…We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)
Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. This phrase summarizes Paul’s whole message to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were constantly spouting off their knowledge. Disagreements in the church turned into intellectual sparring matches. Who could quote the most verses? Appeal to the most apostolic authorities? Use the most persuasive arguments? In the midst of their philosophical debates, they were ignoring Christ and missing love. That is why the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13, finds itself in the midst of 1 Corinthians. Paul had to remind them that “knowledge puffs up but love builds up.” Without love, all that we know, say, and do in the Christian life is meaningless.
Of course, Paul is not discounting biblical knowledge. He did all he could to teach people the truths of Jesus Christ. But the purpose of knowledge is to lead to deeper love not bigger pride. I seek to know God to love Him more not to berate my brothers with Bible verses.
I like how Paul puts it in verse two–”if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Catch that? In other words, if what you know makes you proud of what you know then what you know is really not worth knowing. True knowledge of God should always lead to more humility and less pride. When I realize who God is and what He has done for me, then there is no room left for boasting. Greater knowledge of God should compel me to fall on my knees in praise, adoration, and humility not stick up my nose in theological superiority.
Thus Paul says, in verse three, the real measure in Christianity is not “what do I know about God?” but “do I love God?” If I love God, I will pursue a greater knowledge of Him…for the right reasons…and in turn God will draw closer and closer to me in deepening relationship. “If anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.”
These verses are such a good reminder to me. It is great to know lots of Bible verses and theology. But without love, these things simply become another avenue to pride…like one’s physical strength, financial prosperity, abilities, skills, position, etc. Knowledge alone simply puffs up my pride. However knowledge for the sake of deeper love builds up my faith and the faith of others.
Lord, give me a deeper knowledge of You so that I might come to love You more and build up others in encouragement and ministry.