Not Handling the Word of God Deceitfully - Part 965

As we have received mercy, we should faint not. (II Corinthians 4:1) 

Too often, however, the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ is hidden apart from our heart, soul, mind and strength, rather than hidden safely "within" our innermost being. And thus, as a consequence, we start believing what others "suggest" is written in His Word, rather than diligently searching and studying His Word -- the scriptures -- on our own.

Sadly, this is not the way it is supposed to be. Indeed, the scriptures state that as believers in Jesus Christ by faith, we are to continually study His Word to show ourselves approved, as "a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) 

Why? Because when we seek His counsel and wisdom -- "according as His divine power hath give unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness" -- grace and peace are similarly "multiplied unto us" through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-3)

Indeed, the Word declares that "through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue (whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises) that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance, patience, and to patience godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:3-8)

But conversely, "he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." (II Peter 1:9)  The result? "The god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not" and has done so "lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:3-5) 

Paul explains it this way: "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you --- whether ye be obedient in all things, to whom ye forgive any thing, to whom I forgave for your sakes in the person of Christ  --- lest satan should get an advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:9-11)

"Lest satan get an advantage of us ..." (II Corinthians 2:11) Interestingly, Paul's statement here in the new testament directly corresponds with Hosea 4:6 from the old covenant, which states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge ..."

What knowledge? The knowledge and wisdom of the Most High that not only created us in the beginning, but knew each and every one of us in our mother's womb. That is, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the same One who stated, "There are many devices in a man's heart, nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord -- that shall stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

You see, His wisdom lasts for eternity. This is why Paul writes for us to preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord -- "for the life was manifested and we have seen, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us"  ... as servants for Jesus' sake. (I John 1:2-3; II Corinthians 4:3-5) 

In the interim, do not cease to pray, "and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9) Stand in the offering plate.