Knowing God and Keeping His Commandments

Knowledge or Knowing God?

Years ago, I was having a discussion about my views on the Christian faith when someone who disagreed with me said, “There are people older than you, who have studied the Bible longer than you, that don’t believe what you believe.” I snapped back, “Okay, they are wrong too. They just have been wrong for a longer time.” Yeah, not the most “Christian” response, perhaps, but it is how I felt. I don’t know about you, but I am a firm believer that the Holy Spirit will give you discernment about a teacher or teaching regardless of whether you fully grasp the subject or not. I too often see Christians who just take the word of pastors, teachers, and theologians without questioning it simply because they are pastors, teachers, and theologians. There is the sense that because they are accomplished, well versed in the Bible, or have attained a level of acceptance and popularity within Christian circles, it must be because God has put them there and we should just absorb what they say. Yet, I spent a good portion of my early years as a Christian trying to “unwind” some of the teachings of these people because they were just plain wrong. “But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.  But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me (Galatians 2:4-6).” Now, don’t misunderstand me, I respect and admire those men and women of God who have devoted their lives to learning the scriptures and teaching them. I have learned from them and sit under one of the best in my pastor, Aaron Budjen. 

With that said, it is clear that even the Apostle Paul felt it necessary to admit that many of his fellow brethren “contributed nothing” to his faith. He goes so far as to call them “false brethren.” My point is that things like attending seminary, being heads over churches, scriptural knowledge, having respect among colleagues, writing books, being on television, and being in the faith for years does not automatically equate to a person having Biblical discernment or that what they teach is even the truth. Paul encouraged Timothy, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:12).” Timothy was told by people that because of his age, and dare I say lack of formal training, knowledge, etc.; he had nothing to say in regards to the truth of Scripture. But, nobody is older, more knowledgeable, more educated, or a better teacher than God. He is not limited by the things we use to determine who is qualified to speak on behalf of the Lord. Age, gender, education, experience, and Biblical knowledge do not determine who God uses to get out the Gospel message. All He asks is a willing spirit and an open heart. 

You Don't Love God

Christians often have our faith questioned by other believers because to them we don’t appear to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5).” There were no more diligent people when it came to trying to obey the commands of God than the people of Israel. However, we know from reading the Bible, that there were also no other people on earth that failed to live up to the commands of God like the people of Israel. Yet, some leaders think that Christians are capable of living up to these commands because we now have the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you think that you can obey what God commands, there is only one conclusion that can be made; you do not love God. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (John 14:15).” He was saying that if a person loved Him, they must obey all the commands contained in the Mosaic Law and more. If that is the standard all Christians are measured by, then none of us are Christians. Jesus challenged His audience to live in such a way. Unfortunately, rather than admitting they did not love God, they kept on trying.

Similarly, to justify our continued pursuit of the impossible, Christians will measure ourselves against other Christians instead of the perfection God demands. Despite the Bible clearly stating that we are not under the law, that no one will be justified by the law, and that those under the law are under a curse, we continue our efforts. This only leads to a misunderstanding of the New Covenant and the feeling that God must be disgusted with us because deep down inside we know we are not obeying His commands. But, that is what Jesus wants us to discover. That apart from the grace and mercy of God we are hopeless. God knows we cannot obey His commands and won't prove our love to Him. Instead, through the sinless life of Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection, God showed us how much He loved us. It is okay to say that you can’t prove your love for God through obedience to His commands. Only then will you be ready for His love and acceptance of you because of your faith in Jesus Christ.