Knowing Scripture

So many times have I heard people say that 'the Pharisees knew Scripture far better than anyone else, and look where that got them!'  Knowing Scripture in that sense will always take us to that end--spiritual death.  The Pharisees knew the words of Scripture, but where hardened to the truth of it.  In fact, based on the testimony of Jesus, they didn't believe the Scriptures:

"...if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.  But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" John 5:46-47

Look at what Jesus said here.  He said authoritatively that "you do not believe Moses"  They might have responded by saying "YES WE DO!  Look how zealously we are obeying his law"  But Jesus responded by saying  "If you believed Moses, you would believe me;  for he wrote of me"  They had technical 'knowledge' of Scriptures, but they didn't believe who all the Scriptures pointed to, which was Jesus Christ.

The Pharisees had an imagined knowledge of Scripture (cf 1 Cor 8:1-3).  The true definition of knowledge includes two components 1) believing something to be true FOR the objectivity of the object (i.e. the truthfulness of the thing believed) and 2) that this knowledge would have the component of love in it.   The Pharisees had neither, in fact they held to the traditions of men more then the commandment of God--Mark 7:8.  

Why is this important to point out?  Because in our day and age, there is this incessant romance with possessing an ignorance of the Scriptures.  People actually believe it is unspiritual and limiting God to possess Scriptural knowledge. In fact to some, to be learned in the Scriptures IS to partake in the sin of the Pharisees.  This is insane and completely antithetical to the worldview that Jesus possessed.  The Psalmist says that  "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" Psalm 119:11  That's not the only place where the word is said to be desired.  The the word is compared to honey--sweet to the taste; it's compared to meat and milk--signifying it's nourishing affects; and Jesus Himself said that His word would outlast heaven and earth itself.

So this word is to be contended for!  It is supposed to be enjoyed and loved and it is to be our life!  So take up your sword--the word of God--and fight against any and every thought that would raise it self up in opposition to God and His Christ.  

Read, enjoy, LOVE, and contend for HIS Fame.