My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge

Scripture: My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6

Observation: The passage today highlights one very important truth. People are destroyed from lack of knowledge. What is the main purpose of the Bible? It is to give knowledge to the people created by God so that they will know what is right and what they should do. Thus we are reminded again that we are to give close attention towards studying the Bible, and finding out what God requires of us and what is important to Him.

For years, men lived very short lives because of lack of knowledge about hygiene and lack of knowledge about medicine. Spiritually, there are so many with lack of knowledge of the truth, and therefore live in darkness. Jesus said that those who hold to His teaching will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. 

The Bible tells us that sin brings death and judgment and this is perpetuated through the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the remedy is clear - salvation from sin by believing in Jesus Christ. The Bible shows us what God is like, how great and faithful and loving He is. Yet it also shows us that those who continue to sin will perish amidst terrible judgment. The Bible even tells us what will happen in the last days, when great trouble will come upon the earth. Yet, those who are loyal to God and to His Son will receive a great inheritance after this time passes.

Application: Even we who think we are mature in Christ can be destroyed by lack of knowledge if we do not persevere in being grounded in the Word. In the last days, many will be easily swayed by wayward teachings, which have an appearance of godliness but are not of God. We need to search the Scriptures like the Bereans of old who looked to see if what the apostles said were true. Regular Bible Study in groups as well as personal quiet time is a fundamental cornerstone of growing strong and steady in the Lord. In all things let us pray to God for wisdom and knowledge, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1)

Prayer: Father God, there is so much I do not know, O how much I need Your wisdom. Open my eyes to learn more and more from Your Word, and give me a Spirit of Perseverance and Delight as I look to know You more and more. Protect us from wayward teachings and strengthen our fellowships in the Word where iron sharpens iron. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.