IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE

1. "For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.
2. EVEN THOUGH I AM UNTRAINED IN SPEECH, YET I AM NOT IN KNOWLEDGE. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things."
   2 Corinthians 11:5,6 (NKJV)

• God uses vessels who prepared for the assignment at hand. He does not put novices to work (1 Timothy 3:6).

• For God to use someone, He would have trained the person, take him or her through series of trainings and tests.
• God will give you opportunities to develop yourself in preparation for what He wanted to use you for.

• Somebody said God can blow through the ram’s horn and through the silver trumpet, but He blows better through the silver trumpet.

• You can make yourself a silver trumpet through self-development.

1. “But in a GREAT HOUSE 🏠 THERE are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of clay, some for honour and some for dishonour.
2. THEREFORE IF ANYONE CLEANSES HIMSELF FROM THE LATTER, HE WILL BE A VESSEL FOR HONOUR, SANCTIFIED [set apart] AND USEFUL for the MASTER, PREPARED unto every good work."
   2 Timothy 2:20,21 (NKJV)

• To be a silver trumpet you have to develop yourself in studying of the world.

• Your level of preparation will determine what God will likely use you for.
• If you have formal education plus other trainings, God will likely use you where He may not be able to use someone who lacks formal education.
• Also, your level of development would determine where God fixes you in His divine programme for the world.

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (Amp.)

• To be approved by God you have to study.

• Develop Yourself

• Do not be a novice in your field, in whatever assignment God has called you to do.

“Not a novice [new convert], lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil."
1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV)

• One of the criteria given by the Apostle Paul to Timothy for the office of bishop is, the potential leader, bishop, should not be a novice.
• God detests ignorance. He does not have regard for anyone who hates knowledge (Job 21:14).
• God delights in those who have passion for knowledge. People who despise knowledge are always behind.

1. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
2. BECAUSE THEY HATED KNOWLEDGE AND DID NOT CHOOSE THE FEAR OF THE LORD."
   Proverbs 1:28,29 (NKJV)

• Lack of knowledge can hinder your prayer and make your leadership porous. Someone who lacks the knowledge of the Word of God cannot but pray amiss (James 4:3).

• Take note: Develop yourself through the study of the Word of God.

• The Bible is the primary source of knowledge. God admonishes Joshua that the Scripture should not depart from him, that is, he should not do without the Word—if he did want to be prosperous and successful.

"This Book of the LAW SHALL NOT depart FROM YOUR MOUTH, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; FOR THEN YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, AND THEN YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL."
Joshua 1:8 (Amp.)

• Also, you need to lay hand on relevant books of proven authors that can help your growth.
• Listen to teachings of proven and seasoned ministers of God.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and training programmes
• If you desire to do it, that is, to develop yourself, God will help your resolve (Colossians 1:9).

"As for these four young men [Daniel and his friends], God gave them knowledge and skills in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
Daniel 1:17 (NKJV)

• Invest more on books and teaching materials than clothes.
• What you get in the books could make you a blessing to the people you are assigned.
• Do not hesitate to pay any amount to develop yourself, you will later reap it.
• If God is planning to reach certain class of society, He will consider your level of knowledge before considering you for the assignment (Isaiah 33:6).
• Acquiring knowledge is not a waste of time and resources, it is an investment.

"A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength."
Proverbs 24:5 (NKJV)

• Those who disregard knowledge may not go far in life and ministry.

• You will not fail in Jesus name.
Peace!