‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.’ – Hosea 4:6 NKJV.
Do you remember the day you graduated from school? That moment of relief when you thought, “I’ll never have to study again!” It felt like the end of it all. But soon after, you were introduced to certification exams, training, and continuous professional development. The learning didn’t stop, it only shifted. What you gained in school was foundational; what came after was the knowledge that keeps you grounded.
The same applies to the life of a believer. Hearing the gospel is just the beginning. To truly understand what it means to be saved, we must continue to seek spiritual knowledge with intention and discipline. Paul, writing to the church in Rome, emphasised that true worship, a reasonable service to God, is only possible when our minds are renewed by the Word (Romans 12:1-2).
Our anchor text in Hosea shows God’s judgment on the priests who neglected their duty to teach His laws. Their rejection of knowledge led to national decline. Today, as New Testament believers, we are called to be priests ourselves, offering our lives as worship and stewarding the knowledge of God.
Why is knowledge essential?
First, it guards us from error, both doctrinal and practical. In Acts 18:24-26, we see how Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos grow by expanding his understanding of the faith, sparing him from continued error. Without proper knowledge, we risk engaging in spiritual activities that appear sincere but are ultimately misaligned with God’s will (Romans 10:1; Proverbs 19:2).
In addition, knowledge empowers us to walk in the authority Christ has given us. Paul prayed that the eyes of the believers’ hearts would be enlightened so they might fully grasp the riches of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:15-18). It also transforms our behavior, helping us put on the new self created in the image of God and equipping us to resist temptation and minister effectively (Colossians 3:10; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Ultimately, God has given us all we need to know Him, His Spirit, Word, and Godly leaders to guide us. The responsibility now rests with us to seek, learn, and grow.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 59-61, 2 Corinthians 6: 1-18