The Quest for Knowledge
(2 Timothy 3:1-17)
We live in a day where knowledge is increasing at an amazing rate. This is a sign of the times as seen in this passage and in Daniel 12:4. Yet, with all the knowledge that is available to us people are still not coming to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7), but this was not God’s intent (1 Timothy 2:4).
In this sermon we will look at some of the dangers and benefits to knowledge by some examples found in the word of God.
Knowledge is not necessarily the Problem:
In Proverbs 1:1-7 we see 3 key words, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding. From Proverbs we see that the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord, and the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
The bible gives us two definitions for the word understanding. In Job 28:28 we see that to depart from evil is understanding. In Proverbs 9:10 knowledge of the Holy is understanding. So, it could be said that understanding is being able to relate knowledge and wisdom to God so that we not only know God but that we depart from evil. This is what is missing from society today the ability to depart from evil.
The key to knowledge, wisdom and understanding will be the Fear of the Lord. If you want to receive knowledge with out fear of it warping your mind or leading you astray from God, you must first have the fear of the Lord. Therefore, the word of God says we must be taught to fear God (Psalm 34:11).
Examples of the Quest for Knowledge:
1) Led Eve to sin (Genesis 3:1-7)
- As stated above knowledge is not necessarily the problem but it can lead to sin if we are not careful with it. See Romans 19:1-4 with Psalms 19:1-4.
2) Solomon wanted knowledge to judge God’s people (2 Chronicles 1:7-11)
- Knowledge is needed not just to avoid evil and temptation (Proverbs 2:1-22) but also to do the work that God has given us to do.
3) Bezaleel was given Knowledge to build (Exodus 31:3)
- Some knowledge is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 12:18) and there are many saved people who have all kinds of knowledge. Many can build, cook, write, design, paint, sew, etc.
The two questions for us become, Am I seeking for knowledge and am I using the knowledge that God had given me for his glory?