SUNDAY May 31, 2020
Resting in Knowledge
[The Jews] ...rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law….
Romans 2:17-18
The Jews had a proud mentality in regards to knowledge. They had thoroughly studied the law and rested in the belief that, through this knowledge, they knew God. Nothing was further from the truth. They knew about God through the Scriptures, but they did not know Him personally. They were merely religious.
This can be true in regards to men who enter seminaries. They begin their studies in humility, but when their studies have been completed, they leave very proud with their heads held high. They have become puffed up with knowledge, but knowledge without wisdom is nothing. When students gain knowledge but lack the wisdom to apply it, then what value is it? Nothing! They cannot rest in their gained knowledge; they must cultivate a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as they study the Scriptures.
Paul was a masterful theologian, yet he was very practical and logical in his teachings. Among all the disciples of Jesus Christ, Paul was the one chosen and elected by God to set down important doctrines within the Church. His heart was for the Jews to come to know Christ personally.
It is the shepherds––the pastors––who are to bring clarity to the body of Christ concerning the teaching of doctrine from within the Word of God. Pastors are responsible to teach the balance of doctrine to their congregations. Christians cannot be confused about doctrines taught in the Bible. Most importantly, they need to rest in the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ alone (John 3:16).
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
~Psalm 62:1 NIV~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!