S) "2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge."
Proverbs 10:2 (NASB)
O) In the previous chapter, Paul shared his lament about the unbelieving Israelites, who would not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he starts this chapter, where he shows the righteousness which comes through faith, he leaves one last clarifying statement about his countrymen. The Israelites who haven't believed the gospel, weren't hopeless. They were still passionate about the LORD, but they just didn't have the correct understanding about who their Messiah is. As Paul expands on the righteousness that comes by faith, specifically by faith in Christ Jesus, he is saying that is the knowledge they need for salvation. It is not enough to have zeal for God, if they still don't understand who Christ is.
A) There is a marriage, a balance, that must happen between passion and knowledge. This verse is a warning that passionate worship won't mean much, if I am not understanding who Christ is. Now, certainly, I know Jesus Christ is the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He is God. Still, this verse motivates me to continue seeking the truth, particularly through Scripture, about who God is. When I married my wife, we had been together for three years. I knew her, back then... but not like I know her now, having been married a dozen years. Similarly, the more time I am wed to Christ, the bridegroom of the church, the more I may know Him. The more time I seek to know Him better and better, the more I talk with Him and listen to His words, the more my knowledge will inform my zeal. As my knowledge will increase, my zeal will become better founded, and grow in its own measure.
A) There is a marriage, a balance, that must happen between passion and knowledge. This verse is a warning that passionate worship won't mean much, if I am not understanding who Christ is. Now, certainly, I know Jesus Christ is the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He is God. Still, this verse motivates me to continue seeking the truth, particularly through Scripture, about who God is. When I married my wife, we had been together for three years. I knew her, back then... but not like I know her now, having been married a dozen years. Similarly, the more time I am wed to Christ, the bridegroom of the church, the more I may know Him. The more time I seek to know Him better and better, the more I talk with Him and listen to His words, the more my knowledge will inform my zeal. As my knowledge will increase, my zeal will become better founded, and grow in its own measure.
P) Father, thank You for the grace in my knowing who Christ is, at all. Thank You that I ever heard the gospel message in the first place. I am so thankful to know You, and to know Jesus, and even the Holy Spirit. I know that I still have room to grow in my knowledge. I know that I still don't know much. Open my eyes and ears, Lord. Help me understand You better, through Scripture and the wisdom of godly men. Let my zeal for You always be matched by my knowledge of You, and may they both increase in Christ. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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