Daniel 11:32

Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian. It strengthens his faith. Believers are constantly spoken of in the Scriptures as being persons who are enlightened and taught by the Lord; they are said to have an unction from the Holy One, and it is the Spirit’s particular office to lead them into all truth, and all this for the increase and fostering of their faith.

Knowledge strengthens love, as well as faith. Knowledge opens the door, and then through that door we see our Saviour. Or, to use another illustration, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, and when we see that portrait, then we love him. We cannot love a Christ whom we do not know, at least in some degree.

If we know little of the excellences of Jesus—what he has done for us, and what he is doing now—we cannot love him much; but the more we know him, the more we will love him. Knowledge also strengthens hope. How can we hope for a thing if we do not know of its existence?

Hope may be the telescope, but until we receive instruction, our ignorance stands in front of the glass, and we can see nothing whatever. Knowledge removes the interposing object, and when we look through the bright optic glass, we discern the glory to be revealed and anticipate it with joyous confidence.

Knowledge supplies us reasons for patience. How can we have patience unless we know something of the sympathy of Christ and understand the good that is to come from the correction that our heavenly Father sends us? Nor is there one single grace of the Christian which, under God, will not be fostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge. How important, then, is it that we should grow not only in grace, but in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.