You Need More than the Knowledge of God

Knowledge of the truth and of God is part of God’s will for all today (1Ti 2:4). But knowledge of the truth is not enough.

“[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. [2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. [3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” – 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

“[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Knowing the truth is a necessary starting point, but it is not the end goal. Just piling up facts will puff you up: charity requires humbly using that truth to help others.

If all you ever do is learn God’s truth and never apply it to serve others, you will become prideful. You might even think you’ve “arrived” and that no one could ever possibly teach you anything.

We need to know God’s truth to apply it correctly, but no one has “arrived”. We are constantly in need to learn and grow and if you think you don’t need to, you’re prideful and wrong (Pro 16:16-23, 1Ti 6:3-5).

Charity is the greatest virtue and the bond of perfectness. Charity doesn’t puff itself up or seek it’s own. Charity is selfless love with action and truth. Charity is sacrificing yourself to see the truth benefit others. (1Co 13:1-7).

“[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

“[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” – Colossians 3:12-14

While the knowledge of God is fundamental, how we respond to it is just as important. Charity is not about having the right answer, but about pointing to a God who is always right and helping others do the same.