KNOWLEDGE: To realize basic truths about the universe (simple foundational information)
1. The Bible is God’s word, and it is helpful (2Tim 3:16)
Search a free digital King James Bible for the phrases “saith the Lord” and “the Lord said” and get over 1,000 results. The Old Testament has prophecies of Jesus (Mic 5:2/Lk 2:4-7; Isa 53:3/Jn 1:11). We are sanctified in truth; God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17). The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32). God gives wisdom (Jas 1:5), which is better than gold (Pro 16:16).
2. God created the universe, with his words (Gen 1:1+)
It seems illogical that the universe just came into existence from nothing. Science claims the universe is still expanding, which means if we go back in time it had a starting point. The heavens declare God’s work (Ps 19:1). Consider the quantum physics theories of uncertainty, tunneling, entanglement, decoherence, and the unified field, which seem to provide evidence of a spiritual world. Science done well reveals natural laws of earth. God is over all and in all (Eph 4:6).
3. God created humans, in his image (Gen 1:27)
It seems illogical that a self-reproducing organism evolved into male and female, to reproduce and survive. Science says we are about 95 percent oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, with trace elements. God created humans from dust of the earth and the breath of life (Gen 2:7), as a spirit, with a soul, in a body (2 Thess 5:23). God’s love endures (Ps 136).
UNDERSTANDING: To realize how the spiritual and physical interact (complex interactive information)
4. God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2Tim 1:7)
Your heart holds the issues of life, guard it (Pro 4:23). The heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9), but God can give a new heart and spirit (Ez 36:26). Don’t forget God’s teaching, keep it in your heart (Pro 3:1), and manage your thoughts (2Cor 10:5). Your mind can transform you, renew it (Ro 12:2). Know them by their fruit (Mt 7:20, Gal 5:22-23). Help people (Gal 6:10).
5. Our tongue has the power of death and life (Pro 18:21)
Declare Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, to be saved (Ro 10:9). Don’t talk corruptly; encourage people (Eph 4:29). Words can harm or heal (Pro 12:18). Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). A soft answer repels anger, but a harsh word stirs it (Pro 15:1). Be quick to hear, slow to speak and anger (Jas 1:19), for understanding (Pro 14:29).
6. We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places, but we have God’s armor (Eph 6:12+)
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give a more abundant life (Jn 10:10). Our spiritual adversaries tempt (Gen 3:1-6, Mt 4:3-11), deceive and accuse (Rev 12:9-10), lie (Jn 8:44), and discourage (2Cor 4:4). The devil tempts with pride (Gen 3:5 Mt 4:8-9) and doubt in identity (Mt 4:3). God’s armor is truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, God’s word (Eph 6:13-17). Don’t give way to the wicked (Pro 25:26).
7. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Jn 3:16)
By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, by one man’s obedience many are made righteous (Ro 5:19). Nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro 8:38-39). Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will judge every deed (Ecc 12:13-14).
WISDOM: To realize how to apply knowledge and understanding (practical probability thinking)
8. Walk in the Spirit, to resist the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16+)
Humans are naturally sinful (Gen 3:6, 4:1-10). Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Greater is the Holy Spirit in us than us in the world (1Jn 4:4). Serve in newness of Spirit, not in oldness of the letter (Ro 7:6). Our desires of the flesh are against the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:17). Do to people as you want done to you (Mt 7:12).
9. Love God and love people, on these depend all the Law and the Prophets (Mt 22:37+)
God is love (1Jn 4:8), and He first loved us (1Jn 4:19). For those who love God, all things work together for good (Ro 8:28). Love can cover sins (1Pt 4:8). Love involves grace and truth (Jn 1:17). Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, or resentful. Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, it rejoices in truth, and endures (1Cor 13:4-6).
10. Have faith in God, it can move mountains (Mk 11:22+)
Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Ro 10:17). God is pleased by our faith (Heb 11:6). By grace we are saved through faith, not works, it’s a gift from God (Eph 2:8). But, our works reflect our faith (Jas 2:18). Jesus intercedes for us (Heb 7:25). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Php 4:13). Not by might, by God’s Spirit (Zech 4:6).
11. In an honest and good heart, hear God’s word, keep it, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15)
Blessed are those who walk in God’s word and keep it (Ps 119:1-2). Get advice (Pro 13:20, 15:22). Wisdom gives wisdom (Pro 13:20). Buy truth and wisdom (Pro 23:23). Wisdom is better than might (Ecc 9:16). Think on good topics (Php 4:8). Knowledge increases strength (Pro 24:5). Laws of nature are God’s word. God said… (Gen 1:3-29)
12. Let your heart not be troubled or afraid (Jn 14:27).
Put on the armor of God (Eph 6:14-17). Be strong and courageous, God is with you (Jos 1:9). Be of good courage (Psa 27:14). I fear no evil; God is with me (Ps 23:4). Love casts out fear (1Jn 4:18). Plan (Pro 4:25-26). Let your light shine to glorify God (Mt 5:16). Don’t grow tired of doing good (Gal 6:9). All things work out for those who love God (Ro 8:28).