A GODLY MAN IS A MAN OF KNOWLEDGE 1/2

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It will be inquired in the next place, "Who is the godly man?" For the full answer to this I shall lay down several specific signs and characteristics of a godly man.

A godly man is a man of KNOWLEDGE.

"The prudent are crowned with knowledge" (Proverbs 14:18). The saints are called "wise virgins" (Matt. 25:4). A natural man may have some head knowledge of God—but he "knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Cor. 8:2). He does not know God savingly. He may have the eye of natural reason open—but he does not discern the things of God in a spiritual manner. Waters cannot go beyond their spring-head. Vapors cannot rise higher than the sun draws them. A natural man cannot act above his sphere; he is no more able to judge sacred things aright than a blind man is to judge colors.

(i) He does not see the evil of his heart. If a face is ever so black and deformed—yet it is not seen under a veil; the heart of a sinner is so black that nothing but hell can pattern it—yet the veil of ignorance hides it.

(ii) He does not see the beauties of a Savior. Christ is a pearl of great price—but a hidden pearl.

But a godly man is taught by God: "this anointing teaches you of all things" (1 John 2:27), that is, all things essential to salvation. A godly man has "the good knowledge of the Lord" (2 Chron. 30:22). He has "Sound wisdom" (Proverbs 3:21). He knows God in Christ. To know God out of Christ is to know him as an enemy—but to know him  in Christ is sweet and delicious. A gracious soul has "the savor of his knowledge" (2 Cor. 2:14). There is a great difference between one who has  read of a country, or viewed it on the map—and another who has lived in the country, and tasted its fruits and spices. The knowledge with which a godly man is adorned has these eight rare ingredients in it:

It is a GROUNDED knowledge

"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.

It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge

The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.

It is an ENLIVENING knowledge

"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!

It is an APPLIED knowledge

"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!

Question: But how shall I know that I am making a right application of Christ? A hypocrite may think he applies when he does not. Balaam, though a sorcerer, still said, "my God" (Numb. 22:18).

Answer:

(i) He who rightly applies Christ puts these two together, Jesus and Lord. "Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8). Many take Christ as Jesus—to save them; but refuse him as  Lord—to rule them. Do you join "Prince and Savior" (Acts 5:31)? Would you as well be ruled by Christ's laws as saved by his blood? Christ is "a priest upon his throne" (Zech. 6:13). He will never be a priest to intercede—unless your heart is the throne where he sways his scepter. A true applying of Christ is when we so take him as a husband, that we give up ourselves to him as Lord.

(ii) He who rightly applies Christ derives virtue from him. The woman in the Gospel, having touched Christ, felt virtue coming from him and her fountain of blood was dried up (Mark 5:29). This is to apply Christ—when we feel a sin-mortifying virtue flow from him. That knowledge which is applicatory, has an antipathy against sin, and will not allow the heart to be dominated by sin.

It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge

"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.

It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge

Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star  (Psalm 73:22).

It is a GROWING knowledge

"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).

It is a PRACTICAL knowledge

"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his  pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.

Search The Scriptures —Study 28 — Revelation 1-22: REVISION

Study 28 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 1-22: Revision

WE HAVE REACHED THE END OF THE 3 YEARS STUDY OF THIS BOOK  & I feel so sad that this is our last lesson. But, while we journey on this earth, we must keep going and keep growing spiritually. We need to keep learning so we can take Him in as we walk in Spirit while He transforms us. I thank all of you who joined me on the journey. Keep the faith and stay in the word. It is only when we are in the Word of God, we can experience Him. I LOVE YOU ALL, CAN'T WAIT TO MEET WITH YOU IN HEAVEN!

Come back tomorrow! 

1-     How would you sum up the chief message of this whole book? What abiding truths are we meant to learn from it for our instruction and encouragement? Cf. Jn. 16:33;  Acts 14:22; Rev. 1:9; 12:10, 11. What are the things in which we are called to share ‘in Jesus’?

2-     Consider the seven beatitudes in this book. See 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7 and 14. Are you observing the conditions, and, in so far as is yet possible, are you beginning to know the wealth of the blessedness?

Search The Scriptures —Study 27 — Revelation 22:6-21

Study 27 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 22:6-21

      1-     What word of Christ is repeated three times in these verses? See also 3:11, and cf. 1:7; 16:15. How are we to reconcile this word with the fact that even now He has not come? What should be our attitude and response to this word of our Master? Cf. 2 Pet. 3; Mt. 24:43-51; Heb. 10:36-39. Can you join in the prayer of verses 17 and 20 as the spontaneous yearning of your heart?

      2-     How are the truth and the importance of the content of this book confirmed to us in this passage?  By what name is it four times described? What is its origin? Whence does it derive its authority? How ought we to express our regard for it and our response to it?

Notes

1-     Verse 6. This book springs from the same divine source from which all the prophets have derived their inspiration.

2-     Verse 8, 9. Cf. 19:10, Col. 2:18. John emphasizes both the attraction and the error of angel worship. The same might be said of the worship of the saints.

3-     Verse 11. An emphatic warning that the time of the end is near, and the opportunity of a change of character is passing. Cf. Dn. 12:10; 2 Tim. 3:13. Yet see verse 17b below, and 21:6.

4-     Verse 16.  ‘The root and the offspring of David’ cf. Mk. 12:35-37

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Search The Scriptures —Study 26 — Revelation 21:22 – 22:5

Study 26 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 21:22 – 22:5

     1-    Make a list of all that is said not to be found in the perfected kingdom of God, i.e., of all in 21:1-22:5 of which the words ‘no’ or ‘no more’ or ‘nothing… nor any of who’ are used. Over against these, set the positive blessings here spoken of. Comparing these blessings with those of the Garden of Eden (Gn. 1:28, 29; 2:8-25), how do they transcend them, and what is their chief glory? Cf. 1 Cor. 15:46; Eph. 1:3.

2-    Would a non -Christian be able to enter the city (see 21:27), and if he did enter would he find satisfaction in its blessings (cf. Eph. 2:8-25), how do they transcend them, and what is their chief glory? Cf. 1 Cor. 14)? In the light of this, consider the absolute necessity of the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and of regeneration for every man. Cf. Jn. 3:5; Lk. 10:20.

Note. 22:1, 2. Some interpret this to mean that there is one broad street which intersects the city, beside which the river flows, with threes on either bank. Others take ‘street’, ‘river’ and ‘tree of life’ as being collective nouns, and picture many streets and streams of the river flowing by them and many trees bearing fruit every month, all being symbolic of  ‘the superabundant character of God’s provision’. 

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Search The Scriptures —Study 25 — Revelation 21:9-21

Study 25 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 21:9-21  

This vision of the city of God is no more to be taken literally than was the vision of Christ in 1:12-20. It is a symbolic picture, and we have to see in an through the symbols the spiritual realities which they represent.

      1-     For example, the size of the city (verse 16; see Note 2 below) expresses the same thought as the phrase ‘which no man could number’ in 7:9; the shape of the city as a cube (21:16) suggests its perfection of design and its permanence; the gold and precious stones its brilliance and perfection of quality, and so forth. What other spiritual realities does this passage suggest to you?

2-     How is the contrast between this city and the harlot city Babylon brought to the mind of the reader? Cf. Verse 9 with 17:1. Work out this contrast in some of its features. What are the outstanding differences between Babylon and the New Jerusalem? Cf. Zc. 14:20, 21; Lk. 16:15; 1 Jn. 2:16, 17.

Notes

1-     Verses 12-14. The city, while offering entrance from all directions, is determined in character by the revelation given to Israel and through the apostles.

2-     Verse 16. ‘Twelve thousand stadia’: about 1, 500 miles.

3-     Verse 18. ‘Pure gold, clear as glass’: see also verse 21.  There is nothing not genuine, nothing not transparent.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — Revelation 20:11 – 21:8

Study 24 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 20:11 – 21:8

       1-     20:11-15. We have here depicted the final settlement of the destiny of the present world order and of all who belong to it. Who is each man’s destiny to be determined? What are the only alternatives? Cf. Mt. 16:27; Jn. 5: 28, 29; Rom. 2: 6, 16; Rev. 21:8; 22:12.

      2-     21:1-7. A revelation of the new world order is now given.  Cf.  Is. 65:17; 2 Pet. 3:13. What is its metropolis? Contrast Rev. 18:10. Who are its citizens? What are their privileges? Of what blessings are they assured, and by whose word and deed? 

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — Revelation 20: 1-10

Study 23 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 20: 1-10

Great differences exist among Christians concerning the interpretation of ‘the thousand years’ and ‘the first resurrection’.  Either the thousand years follow Christ’s second coming, or this section is a fresh symbolic description of the period between Christ’s first coming and His second coming. There does seem to be parallel sequence in the main events of Rev. 11-14 and 20. It was through Christ’s first coming that Satan was bound. Cf. Mk. 3:23-27; Lk. 10:17-19; Jn. 12:31. Rev. 20:7-9 can be understood as yet another reference to Armageddon. Cf. 16:14-16; 19:19.  ‘The first resurrection’, however understood, is a privilege shared in only by faithful followers of the Lamb. Some think the phraseology symbolically predicts that the age of the martyrs would be followed by a far longer period of Christian supremacy during which the faith of Christ for which the martyrs died would live and reign.

1-     What activity is particularly attributed to Satan? In what different ways is he dealt with? How is his activity made to serve God’s purposes? Cf. 2 Thes. 2:9-12. What will be his end? Who will share the same fate? Cf. Mt. 25:41.

2-     What are the rewards of the martyrs who are faithful to death? Cf. Lk. 22:28-30; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:10, 11; 5:10. What grace should such awareness make us covet?

Notes

1-     Verses 1-3 ‘The bottomless pit’: as the abode of evil spirits (cf. 9-11) this is to be carefully distinguished from ‘the lake of fire’ (verse 10).

2-     Verse 3. ‘Must’: for reasons hidden in the divine will.

3-     Verse 8. ‘Gog and Magog’: the reference here is to Ezk. 38; 39, where the prophet conceived of a great invasion of the land of Israel.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 22 — Revelation 19:11-21

Study 22 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 19:11-21

Following upon the destruction of ‘Babylon’, the beat and the kings in alliance with him (cf. 17:12-14), make war upon Christ, who comes forth from heaven in judgement to overthrow them.  The end of the present age, prophesied throughout the book, has now come, and we have in today’s portion Christ’s second coming described in its aspect of judgment upon His enemies, as in 2 Thes. 1: 6-10 and Ps. 2:9

      1-     Verses 11-16. In this symbolic picture of Christ seek to appreciate the suggestive significance of each descriptive phrase. Contrast some of the phrases of Zc. 9:9, 10. In what ways will Christ’s second coming be different from His first coming? Should this prospect fill us with fear or joy?

2-     Verses 17-21. This is the battle of Armageddon, spoken of in 16:14-16. Note the contrast between ‘the great supper’ of judgment and ‘the marriage supper of the Lamb’ (verse 9). Cf. the contrast in 14:14-20 between the two harvests. See also Mt. 13:30, 40-43. What truths are thus repeatedly emphasized concerning the final settlement and issue of world history?

Notes

1-     Verses 13a, 15b Cf. is. 63: 2, 3.

2-     Verse 14. These are armies of angels. Cf. Mt. 16:27; 2 Thes. 1:7-9

3-     Verse 20. ‘The lake of fire’; so also in 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8; elsewhere called ‘the eternal fire’ or ‘the Ghenna of fire’ (Mt. 18:8, 9; 25:41; also ‘the furnace of fire’ (Mt. 13:42, 50).  It is the place of final destruction.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — Revelation 18:21 – 19:10

Study 21 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 18:21 – 19:10

      1-     What thoughts does the action of the angel in 18:21 suggest as to the purpose of God towards ‘Babylon’? Notice especially how many times the words ‘no more’ occur in 18:21-24. Cf. 19:3. What truth is thus enforced concerning the whole system of godless luxury and lust which the name ‘Babylon’ represents? Cf. 1 Cor. 7:31b; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25; 1 Jn. 2:17.

      2-     What calls forth the praises of 19:1-3, 4, 5-8, and by whom respectively were they spoken? What truths about God’s character and ways are here acknowledged? Cf. 19:10; Is. 45:21-25.

Notes

1-     19:3b. Symbolic of final destruction. Cf. Is. 34:10.

2-     19:7. ‘The marriage of the Lamb’: the fulfilment of God’s purpose as described in Eph. 5:25b, 26. A final decisive contrast to the harlot and her impurities.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — Revelation 18:1-20

Study 20 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 18:1-20

      1-     Consider first the messages of the angel and of the voice from heaven. What aspects of God’s judgments do these emphasize? What urgent imperative does the Lord here speak to His own people? Cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-18

      2-     In contrast, listen to the voices of earth on Babylon’s fall. Who are the speakers?  To what fact about Babylon’s fall do they refer, and for what reason did they thus mourn for Babylon?  Observe the difference between the points of view of heaven and of the world. In such circumstances, in which would you join -- mourning or joy?

3-     When time permits, read Is. 13 and 47; Je. 50 and 51 and Ezk. 27 to see how deeply steeped is the mind of John in the visions and prophecies of the Old Testament.

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