By: Craig Rippy

  I assume most would agree with the title of this article, "Education is Important." In the secular world an education is sought after. Matter of fact, a high school diploma is very advantageous to decent employment and a college degree usually gives a person more opportunities.

From a quick search of Scripture one finds that God thinks education is important as well. As early as Moses the Israelites were given a Law to learn and obey. Later Elisha lead a company of prophets. It is assumed by theologians that he taught them God's ways. You know, just because a person is gifted as a prophet doesn't mean they know much. Of course, Jesus taught the twelve for three years.

The Bible is clear about how we should increase in the knowledge of the Lord. Actually, the Bible was written for study. The King James Version states it this way, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

This brings me to the point. How well do you know your Bible? If you were to move to a community where there were no Bible believing churches would you be able to start a Bible study in your home? Could you lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Are you able to give counsel from Scripture to help others grow in their faith?

God wants you to be able to do any or all of the above. Each of us are exhorted to preach and teach. Oh, that doesn't mean you have to preach from the pulpit on Sunday morning, but it does mean that you must be able to communicate the Gospel well so as to provide enough information for another to act upon and be accepted of God. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:45-49)

We are also told to teach the rest of the message as well. The Hebrew Christians were lacking in this area and Paul rebuked them with these words, In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14 - NIV).

Paul expected the various congregations to be teaching as seen in Colossians. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16 - NIV).

We are all encouraged to gain knowledge of our Lord. Peter writes, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (Peter 3:18 - NIV).

Something that might surprise you is that each of us are counselors. Look up a few lines to the Colossians 3 passage. The word "admonish" is a word that one Biblical Counselor uses to base his counseling philosophy. Jay Adams, PhD., uses the Greek form to name his method. "Nouthetic" counseling is something I like. Why? Because it's Biblical.

Romans 15:14 reads, And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another (NASU). Here the whole Roman congregation was able to "admonish one another." To gently confront problems and correct with Biblical instruction.

What can Solid Rock Christian Church do to help you grow in the knowledge of the Lord. What can we do to help you be prepared to share the message of Christ with others? What can we do to prepare you to teach the deeper truths of God's Word. And, what can we do to help you become a gentle counselor?