"Those in the knowledge camp put the emphasis on getting our doctrine in line. Right belief is seen as the means to life...But notice this- the Pharisees knew more about the Bible than most of us every will, and it hardened their hearts. Knowledge just isn't all it's cracked up to be. If you are familiar with the biblical narrative, you will remember that there were two special trees in Eden- the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. We got the wrong tree. We got knowledge, ad it hasn't done us much good."
I will admit that I easily fall into the "knowledge camp". I am a strong believer in sound doctrine.
But I have often seen those with great head knowledge, who live dull lives that lack transformation. They seem to be lacking an abundant life. It seems quite obvious that right doctrine, although important, is not the end. Life transformation and passionately pursuing God and His glory is what it is about.
May we not stop at sound doctrine!
Thoughts or reactions?
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5 comments:
KG,
Here is an excerpt from "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer that I think speaks to this topic well. He states, "...you can have all the right notions in your head without ever tasting in your heart the realities to which they refer; and a simple Bible reader and sermon hearer who is full of the Holy Spirit will develop a far deeper acquaintance with his God and Savior than a more learned scholar who is content with being theologically correct. The reason is that the former will deal with God regarding the practical application of truth to his life, whereas the latter will not."
Good stuff!
Great Quote! Thanks for passing it along.
There is no dichotomy...
Doctrine for doctrine's sake is akin to the man who hears the Word but does not practice it: His house crashes.
By the same token, false, incomplete or poor doctrine is detrimental at best and deadly at worst (remember Jonestown?). We need to have a passion for truth and believe it enough to practice it. Rick Warren says, "You only really believe the part of the Bible that you do." I agree with him on this one!
God is not confused or ambiguous about what is true. Though we will never grasp the mind of God fully, He has revealed His thoughts, and it behooves us to strive to get our theology right (no pun intended). Let us pray for a church that preaches truth and practices what it preaches!
Good thoughts Steve. I completely agree that sound doctrine is essential. Believers must not set aside the ongoing study of the Word for more "practical things.
I would agree with Rick Warren as well. What you do IS what you believe. We have to work it out and not just claim it.
Keep up the great work brother.
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