BIBLE KNOWLEDGE: DON'T FLAUNT IT

As believers, we’re called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Knowing the Word of God is essential for our spiritual growth, our defense against temptation, and our ability to share the gospel effectively. However, as with any gift or virtue, the enemy can twist something good into an occasion for pride.

It’s a sobering truth that even our knowledge of Scripture can become a stumbling block if we wield it carelessly or flaunt it to exalt ourselves. The apostle Paul warns us: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Paul’s words remind us that biblical knowledge is never an end in itself; it is a means to love God more deeply and serve others more faithfully.

The Pharisees: A Cautionary Tale
Consider the Pharisees. They were masters of Scripture, experts in the Law, and yet Jesus rebuked them harshly. Why? Because their knowledge was rooted in self-righteousness rather than humility. They used their understanding of the Law as a platform to elevate themselves, looking down on others who didn’t measure up to their standards.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:23-24 are a stark warning: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” They were so focused on the minutiae of the Law that they missed the heart of God’s commandments.

Knowledge with Humility
True biblical knowledge should lead us to humility, not arrogance. When we see the depth of God’s wisdom and the breadth of His grace, we should be moved to worship, not self-congratulation. The more we understand Scripture, the more we should recognize our utter dependence on Christ.

Consider Paul again, who arguably had one of the greatest theological minds in history. Yet he referred to himself as “the chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) and resolved to “know nothing … except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). His vast knowledge of the Word fueled his humility, not his pride.

Building Up, Not Tearing Down
The purpose of knowing God’s Word is to build others up, not to show them how much we know. As Ephesians 4:29 instructs us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Our knowledge of Scripture should be a tool for encouragement, not a weapon for judgment.

Practical Steps to Avoid Flaunting Knowledge

1. Examine Your Motives: Before sharing Scripture or theological insights, ask yourself why. Is it to bless someone or to impress them?
2. Emphasize Love: Ensure your knowledge is paired with genuine love for God and others. Knowledge without love is noise (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
3. Point to Christ: Use your understanding of Scripture to glorify God, not yourself. Every theological conversation should lead to Jesus.
4. Be Teachable: No matter how much you know, remain open to learning. Pride often manifests in an unteachable spirit.

Conclusion
Bible knowledge is a wonderful gift, but it must be handled with humility and love. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, let us remember that our ultimate goal is not to flaunt our wisdom but to glorify God and serve His people. May our knowledge always reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).