WHAT CAN YOU KNOW? Devotion 1 of 32 The great heart of God is revealed throughout Scripture. Remembering that the Holy Spirit is really the Author of Scripture, it becomes apparent that God has an intense interest in our spiritual well being. Take, for example, this wonderful book of First John. The reasons why John was inspired to write it are stated. There are at least ten of them. – Tomorrow:
1. In order that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1:3).
2. That our joy might be brought to a full measure. "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1:4).
3. That we do not sin. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not" (2:1).
4. Because the darkness is past, and the true light is shining. "Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth" (2:8).
5. To the young in Christ because their sins are forgiven, and they know the Father. "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake . . . I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father" (2:12a,13).
6. To the mature in Christ because they have known Him who is from the beginning. "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning . . . I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning" (2:13a, 14a).
7. To those in robust spiritual manhood, because they have overcome the wicked one, are strong, and the Word of God abides in them. "I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one . . . I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one" (2:13b, 14b).
8. Because you know the truth, and that no lie is of the truth. "I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth" (2:21).
9. Concerning those who would seduce them. "These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you" (2:26).
10. And finally, it is written in order that we might know we have eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (5:13).
Notice the total absence of an emphasis on mere emotions and earthly achievements. Every one of these things is rooted in spiritual life, and is the result of participation in the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Without being redundant, allow me to again draw your attention to these things.
1. Fellowship with the Father and the Son.
2. Fulness of joy.
3. The avoidance of sin.
4. The passing of darkness and the presence of light.
5. Knowing the Father.
6. The forgiveness of sins.
7. Knowing Him who is from the beginning.
8. Overcoming the wicked one.
9. Being strong.
10. The Word of God abiding in you.
11. Knowing the truth.
12. Awareness of seducers.
13. Knowing you have eternal life.
Every single one of these things involves thought, knowledge, perception, and awareness. In other words, they have to do with spiritual knowledge and understanding – knowing. Elsewhere this is referred to as being "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9). Unfortunately, in the average church, this is a very neglected aspect of life in Christ Jesus. With all of the contemporary pragmatic emphasis, it is essential to know that these things deal with the real practical application of the Gospel of Christ. Here we are dealing with godly practicality and spiritual experience. Where these things are not being realized in some measure, there really has been no valid application of the Gospel, and no genuine spiritual experience. This series of devotions will encourage the confident acquisition of the knowledge outlined in the stated objectives of First John.
While John the beloved himself intended that these purposes be met, his intentions were brought into being by the greater intention of Almighty God. No Scripture has even been written out of human motives alone. Men were moved along by the Holy Spirit to express the mind and concerns of the Almighty God. These "holy men" were brought into fellowship with the Lord on these matters. They were "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9). Their hearts were in their writings. They fellowshipped with both the Father and the Son in a genuine concern for the saints of God.
We must see that these things are, in fact, what the Lord desires for us. More than that, they are what He is intent upon us realizing. They are part of the very nature of salvation, flowing out from the vicarious death of Christ, and made available to us through the exalted Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He therefore speaks of them, and assures our hearts they are all within our reach. They are not mere dreams. Does that not testify of a great God, a loving God, and one of great compassion and interest?
Throughout the text with which these devotions deal, the importance of spiritual knowledge is emphasized. The knowledge of reference is not heady, or merely intellectual. Rather, it is an inner knowledge that is related to confidence, assurance, boldness, and persuasion. These devotions will focus on the appropriation of such wonderful knowledge.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from every religious emphasis that does not encourage the knowledge for which I have been recreated.