Key of knowledge

Which of us does not want to KNOW what to do next?

Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers (scholars of the law) you have taken away the key of knowledge, you didn’t enter in and those who were entering you hindered.”

The law said do this and that, but just following rules won’t get you the knowledge you need to cope with life, especially in these days of deception.  We need the key of knowledge.

#1 What does a key do?  It unlocks something that is locked.

What is the key of knowledge?

Proverbs 1:7 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  Therefore, the key that unlocks knowledge is the FEAR the LORD.

What is the FEAR of the LORD? This Hebrew word for FEAR —the key that unlocks knowledge incorporates the idea of fearfulness/ of being afraid and of a reverential awe from KNOWING/ BELIEVING in the HOLY LORD and HIS infinite power, authority and justice. Consequentially, by seeing HIM we see our own weaknesses and smallness.  What it comes down to is BELIEVING in GOD who loves us but to Whom we must give an account.

Proverbs 9:10 “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the HOLY (ONE) is understanding.”   

It is in growing in knowledge of GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 11-4) which comes as we learn about HIM by spending time with HIM in HIS word that we grow in FEAR of the LORD. As we see HIM at work throughout scripture we become more aware HIS ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see HE is good and right and that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY means what HE says. HE always does what HE says HE will do, and it is always for the ultimate eternal good. But at times we don’t like HIS way of doing things.

As we grow in our knowledge of GOD, the FEAR of the LORD causes us to do right because we understand GOD knows best, that HE disciplines HIS children and will judge wrong.   I for one don’t like to be disciplined.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter FEAR GOD and keep HIS commandments for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For GOD shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Psalm 34:11 “Come listen and I will teach you the FEAR of the LORD…13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile (deceit) 14 depart from evil and go seek peace and pursue it.”

Psalm 111:10 the FEAR the LORD is the beginning… a good understanding have all who do HIS command (instructions).

Proverbs 8:3 The FEAR of the LORD is to hate evil, pride, arrogancy and the evil way and lying mouth.

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuses instruction despises his own soul but he that hears reproof gets understanding 33 the FEAR of the LORD is instruction.

Proverbs 16:6 by the FEAR of the LORD men depart from evil.

Abraham used this word when he answered a king, “Because I thought surely the FEAR of GOD is not in this place, and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.”

Grow in your knowledge of GOD and you will grow in the FEAR of the LORD for you will see more of HIS holiness and the fruit of HIS divine nature will flow through you (2 Peter 1:1-4) as you are being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Some might ask, isn’t that legalism? NO! Legalism is doing something to get a right standing with GOD.  The only way to GOD is through JESUS who died for our sin (John 14:6).  But as we grow in our knowledge of GOD we are changed by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to everyone who believes in JESUS as Savior and LORD (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  As we change inwardly our actions change outwardly to match those of our heavenly FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I am saved eternally ( 1 Corinthians 3:15), but I FEAR meeting my GOD ashamed because I chose not to let HIM change and use me while in time and on this earth (1 John 2:28).

I also FEAR for those who do not know JESUS for the wrath of GOD is on them. That is because their sin is still on them (John 3:36).  It is only when one receives JESUS that he receives the payment for his sins, and his name is in the book of life.  The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23) in the lake of fire for all whose names are not in the book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Hugs

Sharon

River of Life

At camp we used to sing, “I have a river of life flowing out of me”. I have taken this devotion from Amir’s Bible Bites to share with you because it is so true and explains truth concerning the river of Life so clearly.

“The Dead Sea will one day be made alive by the river of life flowing from the throne of GOD.”

You too can be made alive by faith in the One from whom living water flows.

People who do not accept JESUS are dead in sin and will be cast into the everlasting lake of fire at the White Throne Judgment, just before GOD makes the new heavens and earth.

The Bible also tells us that the dead in hell will see, the dead can feel, and the dead can understand what is happening to them.

But once you’re dead it’s too late to do anything about your circumstance, because then you can only see and feel and understand. What you cannot do is change anything.

So while you’re still alive, believe in HIM (JESUS) and allow that river of living water that will completely change who you are to flow out of you (John 7:38-39).

And just as the Dead Sea is going to become a living lake with living creatures in it, your heart can be transformed from stone into flesh. Your soul can be revived. Your life can change, and you can have eternal life. But only if you trust in HIM, in Yeshua (JESUS), our salvation.

“if you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD (Ruler/ Master), and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

As JESUS said, If you only believe in Me, from your bellies rivers of living water will flow” (John 7:38-39) /from Amir’s Bible Bites /Amir Tsarfati