02/02/2025
Today's (February 02, 2025) Indoor Lectureship as delivered by Bro. Ekebo Brown on "Grounded In Knowledge To Uphold Sound Doctrine" taken from Ephesians 4:14-15
THEME
ROOTED & GROUNDED
INTRODUCTION
Knowledge on a particular subject matter gives the one who possesses it the confidence to either have an intellectual discussion on it or use it for some personal benefit; to his or her advantage. The more of it one has, the more the advantage. It is important for us to be aware that no one is birthed with any knowledge (babies are clean slates - tabula rasa), all that we are and shall become are as a result of the information we picked up as we grows depending on where, the things/people we communicate with, how we process this information and the level to which we assimilate it, as these differ from individual to individual but ultimately leads to some deposited knowledge that will eventually be part of one’s overall personality, be it negative or positive.
Example, if we pick up financial knowledge, we will be able to give sound financial advice, judgement, contribution and/or use it to make money either legitimately or illegitimately, but the deal is it has been put to use - you can only use what you have and you can only perfect on what you are diligent to practice.
This lesson, right from the topic, serves to bring our consciousness to the facts above and how we can build our biblical foundation on it. To be armed with knowledge is to be confident and to be confident is to be rewarded (power)
SUBJECT DISCUSSION
A. HOW WE CAN BE GROUNDED (UNIVERSAL APPLICATION)
(i). Reverence (Fear God): This is where it all begins; It will interest you to know that, even amongst those who have profess their faith to Christ, there exist those who do not reference God in any way. They go about their normal lives and activities not caring what God thinks about what they are doing. But the Bible has made it clear that God is the foundation of knowledge – Proverbs 1:7. When you fear God you will always want to know His position about things and this will move you to study His word so that will be careful to follow.
(ii). Request (For Wisdom): There are some of us who wish they are sound in knowledge but wishing alone just doesn’t cut it, we must put in some work and that starts with asking He that is the giver of wisdom – Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5
(iii). Study (The Scriptures): This doesn’t just mean skimming through the pages of the scriptures daily or when necessitated, but it means continuous reading and paying attention to the Holy Spirit for discernment (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2, Acts 17:11, 2 Peter 1:19-21). Outside this, you end up being grounded in false understanding (2 Peter 3:14 – 16).
(iv). Knowledge Application: Be it circular or spiritual knowledge, it will only take continuous application for one to improve (practice makes improvement) – Joshua 1:8a, Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-48, James 1:22-25
(v). Open-minded & Receptiveness: Some people can be their best in the previous points mentioned but so opinionated, stiff-necked and despises correction; this too is a hindrance – Proverbs 9:8-9; 12:1; 15:31-32; 19:20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NLT)
B. WHY SHOULD WE BE GROUNDED:
When we are grounded, we will be able to;
(i). Know what the will and plan of God is for us – Romans 12:2
(ii). Conform to the image of Christ through the knowledge of the son of God (Spiritual maturity - you will never be like Him if you do not know Him through His words) – Colossians 3:10 (NLT), Ephesians 4:11-15 (CEV).
(iii). Communicate and uphold that which is the sound doctrine of Christ (you cannot defend what you do not know nor understand) – Nehemiah 8:8, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 4:14, 1 Peter 3:15
C. BENEFITS OF UPHOLDING SOUND DOCTRINE:
As mentioned in our introduction, knowledge sets the course of our lives in various directions depending on the kind and how they are being applied. Let us examine some benefits of gaining and being grounded in the knowledge of God.
When we know the will of God for us, do our best to conform to the image of His son and stand up for this knowledge when we have the opportunity, then we will;
(i). Win God’s Approval (hear, practice, pass-on) – 2 Timothy 2:15
(ii). Have good success and prosperity in what we do (Spiritual & Physical) – Joshua 1:8
(iii). Brings light, joy and rest to your soul - Jeremiah 6:16, Psalms 19:7
(iv). Secure salvation for our souls - Deuteronomy 32:46-47, Romans 1:16, James 1:21
SUMMARY
For us to be grounded we must;
i. Fear God
ii. Ask Him for wisdom
iii. Study His words
iv. Apply it and be
v. Receptive and open-minded
So that we can;
i. Know what God’s will for each of us are
ii. Conform to the image of His son
iii. Propagate and defend that which was entrusted into our care
And this will help us;
i. Win God’s approval
ii. To be successful and prosper
iii. Have joy, peace and rest in our souls and
iv. Secure our salvation
CONCLUSION
1 Timothy 4:13-16 (NIV) – It is only through acceptance, diligence, commitment and persistency in the ministry of Christ that we can try to please God and have the assurance that our salvation is secured – Proverbs 2:1-22.
Stay tune on this page and also worship with us Church of Christ Ikot Okubo Offot and the Lord will grant you valuable spiritual insight in Jesus name - Amen
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