Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 16 - The Wisdom of This World is Foolishness With God

Once you start to receive the knowledge and wisdom of God flowing into your life, you will find something very interesting that will start to happen.

You will start to see the difference between the knowledge and wisdom of God versus the knowledge and wisdom of this world.

You will see that God is always right and that man is always wrong when the two are on opposites sides of the fence. A perfect example of this is the abortion issue – where you have the people who are pro-choice and their arguments versus the people who are pro-life with their arguments.

From God’s point of view, it does not take a rocket scientist to see who is on the wrong side of the fence on this issue.

As you will see in the two verses I will list below, the Bible tells us that the wisdom of this world is “foolishness with God.”

Since God is all-perfect in His being and in His knowledge – then this obviously means that God is always right and that man and the world is always wrong when they are not on the same page.

So the first thing you will need to get worked into your mindset and way of thinking is that God and all of His ways and all of His knowledge is always right.

You will really need to ground on this because the wisdom of the world can be very enticing at times. You will be tempted at times into believing what the world has to say instead of believing what God is trying to tell you is right.

Our young teenagers are constantly battling this reality. They are constantly being tempted and enticed to get into drugs, heavy drinking, and premarital sex.

If they have not been grounded in the Word and in their faith from a good, solid, Christian upbringing by their parents, they can be very easily swayed to enter into some of this dark side activity.

You will start to see the difference between God’s knowledge and how He likes to operate versus the business world in general. Many in corporate America are constantly pushing the envelope trying to get as far as they can, get as much as they can, and not caring who they run over and hurt in the process.

The almighty dollar is their god and they will do anything and everything they can to try and make more of it.

Many Christians end up getting sucked into some of their unscrupulous, business practices and they thus end up going against God Himself by some of the shady things they end up doing.

Each Christian has to stay true, loyal, and faithful to His God and to His ways when they are faced with these kinds of heavier temptations.

Study these next two verses very carefully, as they really do set the stage as to what is going on in the spiritual realm when you compare the knowledge of our God versus the knowledge of this world.

Let no one deceive you. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. FOR THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD IS FOOLISHNESS WITH GOD.  For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one glory in men.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)                                                                                       

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:14)

The second verse perfectly describes what goes on in the dog-eat-dog business world. Many are self-seeking, jealous, and envious of one another, with everyone trying to run over everyone else to move higher up on the food chain.

Notice that God calls this kind of wisdom earthly, sensual, and demonic – and that it is not from Him. This is why God says in the first verse that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in His eyes. In others words – it’s a joke! All of these people who are choosing to live their lives in this kind of dog-eat-dog environment are heading down the wrong road.

Once God starts to really work with you, and starts transmitting His knowledge to you on many different areas of your life, you will really be able to start to see the truth on a lot of different things – not only in your own personal life, but also with the world in general.

Once this knowledge has been released to you and you have full understanding of it – God will expect you to believe in it and act on it when you are faced with the temptation to go with the wisdom of the world rather than with the wisdom of God. Always remember who you are serving. You are serving and following God and His ways for your life, not the ways and wisdom of this world.

~Bits and Pieces of Seeking after the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

Father, I thank You for creating within me a wise and discerning heart, so that I am able to distinguish between right and wrong.

This is my prayer: that my love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that I may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to Your glory and praise, O Lord.

Father, I trust in You with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all of my ways I acknowledge You, and You will make my paths straight. Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Joseph, in Genesis 41:39-41 NIV, was described as a discerning and wise man who was put in charge of the entire land of Egypt. As You were with Joseph, so shall You be with me. You will cause me to find favor at my place of employment, at home, or wherever I may be.

I make [special] request, [asking] that I may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things — that I may walk (live and conduct myself) in a manner worthy of You, Lord, fully pleasing to You and desiring to please You in all things, steadily growing and increasing in and by Your knowledge [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].

Because Jesus has been made unto me wisdom, I listen and add to my learning; I discern and get guidance, understanding Your will.

In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scripture References:
1 Kings 3:9 NIV    Proverbs 3:1-4
Philippians 1:9-11 NIV    Colossians 1:9,10 AMP
Proverbs 3:5 NIV    1 Corinthians 1:30
Psalm 119:104,105 AMP    Proverbs 1:5
Genesis 41:39-41 NIV    Ephesians 5:17
Joshua 1:5


© 2011 Word Ministries, Inc.

Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 15 - Stay Humble When God Does Start to Release His Knowledge to You

There are only two downsides to having God start to release His knowledge to you. The first downside is that for some, the increase in their knowledge base will cause them to start to get to full of themselves.

In the verse I will list below, it says that knowledge can “puff up.” In other words, it can puff you up. Your ego starts to swell, and conceit and arrogance can start to set in. You start to think your smarter than anyone else. You start looking down on those who do not have your higher levels of knowledge. Pretty soon, you start to present a haughty, arrogant, and know-it-all attitude to others, and as a result, you start to drive people away from God rather than to Him as a result of your bad attitudes and behaviors.

Once God really starts to release His knowledge to you, you really have to keep a sharp eye on this and make sure that all of this new found knowledge does not start to go to your head. You have to stay humble and thankful for it. It becomes very easy to start looking down on others who are not getting this higher level of knowledge. You start questioning their spiritual growth and why they are not getting what you are getting.

You have to realize that every one is operating at different levels of spiritual development in this life with the Lord. Some will go farther and progress at faster rates of speed in this realm than others will. You cannot compare your level of spiritual development and how fast you are progressing with anyone else. Some people will not go as far as you might go in this realm – but others will leave you in the dust and progress to a much higher level than you ever will in this life.

You have to realize that God is working with each and every Christian at the level of spiritual development they are currently operating at with Him. Granted, some people look like they should be making more and better progress, but there may be some personal factors operating in their lives that may be slowing down their spiritual growth that you may not be aware of. This is why God is telling us in His Word that we are not to judge one another in some of these areas.

Your job is to be the best you can be in whatever God is calling you to do in this life. Put the pedal to the metal in climbing the highest mountains you can. Seek to produce as much good fruit for God as you can. But at the same time, do not ever compare your walk and your fruit in the Lord with anyone else’s. Stay humble in your walk with the Lord, and do not let all the fruit and accomplishments that you might achieve in Him go to your head and puff you up.

Here are two very interesting Scripture verses telling us that knowledge can puff you up and that all men will only “know in part” in this life. In other words – no matter how smart and intelligent you think you may be getting, you will never have all of the answers to everything in this life. This one fact alone should help keep you humble and real as you start to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God for your life.

“We know that we all have knowledge. KNOWLEDGE PUFFS UP, but love edifies.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)

"For we KNOW IN PART and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with … For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:9,12)

~Bible Knowledge.com

~Seeking After the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

Father, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time You may exalt me.

In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. I expect a life of victory and awesome deeds because my actions are done on behalf of a spirit humbly submitted to Your truth and righteousness.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I refuse to be wise in my own eyes; but I choose to fear You and shun evil. This will bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones.

Father, I humble myself and submit to Your Word that speaks (exposes, sifts, analyzes, and judges) the very thoughts and purposes of my heart. I test my own actions, so that I might have appropriate self-esteem, without comparing myself to anyone else. The security of Your guidance will allow me to carry my own load with energy and confidence.

I listen carefully and hear what is being said to me. I incline my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and insight. Humility and fear of You bring wealth and honor and life.

Father, I hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. As one of Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, I clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I bear with others and forgive whatever grievances I may have against anyone. I forgive as You forgave me. And over all these virtues I put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. I let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, and I am thankful for Your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Father, may Your will be done on earth in my life as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture References:

1 Peter 5:5-7 AMP Proverbs 22:4 NIV

Proverbs 3:7,8 NIV Psalm 119:11

Hebrews 4:12 AMP Colossians 3:12-15 NIV

Galatians 6:4,5 NIV Matthew 6:10 NIV

Proverbs 2:2 NIV

©2013 Germaine Copeland and Word Ministries, Inc.

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Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 14 - A Wise Man Will Not Show Partiality in Judgment

Once God starts to enlighten you and you are able to start to see real truth from real error – then God will hold you personally accountable for this higher degree of knowledge, especially if you are in a position of leadership. This principle really applies in today’s world where everyone is trying to be politically correct. There are some issues that are not neutral in God’s eyes – yet some of His own are trying not to step on anyone else’s toes for fear of offending them.

Many of the pastor’s across our country are taking neutral stances on such issues as abortion and homosexuality. The issue of abortion is a perfect example. Many pastors are not wanting to say much about it due to many Christians still being pro-choice. They are afraid if they go fire and brimstone on these people, that they will lose them and the money they were contributing to the church.

Per the article that I did titled, “The Sin of Abortion,” I really felt God wanted me to come down with a hammer on this topic. This issue is not open to any kind of debate or compromise with Him. Abortion is first degree murder in the eyes of God, and many Christians who are actively supporting any of the pro-choice movements in this country are going to be in big trouble on their day of judgment with the Lord!

The two verses I will list below state that the true wise man of God will not show partiality in judgment on topics such as these. Study the intense wording in these two verses very, very carefully – especially if you are in a position of any type of leadership within the Body of Christ.

“These things also belong to the wise: IT IS NOT GOOD TO SHOW PARTIALITY IN JUDGMENT. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him the people will curse; nations will abhor him. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and good blessing will come upon them. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:23)

“TO SHOW PARTIALITY IS NOT GOOD, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress … He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” (Proverbs 28:21,23)

Notice in the first verse that it says that if you are willing to take a stand against something evil and call it out for what it really is – that you will then receive a “good blessing” for it!

To those pastors who have been too afraid to call out issues such as abortion and homosexuality for what it really is for fear of offending too many people – consider the intense wording of these two verses. When God says that it is “not good” that you show partiality on issues such as this – He is giving you a major and solemn warning!

Bottom line – you are working for God – not for man! The only thing that matters as far as you are concerned is what God thinks of your performance as a leader within His body, not what the flock thinks, or what other people outside of your church may think!

You will be eventually judged by God for your performance – not by any other human being. Study the prophets of the Old Testament – not one of them minced any words when God had them call out the evil that His people were engaging in.

I truly believe that many, many Christians are looking for their pastors and leaders to take strong stands on these type of issues with no compromise. You may lose a few people at the outset for offending them, but I believe that the word will then get out on you that you are a man that will not compromise the truth and Word of God, and you will then end up drawing many more people into your church as a result.

People are really looking for God’s opinion on a wide variety of issues and problems facing our world today. Now is not the time to try and be politically correct. Now is the time to stand up and tell the world what God’s opinion really is on some of these hot topics.

God’s people are going into captivity and are being destroyed for lack of knowledge and guidance from their pastors and churches on these issues. The truth will set these people free – but you first have to tell them what the truth really is before it can start to work to set them free.

God’s Word and Truth is your sword – do not be afraid to use it to set these captives free!

~Bits and Pieces of Seeking after the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

To Walk In Love

Father, in Jesus’name, I thank you that the love of God has been poured forth into my heart by the Holy Spirit Who has been given to me. I keep and treasure Your Word. The love of and for You, Father, has been perfected and completed in me, and perfect love casts out all fear.

Father, I am Your child, and I commit to walk in the God kind of love. I endure long, am patient, and kind. I am never envious and never boil over with jealousy. I am not boastful or vainglorious, and I do not display myself haughtily. I am not rude and unmannerly and I do not act unbecomingly. I do not insist on my own rights or my own way for I am not self-seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. I take no account of an evil done to me and pay no attention to a suffered wrong. I do not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but I rejoice when right and truth prevail. I bear up under anything and everything that comes. I am ever ready to believe the best of others. My hopes are fadeless under all circumstances. I endure everything without weakening because my love never fails.

Father, I bless and pray for those who persecute me – who are cruel in their attitude toward me. I bless them and do not curse them. Therefore, my love abounds yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. I approve things that are excellent. I am sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. I am filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Everywhere I go I commit to plant seeds of love. I thank You, Father, for preparing hearts ahead of time to receive this love. I know that these seeds will produce Your love in the hearts to whom they are given.

Father, I thank You that as I flow in Your love and wisdom, people are being blessed by my life and ministry. Father, You make me to find favor, compassion, and loving kindness with others (name them).

I am rooted deep in love and founded securely on love knowing that You are on my side, and nothing is able to separate me from Your love, Father, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Scripture References:

Romans 5:5 

Philippians 1:9-11

I John 2:5 

John 13:34

I John 4:18

I Corinthians 3:6

©2013 Germaine Copeland and Word Ministries, Inc.

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