True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
4. True wisdom develops as I grow in my knowledge of God.
2 Peter 3:14-18; Colossians 2:2-3; Proverbs 2
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent…I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
(John 17:3, 15-17)
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. (Ephesians 1:17)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
Study it Out
- In the first passage listed above, Jesus Christ equates eternal life with an intimate and experiential knowledge of Himself. How does this truth shine a light on the purpose of salvation?
- What is the difference between the knowledge Christ refers to here versus a head knowledge which can lead to pride as described in 1 Corinthians 8:1? Do you simply know facts or truths about God or do you know God personally?
- Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge that develops over time. How can this truth both encourage you as well as motivate you in your moment-by-moment decisions? How should this truth inform how you listen and respond to those older in the faith or with more life experience?