In the Light of Spiritual Knowledge

 

[4:6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New King James Version)

 

 

 

This verse speaks of the word “knowledge” which has been shined into our hearts.  In fact, the phrase is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.”  That is a heavy statement.  First, let me deal with Barnes’ Notes on this verse.  Then I will begin the word study on this.  Barnes says some profound things that you should know.  As believers, we should have a firm, unwavering faith of the truth of this faith that was once delivered to the saints and to us.  This is what we contend for as defenders of the gospel.  This same truth is what we are to share with others. 

Since we have been given this knowledge, it should be understood that no man successfully preach and be of much good if they do not have a working relationship with the Lord and His Written Word.  The individual mind cannot be vacillating and hesitating concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the mind is filled with doubts, there is no faith.  When there is timidity in doing the work of the Lord, then the boldness that is promised has not been received.  The individual who declares what he has no acquaintance with cannot be effective.  If there is no deep-felt conviction concerning the words written in the Bible, then how can this individual be effective for the kingdom of heaven?  There is a lack of understanding concerning what the individual affirms.  How can you stand by something that you do not understand? 

 

What should be the standard of the one who preaches the Word?  First, and foremost, there must be unwavering faith in the life of the individual.  Second, there must be a conviction of truth concerning the words found in the Bible.  When this exists in the life of the individual, it shows through the words that are spoken.  This conviction must be constant if it is to be effective.  The belief that the individual holds on to must be everlasting like the hills in a valley. Nothing can shake it nor overturn it.  With such spiritual ingredients, the individual can only speak of the goodness of the Lord with effectiveness and conviction.

    

In Part Two of this study, I will be dealing with the phrase “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” Thank you.

 

Final Thought:

If there was a thermometer by which could measure our faith, conviction and mindset, where would our temperature be? What would it be? Hot, cold or lukewarm?

 

Understanding the Number Three

Foundation Scripture: Gal 1:18

 

Key Verse

[3:6] not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6 (New King James Version)

 

After three years alone with the Lord receiving personal revelation about Jesus, the Apostle Paul met with the Apostle Peter.  Three years mind you—not three days, or three months or even three weeks. Brother Paul literally sat in the Garden of God’s Presence at His feet where he was taught by the Master Himself.  When I was called into the ministry, I went into training for three years.  My cousin, who has been called into the ministry, will be in training for three
years.  When Jesus was here on earth, His disciples were in training for 3 1/2 years–the complete time of His earthly ministry.  This is significant.  It takes time to become what God has called each one of us to be.  It takes time to be spiritually matured, spiritually formed and spiritually shaped by the Spirit of God.  The mind and memory along with the understanding and comprehension of the Holy Scriptures, and sensitivity of the spirit to the Voice of God must be spiritually nourished for the destiny that God has called us to within the Body of Believers. The call comes first, and then the training through learning and experience. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God—not man. Then we will be thoroughly furnished unto good works. Note the following versions of this verse:

 

^[2:15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New King James Version)

 

^[2:15] Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.
2 Timothy 2:15 (God’s Word)

 

^[2:15] Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

 

2 Tim 2:15 Study {and} be eager {and} do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing {and} accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (Amplified Bible)

 

This scripture applies to all believers—not just those who have been called to preach and teach. We all must know how to rightly divide with Word of Truth. It is our spiritual food. It is our love letter from the Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not read it, we will never know what the Lover of our Soul wants to share with us. We will never know what His will and testament says concerning us. We will never know what we have inherited by His death, burial and resurrection.

 

Note the following uses of the number 3:

 
 

Enoch walked with God for 300 years after having children	Genesis 5:22
Noah begat 3 sons—Shem, Ham and Japheth	Genesis 6:10
The order, form, and use of the ark	Genesis 6:15
Noah lives after the flood 350 years	Genesis 9:28
Three men appear to Abraham	Genesis 18:2
Jonah in belly of great fish for three days	Matthew 12:40
Jesus He would build the temple of His body in three days	Matthew 26:61
Jews divided the OT into three parts	The Law, The Prophets, and the Hagiographical or the Holy Writings
Division of leading persons and events—Equal parts	Abraham David Babylonish captivity
The Spiritual Triangle	God Man Woman

 

 

Understanding the number three will shed much light on this statement made by Paul, which is also found in other scriptures.  Note Matthew 28:19.  This is called the Great Commission, which reveals the Godhead of the Father and the way of baptism. 

 

The number three means divine fullness or completion.  It is spiritual fullness–Jonah in the belly of the great fish.  Jesus was in the grave for three days.  He conquered sin, death and the grave. 

 

It is the minimum number to establish a pattern.  Samuel heard God call him three times. I Samuel 3:8 

To those who need confirmation concerning a matter, the number three cements the answer.  This means greater fulfillment shall be unfolded.  It causes an event or word to gain emphasis.  Peter denied Jesus three times. Pilate wanted to release Jesus three times.  Three times the chief priests and rulers rejected Jesus.  Emphasis is placed on rejection in this respect.  Luke 23:13-25 

 

It also speaks of totality, sufficiency and complete work of God.  Man is a tripartite being—body, soul and spirit.  Preachers and bible teachers speak in a tri-fold concept.  This is automatic.  Finally,

 

Faith hope love

Grace peace mercy

Peter James John

Abraham Isaac Jacob

Holy Holy Holy

 

I leave you with this benediction.

 

2 Corinthians 13:14 

  

The Indescribable Gift

 

[9:15] Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (New King James Version)

 

 

The gift of God is unspeakable.  The word “unspeakable” comes from the Greek word anekdiegeto, which means unable to recount or tell fully.  It is found once in the New Testament.  The gift that God gave to the world–His only begotten Son–Jesus Christ, is an unspeakable gift.  A gift is so rich, so filled with love, mercy and compassion, that we have no words to express neither what this gift truly means nor its effect upon the lives of those who receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  For once, humanity is speechless if they were to consider this gift of God.  First, a gift of God?  That is enough to consider right there!  The Almighty God.  The El-Shaddai.  The Elohim.  The Jehovah-Nissi.  The Jehovah-Raphi.  Need I say more?  How can we put into our finite language the infinitesimal act of giving of this Son?  To consider this act of God is to remain speechless.  We attempt, in order to tell someone else, what a great gift that God gave by the surrendering of His Son to the cruel Cross of Calvary.  We attempt to tell how the nails that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet also pierced the heart of the Father. . 

 Easter comes around, and we attempt to tell individuals of the unspeakable love that hung on the Cross for us.  Even though it happened a long time ago, time has nothing to do with its effectiveness.  We are the ones held by time.  Time was created for us.  God is infinite.  Your yesterday and your past is God’s present.  He is eternally present.  Though our lives are said to be but a vapor, we are precious in His sight. 

We have much to give God thanks for in our lives.  With the one tongue we have, we will never be able to tell it all.  We will never be able to tell effectively what the Cross means to us on an individual basis.  This does not mean we will not try.  That is all that is required of us.  Let us continue to try to tell of the all-encompassing love.  We have been called to do just that.  We have been called to testify with our limited language about a God who is all-in-all.  We are called to testify about a God who fills all and sees all.  For He is all.