IGNORANCE IS NOT AN OPTION
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou has learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof; for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Someone once said, “Two people swapping ignorance is a waste of time”. Well said! Not only a waste of time, but run the risk of railing at one another in an angry exchange. To what end? So each one feels like he won the debate, when in reality truth was held hostage and ignorance dug a relational divide as pride fed a feeling of mental superiority. Instead, we are instructed to know the Word of God, which when absorbed in the heart and understood in the mind, brings its own humility of spirit and freedom in truth that defends itself. Ongoing learning replaces ignorance with insight. Patience replaces anger. Humble love feels no need to argue.
Paul, the seasoned mentor, is reminding Timothy of the need to never stop learning. If he ceases to learn he will be stuck with an understanding inferior to what’s needed to comprehend God’s will for his life. To know the Word is to know the Word—Jesus Christ. Intimacy with our Savior goes deeper the more we understand the words of our Savior. The progression of a disciple of Christ is: to know His Word is to love Him, and to love Him is to obey Him. Ignorance promotes disobedience, learning leads to loving obedience. Ignorance ignites anger, knowing brings peace.
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science (his word as found in the King James Version means simply "knowledge." "Science" occurs in the King James Version only in two places, Daniel 1:4, "children .... understanding science" (yodhe`edha`ath, "those who understand science"). The meaning of the term here is "knowledge," "wisdom." The only other occurrence of "science" is in the New Testament (1 Timothy 6:20, "avoiding .... oppositions of science falsely so called," tes pseudonumou gnoseos, "the falsely called gnosis"). "Science" is the translation of the Greek gnosis, which in the New Testament is usually rendered "knowledge." The science here referred to was a higher knowledge of Christian and divine things, which false teachers alleged that they possessed, and of which they boasted. It was an incipient form of Gnosticism (Gnostics believed that the story of creation found in the Bible was a lie and that God wasn't actually the one responsible for the creation of our world, at least not directly), and it prevailed to a considerable extent in the churches of proconsular Asia, e.g. in Colosse and Ephesus. Timothy is put on his guard against the teaching of this gnosis falsely so called, for it set itself in opposition to the gospel) falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21).
Has unintended ignorance caused a relational rift? Maybe you didn’t have all the data for a decision you made, and now you need to go back and ask forgiveness—you jumped to an inaccurate conclusion, without first gathering all the facts. Or has another’s ignorance falsely accused you of something that is not true? At the very least forgive him, and move on— perhaps you need to speak face to face and clarify the circumstances with gentleness and humility. Ignorance is not a reason to remain in an unhealthy situation when truth leads to freedom.
Most of all, learn of the Lord’s ways. Each day delight in learning God’s word found in His word, the Bible. Feed your faith with the truth of Scripture so you have the spiritual stamina and wisdom to resist exhausting trials and temptations—and to recognize and call out the enemy’s lies. Read and discuss the Word of God with other friends hungry to learn and humble to be changed by the Word. Learning is less academic and more application. When you are transformed by truth you become more like Jesus. Reject ignorance and receive understanding.
“Get wisdom, and get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:5-7
Prayer
Heavenly Father, engraft your word in my heart so I am transformed by truth, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What area of my life needs to grow and learn through the truth of Scripture?
Related Reading
John 8:32; Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16
