…But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits
(Daniel 11:32b).
It is a common saying that knowledge is power. It is also said that knowledge is light. These two statements can stand the test of time as great axioms, because when one is knowledgeable he is empowered as well as enlightened. In this discourse, I would like to draw your attention to the power of knowledge as we glean from the lives of two Bible characters, namely, Isaac and Paul. However, before we do that, let us give a consideration to the declaration of Prophet Daniel in Daniel 11:32b where he states that “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.†This was in the context of threat and likely attack from the enemies. Yet, Daniel affirms that those who KNOW their God will still be strong and carry out great exploits. This greatly underscores the power of knowledge. There are seven truths we can draw from the lives of Isaac and Paul about the power of knowledge.
Isaac was the Covenant-child of Abraham, the father of faith. In addition to the fact that he inherited his father’s wealth, Isaac also experienced great success in life. Surely, one of the virtues that empowered and eventually helped Isaac to experience success in life was Knowledge. From the account we have in Genesis 26, we see that Isaac demonstrated great KNOWLEDGE of his situation and was then able to take right steps.
Similarly, knowledge also played an important role in the life of Apostle Paul who, at the initial stage of his life was antagonistic of the Gospel. In his testimony, as recorded in Philippians 3, his attacks against the church was as a result of his ignorance or better put, his possession of evil knowledge. However, when he came to KNOW the Lord and possessed the right knowledge, everything changed for good. From Isaac and Paul’s experiences, we see the power of knowledge manifesting in the following ways:
◠Knowledge Helps Us to Maintain Pace – Genesis 26:17, 22a. The truth of life is that we are on a pilgrimage, led by our Heavenly Father. We must maintain pace with God. We cannot afford to lag behind. We can only do this when we know when to move on, so as to get to the destination God plans for us. Knowledge helped Isaac to move and not get involved unnecessarily. To really maintain pace and get along with the Lord, we must follow His lead (cf. Psalm 32:8).
◠Knowledge Helps Us to Save Time – Genesis 26:18-21. Isaac knew when to move. He refused to be slowed down by any controversy of any kind. Almost on daily basis we go through places like Esek (Quarrel) as well as Sitnah (Dispute) and unfortunately we waste precious time. It is not an issue that we pass through Esek and Sitnah. The issue is how long we stay there. The tragedy is that when we waste time, by implication we waste life. We need to redeem time (cf. Ephesians 5:16).
◠Knowledge Helps Us to Access Opportunities – Genesis 26:22. Through his sound knowledge, Isaac was able to recognise and also gain opportunities. When he got to his Rehoboth (Spaciousness), he saw clearly that it was different from Esek and Sitnah. He knew it was his destination. He knew it was time to settle down and experience success.
◠Knowledge Helps Us To Develop Right Behaviour – Philippians 3:1-5. Before coming to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul could not behave in a way that respect others. He was proud and he looked down on others. He saw himself as better than others. But this changed later when he came to know the Lord. Eliab, David’s brother and the other sons of prophets (cf. 1 Samuel 17:28; 2 Kings 2:1ff) further show to us that our behaviour can only be right when our knowledge is right.
◠Knowledge Helps Us to Take Right Action – Philippians 3:6. Again, Paul was so weak that he could not take the right action. He spent all his energy persecuting the Church. This changed only when he came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Rahab’s action in hiding the spies and King David’s offerings to God testified to the fact that actions are usually influenced by knowledge (cf. Joshua 2:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17).
◠Knowledge Helps Us To Foster Good Relationship – Philippians 3:6-7. Paul was totally unable to relate well with the people of God until he came to know the Lord. This truth is well illustrated by the Samaritan Woman who grew in her knowledge of Jesus Christ and moved from addressing Him, “a Jew†to “Sir†then to “Prophet†and finally to “Messiah†(see John 4:7ff.)
◠Knowledge Helps Us To Grow In Our Faith – Philippians 3:8-11. Paul’s focus shifted to God from self and all personal accomplishments following his knowledge of Jesus Christ. Really, what we know about God from the Scriptures will determine our expression of faith in Him. This is well illustrated by the confessions of Job and Solomon in Job 19:25-27 and Ecclesiastes 3:14, respectively.
Your knowledge determines your action. No one lives beyond his/her knowledge. Apostle Paul fully realised this, and expressed his desire to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. His desire was granted and his actions were directed aright. You can also have a similar experience by seeking God through Jesus Christ, and you would be blessed with godly knowledge.
Revd. Olusola Idowu, PhD
Church Pastor, The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos
Living is Christ (Phil. 1:21)
+234 708 703 8441
Source:
guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/the-power-of-knowledge/
