Knowledge is to be highly esteemed in the Church and is to be regarded as an evidence of progress, of growth; for none can grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, in grace, unless he grows also in knowledge. We properly esteem more highly those whose love for the Lord and for His Truth are evidenced by zeal in the study of His Word, and whose favor with God is evidenced by their being guided more and more into the deep things of God. Nevertheless, as in the earthly family we love and care for the babes and immature, so also in the household of faith the little ones and the dwarfs are to be cared for and loved and helped that they may grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Whenever the Truth is received through the Spirit, it is obeyed; and whenever it is obeyed, it effects a cleansing of our minds and hearts, ridding them of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. But it does more than this: it builds up in every good thought, quality, word and deed. It incites us to remain dead to self and the world, and in remaining alive to God, to grow in knowledge, watchfulness, prayer, service, character building and endurance of evil. Especially does it fill the heart with love to God and man, and enable us to render both duty love and disinterested love to the brethren in Christ.
Acts 15:9; 2 Cor. 7:1; John 17:17; 15:3, 12, 17; Eph. 5:2; 1 Thes. 4:9; 1 John 2:9, 10; 3:11, 23; 4:21; Rom. 12:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17; 3:8; 4:8.
