It is remarkable that again and again the apostle Paul confronts failure to do what’s right with failure to know what’s right. For example:

Right Knowing Prevents Continuing in Sin.

Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! ... or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Romans 6:1-3)

Right Knowing Prevents the Prostituting of Grace.

Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? (Romans 6:15-16)

Right Knowing Prevents Boasting.

Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? (1 Corinthians 5:6)

Right Knowing Empowers Good Dispute Settling.

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life? (1 Corinthians 6:2)

Right Knowing Prevents Fornication.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her? For he says, “The two will become one flesh.” … do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:15-19)

Paul is simply continuing the emphasis of Jesus who said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Therefore don’t coast in your thinking. Don’t be passive with your mind. Instead…

Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline our heart to understanding;
Cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
Seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures
(Proverbs 2:2-4)

In quest of life-changing truth with you,

Pastor John