Necessary Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Knowledge—not just what we know, but who we know

(Jesus Christ and others)—focuses today’s readings. The

danger, as these texts make clear, is that a little knowledge

can be a dangerous thing. “Anyone who does not heed

the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself

will hold accountable” (Deuteronomy 18:19). How do

we know when a prophet is speaking in God’s name?

How do we distinguish true from false prophesy? Psalm

111:10 offers a clue: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning

of wisdom.” Paul expands this theme, noting that knowledge

can be both good and bad, so be careful how you use

it. What we do with knowledge of God’s purposes, and

how we respond once we come to know Jesus, makes all

the difference.