God's People Are to Grow in Knowledge (Proverbs 22:17-21)
Introduction:
1. In today's lessons we are covering passages that relate to growing in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). 2. Lord willing, this evening we will examine passages that teach us to grow in grace. 3. This morning we are concentrating on the instruction that Solomon gave in Proverbs 22:17-21 -- "God's people are to grow in knowledge." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES
A. This principle is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. 1. In the Old Testament, Moses taught it in Deuteronomy 6:4-7. 2. In the New Testament, Paul taught it in Colossians 3:16. B. Appreciation for the value of the Scriptures should lead us to grow in our knowledge of them (Psalm 119:72). C. We also need to point out that . . .
II. FAILURE TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
A. This principle is also taught in both the Old and New Testaments. 1. In the Old Testament, Hosea taught it in Hosea 4:6. 2. In the New Testament, Jesus taught it in John 12:48. B. This information should impress us with the importance of growing in knowledge of the Scriptures. 1. God wants us to learn His Word. 2. Failure to so leads to destruction. C. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . .
III. SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SCRIPTURES
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Blessings revealed in the Old Testament include: 1. "cleansing" (Psalm 119:9) 2. "power to overcome temptation" (Psalm 119:11) 3. "direction" (Psalm 119:105). C. Blessings revealed in the New Testament include: 1. "increasing your knowledge of Christ" (John 5:39; 2 Peter 3:18) 2. "knowing the truth that will make you free" (John 8:31-32) 3. "building you up" (Acts 20:32) 4. "increasing your faith" (Romans 10:17) 5. "equipping you completely to do God's will" (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 6. "saving your soul" (James 1:21) 7. "spiritual growth" (1 Peter 2:2).
Conclusion:
1. In closing, let us consider how the Scriptures are described in Hebrews 4:12. 2. Also, let us heed Solomon's appeal in Proverbs 23:12.
