Balancing Faith and Knowledge in the Christian Life
We Must Be Doers of the Word, Not Just Knowers
In the journey of faith, it is essential to understand the delicate balance between pursuing knowledge and cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As we grow in our understanding of the Bible, we must never lose sight of the ultimate goal: knowing and loving Jesus Himself.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus "is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." This profound truth reveals that to know God, we need only look to His Son. Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father, and through Him, we can experience the depths of God's love and grace.
“We should never let our pursuit of knowledge of the Bible trump our pursuit of the Author of the Bible.”
—Bart Blair
However, it is crucial to recognize that merely accumulating facts about Jesus is not the same as having a living, vibrant relationship with Him. Our faith must go beyond intellectual assent and become a daily walk with our Savior. We must seek His presence, listen for His voice, and allow Him to transform us from within.
As I shared in a recent sermon, "True understanding of who God is starts with looking at the person of Jesus." Our pursuit of biblical knowledge should always be rooted in our love for Christ. The more we study God's Word, the more we can appreciate the beauty of Jesus' character and the magnitude of His sacrifice on the cross.
Yet, we must be cautious not to reduce our faith to an academic exercise. The fullness of our experience with Jesus comes through a combination of knowledge and faith. It is not solely empirical evidence that drives our belief, but a deep trust in the One who gave His life for us.
Moreover, our salvation is not contingent upon the extent of our biblical knowledge or the good works we perform. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This incredible truth liberates us from the pressure to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ.
As you continue on this journey of faith, I encourage you to prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else. Set aside time each day to commune with Him through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. Allow the knowledge you gain to fuel your love for Him and deepen your commitment to following His ways.
Most importantly, I urge you to consider connecting with a local church community where you can grow alongside other Jesus-followers. In a church family, you will find support, encouragement, and opportunities to put your faith into action. By serving others, sharing your struggles, and celebrating your victories together, you will experience the joy of walking with Jesus Christ in the context of a loving community.
Remember, we should never let our pursuit of knowledge of the Bible trump our pursuit of the Author of the Bible. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Let your love for Him be the driving force behind your desire to know Him more deeply.
As you continue on this path, may you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9). May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). And may you experience the boundless love of God, which surpasses all understanding (Ephesians 3:19).
Press on, dear friend, knowing that Jesus is with you every step of the way. He will guide you, strengthen you, and lead you into a life of purpose and fulfillment as you seek Him above all else. Trust in His unfailing love, and watch as He transforms you into the person He has called you to be.
May God bless you abundantly as you pursue a life centered on knowing, loving, and serving Jesus Christ.
Reading the Bible is an essential part of your Christian walk.