Key Verse
1bYou think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. 2Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.
Something To Think About
As I write this, I can use the Internet that gives me access to over 50 translations of the Bible, numerous commentaries on the Bible written by a bunch of dead guys that were much smarter than me. If it wasn’t all Greek to me, I could read the original New Testament manuscripts, preserved forever on CD-ROM. If there is a particular subject that I am interested in, I can search Amazon.com and find a long list of books written on the subject. I can cross-reference any word in the Bible with a click of the mouse. If I get tired of reading, I can download podcasts from churches all over the world. I can turn on the satellite TV and get 24 hour Christian programming. Needless to say, I am not lacking for information on God.
During Jesus’ day, the Pharisees were the real religious people. They knew the Law. In fact, in order to make sure that people didn’t break the Law, they would make additional rules for people to follow. They treasured knowledge and encouraged debate on the Law. To make sure they always had something to debate, they practiced the tradition of zuggot, or pairs of scholars with opposing views. They had all the knowledge and missed the Savior.
Jesus often times called them hypocrites. One day, one of the more knowledgeable Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him what the most important commandment was. Jesus’ answer gives us an idea of where He placed knowledge in the matter of eternal importance. Matthew 22:34-40 provides us with the account.
In his answer to the Pharisee, Jesus didn’t speak of knowledge or keeping any law. He spoke of Love. Loving God first, others next.
It doesn’t matter how much we know about God if we don’t know God.
Let’s Discuss
Does your salvation depend on how much you know?
Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment”. Discuss if this is contrary or in agreement with Jesus’ answer to the Pharisee.
Discuss the following statement: “Since I can’t see God, it is important for my salvation to know as much as I can about Him.” Is this statement supported by our key verse?
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