the start, because not only do we need to grow in our knowledge, but also in our application of it to our lives and hearts. May God grant us the wisdom and discipline to pursue the knowledge of God and the application of it in all we do.

LEADER: “Wisdom vs. Knowledge” EXCERPT

http://www.cfdevotionals.org/devpages/de960424.htm

In the Bible the word most used for wisdom is hokmah, which refers to skill. Hokmah is used to describe the skill of craftsmen, sailors, and other workers. These workers, having the knowledge of their trade, also had the skill or wisdom to perform their trades.

Proverbs 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; ¹¹ Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: ¹² To deliver thee from the way of the evil man. (2)

In the spiritual realm a person who possesses hokmah in reference to God is one who is both knowledgeable and experienced in following God's way. So in the Bible's Wisdom literature, being wise means being skilled in godly living. Having God's wisdom means having the ability to cope with life in a God-honoring way. Crawford H. Toy wrote, "wisdom is the knowledge of right living in the highest sense" (A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, p. 5).(3)

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #21

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Knowledge&id=2

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.”
Winston Churchill 1874-1965, British Statesman, Prime Minister

HAVE SOMEONE READ: John 8:32

And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

LEADER: Let us drink deeply from the fountain of knowledge…

And not just gargle.

COMMENTS IF TIME:

STOP AT 10 TILL FOR

PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:

CUT AND DISTRIBUTE FOR READING:

QUOTE #1

“It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning.”—

Claude Bernard 1813-1878, French Physiologist

QUOTE #2

“We don't know one-millionth of one percent about anything.”
Thomas A. Edison 1847-1931, American Inventor, Entrepreneur, Founder of GE

QUOTE #3

“Some people drink deeply from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.”
Grant M. Bright, British-Born American Engineer

QUOTE #4

“He knows so little and knows it so fluently.”
Ellen Glasgow 1874-1945, American Novelist

“ There Is A Saying:”

“Knowledge, humbles a great person, astonishes the common, and puffs up the small.”

QUOTE #5

“You can't know too much, but you can say too much.”
Calvin Coolidge 1872-1933, Thirtieth President of the USA

QUOTE #6

Arthur C. Clark,e Author - in The View From Serendip

QUOTE #7

“The man who is too old to learn was probably always too old to learn.”
Caryl Haskins 1908 – 2001 Scientist/Author

QUOTE #8

“There are things known, and there are things unknown. And in between are the doors.”
Jim Morrison 1943-1971, American Rock Musician

QUOTE #9

“We are drowning in information and starving for knowledge.”
Rutherford D. Roger Author

“When You Want Knowledge”

QUOTE #10

“Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it.”
Thomas Fuller 1608-1661, British Clergyman, Author

“Perpetual Learning”

QUOTE #11

“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.”
Kahlil Gibran 1883-1931, Lebanese Poet, Novelist

QUOTE #12

“Say oh wise man how you have come to such knowledge? Because I was never ashamed to confess my ignorance and ask others.”
Johann Gottfried Von Herder 1744-1803, German Critic and Poet

QUOTE #13

“I wish I knew what I know now before.”
Rod Stewart - British Pop Musician

“A Lawnmower Experience”

QUOTE #15

“A man of knowledge lives by acting, not by thinking about acting.”
Carlos Castaneda, American Anthropologist, Author

QUOTE #14

“What Do You Know”

Did you hear about the man who attempted sky-diving for the first time? His parachute didn't open. Then his auxiliary chute failed. Now he found himself in free fall with no more options.

"No!" the man called back. "Do you know anything about gas stoves?"

You may know peace comes when you forgive. Will you decide to put down that grudge and leave it behind?

You may know that any decision made from fear alone is likely to be wrong. Will you choose the path of courage, even if that path seems hard to navigate?

QUOTE #16

“It is not the quantity but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity.”
William Ellery Channing 1780-1842, American Minister, Author

QUOTE #17

“Nothing is too small to know, and nothing too big to attempt.”
William Van Horne 1843-1915 Railway builder & official, capitalist, and artist

“The Promise of Knowledge”

“The Danger of Knowledge”

“Our Need for Wisdom”

“Importance of Knowledge”

In a recent chapel on campus, Chuck Swindoll listed the following six reasons why it is important to pursue knowledge of the Scriptures:

1. Knowledge gives substance to faith.

2. Knowledge stabilizes us during times of testing.

3. Knowledge enables us to handle the Word of God accurately.

4. Knowledge equips us to detect and confront error.

5. Knowledge makes us confident and consistent in our walk with God.

6. Knowledge filters out our fears and superstitions.

QUOTE #18

Psalm 119:105

Ephesians 5:15-17

“The Meaning of Wisdom”

Wisdom is the practical side of knowledge. It shows us what is important, gives proportion to what we know, and enables us to use insight skillfully to reach a desired goal.

Seeing that real wisdom is not only a function of the mind but also a condition of the heart, an apostle of Christ wrote:

QUOTE #19

“The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.”
Samuel Johnson 1709-1784, British Author

QUOTE #20

“The mark of a well educated person is not necessarily in knowing all the answers, but in knowing where to find them.”
Douglas Everett - American Hockey Player

“The Source of Real Wisdom”

“Use Your Manual”

The same is for our Christian lives. God wrote a manual on successful living, how to pass all of life's tests that come our way, how to keep running in the best and most efficient way.

Just as you wouldn't toss out the manual to learn to drive a car, or throw away the manual that tells ABOUT your automobile, our "Life's Manual" should be studied and followed to the "T".

The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that's the book for me
I stand alone On the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E.

“Know Your Product”

The word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. Psalm 33:4

Study God’s Word. Learn its doctrines and put them into practice. That will make you a better witness.

Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus’ blood,
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give.

To be a fisher of men in the world, be a hunter for truth in the Word.

QUOTE #21

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.”
Winston Churchill 1874-1965, British Statesman, Prime Minister

John 8:32

Proverbs 1:7

Colossians 1:9-14

“For His Glory”

-No author assigned in CUT

“Growing in Knowledge “

“Knowledge”

Colossians 1:10 "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

“The Way To Knowledge”

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine . . . John 7:17