The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9 for this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Paul as led by the Holy Spirit understood the importance of understanding. To have knowledge without understanding is fruitless. If you want to be wise in the Word you must understand what the scriptures are saying.
We are all familiar with John 3:16, so let us gain a clearer understanding of exactly what it means.
When Jesus made the statement �for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.� He didn�t say �shall not� as some of your newer interpretations of the original translations say. When Jesus spoke, He said what He meant and meant what He said. He chose His words very carefully. When He said �should not� He was letting us know that people who believe in Him should not perish, but many will.
How can this be, you might ask? It is very simple when you have understanding. Believing and serving are two totally different things. In Matthew 7:21 Jesus said �not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.�
In this day and time, we have all sorts of teaching and preaching; however, very little understanding comes out in them. When you read the scriptures there are several things to consider: Who are they speaking to; why are they saying these things to them; and, how does it relate to us.
In John, Chapter 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus. The Pharisees were part of the religious sect. He explained to Jesus that they knew that He was sent from God; however, Jesus knew his heart and started telling him spiritual things about how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
In these statements that the Lord made, we find very specific instructions on what we have to do to be saved. First, we must be �born again. (John 3:3).� We must, and this is not an option, be born of the water (baptism) and the spirit (John 3:5), doing away with our carnal thinking and ways and putting on a spiritual mind (the mind of Christ) and spiritual ways. God first, family second and everything else will fall into place.
Jesus also made the statement that we must lift Him up so that He can draw all men to Himself (John 12:32). So, you see how Nicodemus, never asking Jesus about salvation had it explained to him, Jesus knowing the questions in his heart. The very following scriptures speak of baptism (being born of the water.) The Pharisees believed in Jesus, yet they refused to follow Him.
A lot of times we might find ourselves in similar circumstances, the Pharisees had status, wealth and power over the people. They enjoyed their high-ranking social status and were not readily willing to give it all up.
At times, we may be faced with the same dilemma. That is when we have to make a decision about what is more important to us. Without understanding, it would be easy to make an unwise decision. With understanding of God�s will, it simplifies making the right choice.
The next time we find Nicodemus is in John, Chapter 7, and he is speaking up for Jesus; then in John, Chapter 19, he shows up at the crucifixion and helps Joseph bury the body of our Lord.
It seems to me that something happened to Nicodemus after his encounter with Jesus. I would dare say that if you have ever had a personal encounter with Jesus that there would be a change that takes place and you would want to know more about the Lord and would desire a deeper understanding of His will and His ways.
God bless and keep you and may the Lord give you knowledge and understanding which combined equals wisdom.
1/04/03 |
