October 25
TEN DANGEROUS POSSESSIONS
(GROWING UP IN GOD)
#1 ZEAL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE
According to Bill Britton:
-"For a man to possess such God-given gifts as knowledge, ability, talent, authority, or riches, would seem
to be a great thing. But sad to say, these things can become dangerous and even destructive unless accompanied by that
which puts it into force for the good of God’s Kingdom." ( Ten Dangerous Possessions, Bill Britton )
-The apostle Paul told us in Philippians 3:6 that his zeal only resulted in persecuting the true church, and
as well, he told us in Romans 10:1,2 that it is possible to possess a zeal of God, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE. The word
“zeal” speaks of an earnest desire to do something. This “earnest desire” to do something for the
Kingdom of God is good, but left alone, not being joined to knowledge, it becomes destructive and hinders our witness for
God. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY CHRISTIANS TURN OFF MORE PEOPLE TO THE LOVE OF GOD THAN THEY DRAW TO THE LOVE OF GOD. Their earnest
desire to “save souls” is not coupled with the knowledge of God, doing more harm than good. The apostle Paul,
before his conversion, went about breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord ( Acts 9:1 ).
He did this as a result of acting solely on a zeal for God, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE.
-Proverbs 2:1-5 tells us of the importance of finding the knowledge of God. It states, … My son, if you
will receive My words, and hide My commandments with you; So that you incline your ear unto wisdom, and apply your heart to
understanding; Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver, and search
for her as for hid treasures; Then shall you understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God …
-Once that knowledge comes alongside of zeal, then zeal becomes a powerful force in the Kingdom of God that
can turn the world upside down. Knowledge is what guides zeal in the right direction, making it ( zeal ) a good thing rather
than a destructive thing. Knowledge becomes a governor to zeal, not allowing it to get out of control or to be used in a destructive
manner. If you are zealous for the things of God, by all means, DO NOT LOSE YOUR ZEAL, but please study to show yourself
approved unto God. You must acquire …
-THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD!-
