God predicted that in the last days knowledge will increase, but the knowledge of the world is not the same as biblical knowledge.

What does the Bible say about knowledge? How does it differ from wisdom? What happens when people are ignorant of the knowledge of God, and why is knowledge important for Christ-followers? 

What Does the Bible Say about Knowledge?

In the Bible, the word “knowledge” first appears in Genesis. God placed a tree of the “knowledge of good and evil” in Eden, and commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree. When Satan questioned God’s commandment in Eve’s presence, she chose to disobey God, as did Adam (Genesis 3:1-6). This first couple knew intellectually about good and evil because of God’s command, but they understood good and evil experientially—as well as the devastating consequences of their choice—in disobedience. 

Knowledge is neither ethically nor morally neutral. The world encourages knowledge of all things, but not all knowledge is good. That’s why Paul said, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:19). 

Author and spiritual coach David Sanford wrote, “‘Good’ knowledge is what God wants us to know, believe, and heed. ‘Evil’ knowledge is what Satan wants us to know, believe, and heed. It didn’t start with Eve’s first bite. Instead, it started with everything the Serpent said—that Eve decided to believe.” 

The battle of people choosing between good and bad knowledge continues throughout Scripture and to our present day. Christ-followers are instructed to examine  and meditate on the Word of God, because the knowledge God wants us to know is from Him. “Real knowledge,” Sanford says, “is from God the Father (James 1:16-18), God’s Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and God’s Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27).”

Christians cannot trust their deceitful hearts to point them in the direction of good knowledge, and Satan always tries to trick people (Jeremiah 17:9; John 10:10). Godly discernment and wisdom must be added to knowledge. As believers learn to fear God, the “knowledge of the Holy One” brings understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

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Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth wrote that the word Christos comes from a verb that means “to anoint, and it’s related to a Latin term, “Caesar.” Like the words “Kaiser” or “Czar,” the concept is an appointed or anointed leader. “Our human hearts crave a Messiah, a Christ, an appointed leader,” Wolgemuth says.

Oil was used in biblical times to anoint priests, prophets, and kings for God’s purposes. People were said to be consecrated or set apart for a specific role in God’s plan. For example: Aaron was anointed as high priest; Elisha was anointed to succeed the prophet Elijah; and Saul and David were anointed kings. 

The earliest prophecy about the Messiah is Genesis 3:15. It is believed that the one who will crush the serpent’s (Satan’s) head is the Messiah. The Jews knew God would bring a Deliverer to His people, chosen to redeem Israel. He was expected to deliver Israel by overthrowing Roman rule and restore the kingdom to Israel.

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It’s been said , “The book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian.” But it’s time Christ-followers tackled this book—controversial topics and all—because there are important lessons to learn.

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When times of crisis come, such as the pandemic of the coronavirus, Christians need a strategy for coping not only physically, but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We might think the physical danger from viral disease is our only concern, but there’s far more at stake for Christ-followers.

President Trump and others liken the struggle against the coronavirus to a “war” against an invisible enemy. We have another invisible enemy, too—Satan. We can’t see him, but we see the effects of his attacks everywhere. The Bible says our adversary is seeking people to “devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Believers are admonished to put on the “armor of light” and clothe ourselves with Christ, but also to suit up in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). It’s not enough to know about the armor. We need to put on the armor and not miss a piece! As Ephesians 6:13 says, “Put on the full armor of God.”

Why? We’re fighting a war! Here are 6 steps to expect and embrace victory:

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