An Unexpected Loss in Gaining the Knowledge of Christ
The Apostle Paul called Jesus Christ, “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24). To know Jesus Christ is to know the salvation that belongs to the Lord (Ps 3:8; Jon 2:9; Rev 19:1). Not only is Jesus Christ our all in all, but the believer knows that He is Lord of all (Acts 10:36).
Christians are expected to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18). This is not a knowledge that puffs up (1 Cor 8:1). It is not a knowledge deficient in the truth (Mt 22:16). Jesus Christ is the truth (Jn 14:6), and He is the truth that sets us free (Jn 8:32) from the father of lies (Jn 8:44) and the world of lies.
As one gains the knowledge of Christ, he manifests more and more of the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). It is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who is teaching the believer (Lk 12:12; Jn 14:26). It is the Word of God (Bible) that serves as food for the soul (heart and mind). To increase in the knowledge of Christ, one must increase in the knowledge of the Word of truth (Bible).
Ezra, the prophet, set his heart to study the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10). Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). Others like Moses, David, Solomon, and Paul were moved along by the Spirit of God to write the Bible (2 Pet 1:20–21). God spoke to us long ago by the prophets, but when Jesus Messiah came into the world, God spoke to us (apostles) concerning His Son (Heb 1:2).
The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Son of God would be despised and rejected by men (Is 53:3; 1 Pet 2:4). This was God’s eternal purpose being fulfilled in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:11). The Word suffered even as the Word-bearers had and would suffer until the end. Those who would preach the Word of God would also be despised and rejected by men (Jn 15:18–25).
The prophet Amos warned of the famine in the land, not a famine of bread, but a famine for the Word (Amos 8:11). The church has disintegrated in diverse places over the past two thousand years because the preaching and teaching of the Word has waned. Invariably this is accompanied by the doctrine of demons, which always preaches a distorted false gospel (1 Tim 4:1).
True Gospel preachers are removed from their pulpits, by the intrigue of Gospel-haters inside the church. Like the prophets of old, the true preachers are relegated to voices crying in the wilderness (Mt 3:3). Like the apostles, these men of God are exiled to little flocks in rural parts, if they even remain in the ministry of the Word.
True, called men of God have the same fire in their bones as the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 20:9), who was cruelly mistreated by the elders of Israel. Some try to run from their calling, as did the prophet Jonah, but these men have tasted and seen the goodness of God and love His Word unto death (Ps 34:8).
Hirelings often replace the man of God. These, when exposed, have perverse and selfish motives, for going into the professional ministry of the church. A good living is marked by one being an entertainer, a social justice advocate, a psychological counselor, a corporate leader, or life coach. Winsome, young hipsters dominate the landscape and the church is sorely deprived of sound doctrine.
The prophet Ezekiel warned of these false leaders with wrong motives (Ezek 34). Crying out for “peace” and “unity,” these false shepherds are oblivious to the fact that only truth can unify a group of Christ’s sheep. Following other charlatan leaders and every wind of doctrine, these novices are addicted to novelty and gimmick inventions of every kind. They are milkmen at best.
The Spirit of truth, who guides the Christian into all truth, is the Spirit of discernment (Jn 16:13). The unfortunate loss of growing in the knowledge of Christ is what the seasoned saint of the Word is subject to as maturity manifests. In his love for his Lord and His church, he may protest against unbiblical doctrine or practice and suffer for it.
The outcome is rarely good, as hirelings are threatened. The preacher of truth is considered divisive because he loves the truth. The church is told to distance themselves from the learned saint because he prefers doctrine to programs or unholy pet projects.
For the one who loves God’s Word, who tells of its content to others, be warned of the grief born from increasing knowledge of Christ. Yes, the learned Word is sweet as honey, but the bitterness that follows is real. The prophets knew this fact, as did the apostles, who walked with the Lord Jesus.
As a Word of encouragement to those who might someday read this warning, I implore you to never leave your first love (Rev 2:4). Jesus Christ, the Word enfleshed (Jn 1:14), is your labor and your reward (1 Cor 3:8; Eph 2:6; 1 Pet 1:4). He is your joy and delight, in every season of abundance and want. Eat this Word, even when men loathe you for attempting to distribute its meat to others.
By eternal decree you have your lot in life and your place in the membership of Christ’s church (Rom 12:4–5). Be anxious for nothing (Phil 4:6). Walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:8). Love the Lord with your whole being (Mt 22:37). Never fear what men can do to you (Prv 29:25), but never forget the stewardship entrusted to you (1 Cor 9:17). Fulfill your ministry, even if you are despised and rejected by men…men in the church.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 10, 2022
