INTRODUCTION
A. In I Corinthians 8:1-13, Paul was discussing the " danger " of having knowledge without " love."
1. This is also a problem of today's preachers and teachers of God's word.
2. Having acquired knowledge and experience, some have become proud.
B. This lesson will analyze the following points:
1. What is " puffed-up " knowledge?
2. Why do people with knowledge become puffed -up?
3. The evil results of having " knowledge that puffs up."
4. The remedy for knowledge puffed-up people
DISCUSSION
A. What is " puffed-up " knowledge?
1. " Puffed-up " knowledge when opposed to " edified " implies tearing down or destroying someone or something.
2. In other words " pride has the power to corrupt the possessor of knowledge."
3.Synonyms for " puffed-up " are arrogant, boastful or inflated with pride.
4. To " puff-up " someone is to " talk a lot about how excellent he is."
a. Also" to praise someone more than he deserves."
b. A knowledgeable person becomes puffed- up when he is praised more than what he deserves."
B. Why Do People With Knowledge Become Puffed-up?
1. When one has knowledge ONLY, it will lead to PRIDE for " knowledge alone puffs up."
2. Just like the Pharisee, the puffed- up person will gather his intellectual robe and pray...
a. Lord, I thank YOU that I am NOT like other men " ignorant, uneducated or without knowldge."
b. I read my Greek Bible every day and can defeat " other preachers" in any discussion personal or on line.
3. Paul said, " If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge..but have NOT love, I gain nothing," I Corinthians 13:2
4. The person " with puffed-up knowledge" feels superior or better than anyone else
a. In other words, he becomes " unteachable."
b. If someone will help him understand something, he would say " I am NOT your student."
5. Solomon says " Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall, " Proverbs 16:18
6. Interrupting Paul's defense, Festus said, " You are out of your mind. Your " great learning is driving you insane! " Acts 26:24
C. The Evil Results of Having Knowledge That Puffs Up
1. " If any man ( preacher/teacher ) think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know," I Corinthians 8:2 ( KJV )
2. " Anyone who CLAIMS to know ALL the ANSWERS doesn't really know very much," I Corinthians 8:2 New Living Translation
3. The " knowledge puffed-up person" will NOT go down to the level of his hearers that he might win them to Christ.
4. In I Corinthians 9:20-23, Paul wrote the following:
a. " to those outside the law, I became as one outside the law- not being without law toward God, but UNDER the LAW of Christ- that I might win those outside the law."
b. " I have BECOME all things to all men, that I might by ALL means save some."
c. " I do it ALL for the sake of the GOSPEL, that I may share in its blessings."
5. Paul's attitude was NOT pride of possession ( of knowledge ) but of obligation and service!
6. He said, " I am under obligation both to the Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the FOOLISH," Romans 1:14
7. In 2 Chronicles 26:16, King Uzziah was described as " when he was strong, he grew PROUD to his destruction. He was unfaithful to God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense." ESV
D. The Remedy For Knowledge- Puffed-Up People
1.Jesus said, " He who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted," Matthew 23:12
2. The Lord's brother wrote, " God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble," James 4:6
3. Solomon declared, " The proud in heart is an ABOMINATION to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go UNPUNISHED," Proverbs 16:5
4. The only solution or remedy for " knowledge puffed-up person" is to humble himself before God!
a. The puffed-up person must " submit himself to God," James 4:7a
- recognize own weaknesses
- stop fighting against God and other believers
b. " resist the devil," James 4:7b
c. " draw near to God and He will draw near to us," James 4:8a
d. " cleanse your hands; purify your hearts," James 4:8b
5. " Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up," James 4:10
6. The " knowledge puffed-up person" must always remember that " no ONE has a monopoly of knowledge."
7. Lucifer was expelled by God from heaven because of pride! Isaiah 14:12,16,17; Revelation 12:7-9
CONCLUSION
A. In Romans 12:3, Paul's message to the " knowledge puffed-up person" is as follows:
1. " For the GRACE given to me, I say to everyone among you NOT to think of himself MORE HIGHLY than he ought to think..
2. But to think with SOBER judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has given him."
B. To those who have not yet humbled themselves before God
1. Believe and be baptized to be saved and not to be condemned, Mark 16:16
2. Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38
3. Now is the acceptable time! Today is the Day of Salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2
4. Christ is inviting everyone who is heavy laden ( with pride ) to come to Him for spiritual rest, Matthew 11:28-30