I’m going to keep my opening comments short as we commence the next chapter’s instruction. The opening words of Chapter 42—Knowledge of Reckoning, are quite to the point in both reminding us and instructing us of the importance of growth truth. However, I am reminded of the importance of understanding terms, definitions and vocabulary in reference to two important words that are central to what we have been studying, position and condition.
– Position is a term referring to our Union with Christ.
– Condition refers to our Communion in Christ, how we live out our faith and obedience in Christ in our practical daily walk. (Phil. 2:12-13)
This position and condition phrasing is the central theme that we have been studying throughout The Complete Green Letters, terms that are not found or used all that frequently in other Christian literature forums, thus the two phrases may lose their core meaning and significance.
Okay, so with that brief reminder, let’s jump into and prayerfully consider the instruction of Chapter 42 – Knowledge of Reckoning.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 42—Knowledge of Reckoning
Knowledge of scriptural truth should precede spiritual growth. For example, in the early chapters of Paul’s epistles doctrinal truth is presented, while the latter chapters deal with the practical results of the truth set forth. We must first know what the triune has done, before we can count upon Him to “do.” “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him”; “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Eph. 1:17; Phil. 2:13).
There is a crippling tendency among believers today to deprecate head-knowledge of the truth, and even doctrine itself. Emphasis is being put on so-called heart-knowledge gained by means of experience. This, however, is to place condition before position, which is the opposite of God’s scriptural pattern. Truth reckoned upon fosters the only healthy and abiding spiritual experience. For faith to function, there must be Spirit-given knowledge of the Word.
The Spirit of Truth ministers truth to us by means of our mind—the spiritual mind that relies upon Him. This head-knowledge gives us the facts upon which we exercise faith, or reckon. In time, through deeper understanding and a quiet assimilation of the truth, there is both head-knowledge and heart-knowledge: we not only believe, but now we know experientially. Paul had believed on the Lord Jesus for many years before he wrote, “That I may know him” (Phil. 3:10). Likewise, he urges us to “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (I Tim. 4:15). For, as a man “thinketh within himself, so is he” (Prov. 23:7, ASV).
Some people belittle head-knowledge because they see many Christians who seem to know so much Scripture yet whose lives fail to “adorn the doctrine” (Titus 2:10). Doubtless there is some justification for this reaction, but it should be realized that one’s knowledge of truth is always in advance of his growth in that truth. Many believers know truth in which it will take them a lifetime (and eternity) to grow.
Further, there are those on every hand who know about truth, having grasped and even memorized Scripture by means of the natural mind. Such knowledge will never become living experience. In the final analysis, we are not to decide about spiritual matters by observation of other believers. It is the Holy Spirit who must teach us by means of the Word, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13).
Paul states that there are some who have “a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:2, ASV). Ideally, head-knowledge precedes heart-knowledge. However, neither one is preeminent above the other—both are essential for healthy growth and effective ministry. Heart-knowledge alone cannot progress beyond the fluctuating feelings and emotions of babyhood. It can exhort, emotionalize, and share experiences and blessings, but it cannot lead others to establishment in the truth. To share effectively, we must be brought to maturity of both head-and heart-knowledge.
We are to reckon and stand upon certain truths for our foundation. Linked with these are other truths upon which we are to reckon and rest for growth. …to be continued
