Studying Theology

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9: 24)

Solomon said - "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge." (Proverbs 13: 16) And - "Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good..." (Proverbs 19: 2)

Every day man "deals with knowledge." He cannot get by without knowledge. It is not good to be ignorant, but good to be educated. But, knowledge has its categories and the knowledge of God, of theology, is the greatest.

To be ignorant of math or physics may cause adverse consequences, yet to be ignorant of God is superlatively adverse for man. Why is man ignorant of God? Is it because God has failed to reveal himself in any way? Or, is it because men reject knowing God in favor of pursuing knowledge of lessor things, yea, even of evil things?

"Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways." (Job 21: 15)

"Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee." (Isaiah 47: 10)

"For my people is foolish, they have not known me...they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." (Jeremiah 4: 22)

"Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? ...they have not called upon God." (Psalm 53: 4)

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee." (Hosea 4: 6)

"...they did not like to retain God in their knowledge." (Romans 1: 28)

This is a true indictment. Man is ignorant of God because he has refused to know him, esteeming knowledge of him as insignificant. Sinful men have only their own "perverted knowledge" of God, a false theology, a corrupted view of the Almighty. Men, in their fallen and sinful condition, do not know God. They may pretend that they do, but their knowledge of him is not real. The indictment of sinners is still the same as was in the days of the prophet - "...they refuse to know me, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9: 6)

Yet, God holds out the promise -

"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2: 4,5)

To know God is salvation. His people are described as being those who "know God." (II Thessalonians 1: 7-10) To reject and refuse a knowledge of God is to insure that God will reject you, both now, and in the coming Day of Judgment. To boast of riches or earthly might is to boast in the wrong things. If one truly knows God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Almighty, he is truly blessed!

Friend, do you know the Lord? Are you perverting knowledge of him? Are you refusing his revelation of himself?