November 10, 2016: SOAP #2534:  Job 35, 36; 1Corinthians 7, 8

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 … We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  3 But the man who loves God is known by God.

Observation:   Knowledge and love—two very important personal characteristics.  We need both, but love is must have priority.  Knowledge can make a person feel more important than others because of what they know.  Knowledge can be seen in a person’s speech and actions.   Love is seen in self-sacrifice.  No one who has ever walked on earth has had knowledge equal to Jesus, God’s Son.  Yet we do not talk about His knowledge, but His love.  He did not impress people with his knowledge, but with His love.

Application:   Love motivates me to serve God and others.  Knowledge is important because it makes me more useful to God and to others.  Knowledge must always be ruled by love.    Perhaps the best every-day example is a loving parent who uses their knowledge to guard and guide the young child they love.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me keep first things first!  Help me possess and apply the knowledge I have in love.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!