The Knowledge of God

Paul esteemed the knowledge of God highly; he taught it both day and night by letter, as well as in word. He manifested this to the church in Corinth in all things. 2 Corinthians 11:6. He had enriched them in Christ Jesus in all things—in all speech and in all knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:5. He lived this knowledge, wrote it down in the form of doctrine (Romans 6:17 and Ephesians 3:18), and fulfilled God’s word. Colossians 1:24-25. Paul was so apprehended of the knowledge of Jesus Christ that he offered up everything for its sake, and consid­ered everything else but dung. Philippians 3:7-8. He bore this blessed knowledge with him in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14.

In Ephesus, he separated the disciples and had daily conversa­tions with them for two years. Acts 19:8-10. It was so important to have God’s word implanted in the disciples’ hearts as “doctrine,” for they could not be preserved as disciples without obedience to their faith in the “doctrine.”

In the parable of the sower (Luke 8:11-15), the word of God was received in various ways. Only a very few held fast to the word (the doctrine) in a good and honest heart and bore fruit with patience. The doctrine is of great significance; we are to give attention to it (1 Timothy 4:13); then we will save both ourselves and those who hear us. 1 Timothy 4:16. Many believers have no desire to hear anything about obeying the form of doctrine—about paying heed to the com­mandments. It reminds them too much of bondage; and besides that, “Jesus has done everything.” Thus many are hindered from suffering together with Jesus (Philippians 3:10) and being glorified with Him. Romans 8:17.

The first church continually devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Acts 2:42. The doctrine is the foundation and the guideline of church life, which is why it is so important that the apostles’ doctrine and com­mandments are proclaimed. 2 Peter 3:2. When the church comes to­gether, the one who has a “teaching” should not be lacking. 1 Corinthians 14:26. Revival and good feelings are God’s blessings—and they are precious things—but we are confirmed in the blessings by com­prehending the knowledge of God in the fear of God. Ephesians 3:18; Colossians 1:9-10.

We are exhorted to keep God’s commandments diligently (Psalm 119:4), and we are to be saved much more by the life of Jesus after we have been reconciled to God. Romans 5:10. It is hard to find such commandments and exhortations in our days because they pertain to the knowledge of God in which there is little interest. God’s wisdom, the hidden wisdom, is predestined for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7. May the brothers feel their responsibility and have a burden for al­ways declaring the knowledge of God. Paul was not unskilled in knowledge; may we also follow him in this. 2 Corinthians 11:6.

The Romans had become obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine—the obedience of the faith (which is despised by all the enemies of the cross)—to which they had been delivered. Romans 6:17. We are transformed into the image of Jesus by the knowledge of God, unto sanctification. This prepares us for His coming. By increas­ing and growing in the fruits of the Spirit, we fulfill the doctrine: be­ing crucified with Christ.

“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4.