Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Alex who lived in a small village in the mountains. Alex was very curious and loved to explore the world around him. One day, he decided to climb up to the top of the highest mountain in the village to see what was on the other side. As he climbed, he met an old wise man who lived in a cave halfway up the mountain. The old man had spent his entire life studying and acquiring knowledge, and he had become a respected teacher in the village. Alex was fascinated by the old man’s wisdom and asked him if he could teach him everything he knew.
The old man smiled and said, “Knowledge is not something that can be taught, but it is something that must be discovered.” He then handed Alex a small book and told him, “This book contains all the knowledge in the world, but it is up to you to discover its secrets.” Alex was thrilled to receive the book and began to read it eagerly. He spent many days and nights pouring over its pages, learning about science, history, art, and philosophy. But as he read, he realized that the more he learned, the more he realized how much he didn’t know.
Eventually, Alex grew discouraged and went back to the old man’s cave. “I’ve read the whole book,” he said, “but I still feel like I know nothing.” The old man smiled and said, “That is the first step to true knowledge. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. But don’t be discouraged. Keep seeking knowledge, and one day, you will discover the answers you seek.” Alex took the old man’s advice to heart and continued to explore the world around him, always seeking new knowledge and wisdom. And in time, he became a wise and respected teacher himself, passing on the knowledge he had discovered to the next generation.
True Meaning of Knowledge
The word “knowledge” comes from the Middle English word “knowleche,” which was derived ment of a superior; learning, instruction; doctrine.” The word “cnawlæc” was formed from the root words “cnawan,” which meant “to know,” and “læc,” which meant “gift or offering.” The root word “cnawan” can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word “knewan,” which meant “to perceive, know.” This word, in turn, was derived from the Proto-Indo-European word “gno-” or “gne-,” which meant “to know” or “to recognize.”
The meaning of the word “knowledge” has evolved over time to refer to the understanding or awareness of facts, information, or skills acquired through education, experience, or study. Today, it is commonly defined as the familiarity or acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, acquired through study, investigation, observation, or experience but that is so wrong. The overload of information has made us underestimate the importance of knowledge. Information is taught. Knowledge is discovered.
Taken from the word origin alone, to gain knowledge, one must have the acknowledgement of a superior. Anyone who does not recognize any authority over their lives has rejected knowledge. “Whoever comes to God must believe that He is…”. Acknowledgement! What does a superior do? A superior gives instructions. Instruction! In-struction. In-structure. A structure is formed within us when keep heeding the Holy Spirit, our Teacher.
“Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” generally refers to a deep and personal understanding of who Jesus is, what he taught, and what his life and death mean for humanity. It involves more than just a theoretical or intellectual understanding of Jesus; rather, it is knowledge that comes from a personal relationship with him and an experience of his love and grace.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the importance of this knowledge, which he describes as a transformative and life-changing experience. For example, in Philippians 3:8-10, he writes: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Overall, “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” is not just about acquiring information, but about having a deep and personal relationship with him that transforms our lives and enables us to experience his love, grace, and power.
