Essay- Beyond Human Knowledge
Do you ever get away to a very quiet place away from all distractions and just quiet your mind and begin to just imagine how rare and awesome the wisdom and knowledge that we have been given through Gods calling is? I watched a movie the other night about a 7-year-old girl that was a mathematical genius, and I began to think of all the “genius” people out there that have created and invented so many things, but the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He entraps the wise in their own craftiness.” (1 Corinthians 3:19). And they try to explain and solve the problems of life and yet all of their knowledge is but vanity, I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14). You could gather all the “genius” minds that have ever lived and still they could not put together the knowledge wisdom and understanding that has been revealed to us through God’s calling and are continuing to grow in through His Holy Spirit!
This knowledge that we have been given is beyond human comprehension, we should be in a constant state of joy, thanksgiving and prayer to God for opening our minds to the truth, but we should never feel above anyone else, because God could call anyone at any time. It is now our duty to submit to Gods way of life, and when we have done all the things that are commanded we should still say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, because we have done that which we were obligated to do” (Luke 17:10). Because it is God Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, Who shined into our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels in order that the supremacy of the power may be of God, and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).
We must stay the course and hold tightly to the knowledge we have been given and stay true to God and all his commandments, if we do there will be the greatest reward, eternal life, but harder times will be ahead of us indeed, everyone who desires to live godly in Christ Jesus shall be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). The truth that we have been given is so great, nothing should come our way that should hinder our hope and joy as we know what lies ahead of us if we endure to the end- (Matthew 24:13). “Blessed is the man who endures trials because, after he has been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James1:12). For the momentary lightness of our tribulation is working out for us an immeasurably greater and everlasting fullness of glory; While we consider not the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary; but the things that are not seen are eternal. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 5:1). This is our knowledge and wisdom God has given to us, so let’s not cast pearls before swine, no matter what we say to anyone, and how clear the truth is to us, no one will understand unless God is calling them, all we can do is pray for them and for God’s will to be done.
There will come times where we will seem weak before others if we are staying true to God and imitating Christ, but we know that we are not weak but strong and our hope and faith is with God to deliver us from whatever the situation maybe, ether away from the circumstance, or to eternal life if the situation causes death. “For this God is our God forever and ever; He will guide us even unto death.” (Psalm 48:14). “Hearken to Me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their revilings” (Isaiah 51:7).
It’s our job that we do not “give offense to anyone in anything, so that the ministry may not be blamed; But in everything we are confirming ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, In pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned, In the Word of truth, in the power of God; through the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,. Through glory and dishonor, through evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true. As unknown and well known; as dying, but behold, we are alive; as chastened, but not put to death; As sorrowful, but always rejoicing; as poor, but enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10).
“Your faith and endurance are a visible testimony of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (2 Thessalonians 1:5). As we continue to grow in this amazing grace and unfindable knowledge that God has granted to us, let’s “Be watchful; stand fast in the faith; conduct ourselves with courage. Be strong in the Lord. Let everything we do be done in love.” (1Corinthians 16:13-14). “Watch ye therefore and pray at all times that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:36).
There are a million different situations that God could put us through to refine, mold and shape us into the image of his son, we must remember Romans12:19: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves; rather, leave this to God’s wrath; for it is written, ” ‘Vengeance is Mine! I will recompense,’ says the Lord.” Our human nature is strong and may be the hardest thing to overcome, “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having worked out all things, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and wearing the breastplate of righteousness, and having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Besides all these, take up the shield of the faith, with which you will have the power to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; And put on the helmet of salvation , and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; Praying at all times with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and in this very thing being watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;” (Ephesians 6:13-18). Let’s fully submit and humble ourselves before God and have Him empty us of ourselves, by opening our eyes to our weaknesses through His tests and trials, then we will be able to overcome this world, Satan and our human nature.
When God called we began to fear Him and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10). That’s when it all started, it’s pretty cool to imagine God’s Spirit descending down into our head unlocking our minds to understand his Word, it’s just incredible! “Behold! What glorious love the Father has given to us, that we should be called the children of God! For this very reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be; but we know that when He is manifested, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him exactly as He is. And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3). “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11). “Now then, beloved, since we have these promises, we should purge ourselves from every defilement of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
“Now consider this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour that we should be roused out of sleep; because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost over, and the day is drawing near; therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12). Every second that passes we are getting closer to that trumpet blowing and Christ returning to gather His elect, we know “many are called but few chosen” (Matthew 22:14), So let’s fight the good fight of the faith! Take hold of eternal life to which we were also called and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and meekness, always being aware of God’s presence and judgment. “For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it first begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if the righteous are saved with much difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? For this reason, also, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:17-19).
If our Creator’s Spirit is dwelling in us, then we are His temple, we must give our all to keep our body and mind, pure and holy. “For If anyone defiles the temple of God, God shall destroy him because the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:17). “Let’s not count our self as having attained; but this one thing we must do— forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth to the things that are ahead, let’s press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). “We must strive to enter in through the narrow gate; For narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Matthew 7:14).
Difficultly squeezing through that narrow gate and being chosen will be no walk in the park, but God has opened the door for us to learn the way to be able to squeeze through that gate to eternal life, and has given us His Son as a perfect example to follow. So, “we must put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and not make any allowance for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14). As our Savor was being crucified He said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Now let’s ask ourselves if we were being crucified, tortured, hung, killed or persecuted in anyway, could we keep our mind off of revenge and hate and out of love ask our Father to forgive them? We better believe that’s what we should do, cause that’s what our Father expects of us. “Anyone who claims to dwell in Him is obligating himself also to walk even as He Himself walked.” (1John 2:6). He will give us that strength if we continue through the door he has opened, dedicated down the path of righteousness leading, with daily prayer and study, to that narrow gate. This world we live in now is so full of evil and deceived by Satan, but with Gods Holy Spirit we can overcome this world and its evil influences that lurk around every corner, and let our light shine just like Jesus did, and what better way than to use our tongue, “use sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about you.” (Titus2:8). “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.” (Proverbs 18:21). “If anyone among you considers himself to be religious, and does not control his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is vain.” (James 1:26). “From the same mouth comes out blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so!” (James 3:10). “If anyone does not offend in what he says, this one is a perfect man and is able also to hold in check the whole body.” (James 3:2). God has called us for one reason right now and that is to overcome this world’s ways, just the way his Son did. “In the world, you shall have tribulation. But be courageous! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus has set a perfect example for us to follow, “Jesus Christ demonstrated all longsuffering, for an example to those who would afterwards believe on Him unto eternal life.” (1Timothy 1:16). “For what commendation is there if, disobeying and being beaten, you endure it? But if while doing good you endure suffering, this is acceptable with God; For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His footsteps. Who committed no sin; neither was guile found in His mouth; Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when suffering, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him Who judges righteously; Who Himself bore our sins within His own body on the tree, so that we, being dead to sins, may live unto righteousness; by Whose stripes you were healed. For you were as sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (1Peter 2:20-25).
How great God has been by showing his mercy and forgiveness towards us through His calling, and giving us this understanding of His Word, and privilege to grow in the grace and knowledge and put it to heart and be granted eternal life, if we commit our life to Him. God’s love towards us is the same love He has for his own Son, and that’s incredible to think about. It is now our obligation to devote our every word, every step, every work, every thought to God, “Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs16:3). “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm19:14). “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and who seek Him with the whole heart.” (Psalm119:1-2). For “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God!” (Matthew 4:4). “Blessed are those who keep His commandments, that they may have the right to eat of the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.” (Rev:22:14). May God our Father grant us the strength, through the power of His Holy Spirit, to finish this race to eternal life that He has set before us, so we can all live together forever and praise and serve Him for all eternity. Amen.
Josiah Tolbert-08/19/17
(A Faithful Version Bible)