Relationship between knowledge, faith

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Life consists of bad and good things. We all like good things and dislike bad things. However, God designed life to be constituted of both negative and positive things. He uses both good and bad things to accomplish His purposes in our lives and on earth. It is a fact that all sunshine makes a desert.

So likewise a life filled with only good things makes life uneventful, boring and dull. Also, just as a smooth sea never makes a skilful mariner, a life consisting of only positives produces Apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Knowledge of the truth that God works in all things for our good should form a very strong foundation for our faith and should cause us to lay a welcome mat to trials, problems and adversities. But because we do not know, we always seek a way of escape from these bad things.

Knowledge is power, so they say. But I would like to think that knowledge is only potential power. It becomes real power when it is used to change things. For instance knowledge that God exists has no power if it does not lead to faith in God. Faith in God means regarding God as the sovereign Lord and worshipping Him for who He is. Knowledge that hard work leads to success has no power unless one turns this knowledge into practice. In spiritual matters, knowledge plays a crucial role in the development of faith. Firstly, spiritual knowledge is the basis of faith. It is only logical that you should know what to believe before you believe it. Knowledge forms faith. Knowledge shapes faith. Knowledge is the basis for faith. This is the reason why knowledge of the Bible or God’s word is very important. You need to know what God says before you believe what He says.

Secondly, knowledge governs faith. Believers have a tendency of taking faith out of its context. Abuse of faith is dangerous. It brings the name of God into disrepute. It discourages a lot of other people. Many spiritual shipwrecks have happened in the name of faith, misguided faith. For example, I have heard people say that faith is a leap into the dark meaning just going ahead and doing things without the faintest idea what will happen but just counting on God to do a miracle. It sounds profound and spiritual but unfortunately, that statement has no corroboration or support from scripture. And whenever faith lacks the back-up of scripture, failure is inevitable.

Faith must be governed or controlled by knowledge. This means that knowledge sets the parameters for faith. Without these boundaries faith is bound to fail. In the example of leaping into the dark, failure is inevitable because God is not bound to work a miracle that He has not promised or ordered. Some say, “I will pray until it happens.” It is a dangerous place to be if God has not said so. If it does not happen, confidence in God will be lost. The Bible says in Romans 10:17, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” In other words, faith is born from the knowledge of God’s word.

The psalmist had a good knowledge of this relationship between knowledge and faith. Psalm 56:3-4 reads, “ When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise; in God I will trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” King David possessed a knowledge of God that gave him security and stability in times of trouble. He knew God as His deliverer and defender, so He believed and trusted in Him in moments of fear. When fear knocked at the door of his heart, he exercised his will and trusted that God would remove the fear and keep him safe from all harm. Of course, David’s trust was not only based on knowledge but also experience of God’s saving power during the times when Saul sought to kill him.
Have knowledge of God’s power. But also go a step further and have faith in God’s power. Whatever your fear, choose to trust in Him for deliverance and preservation from all evil.

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