Enjoy Free Gifts?
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. – 1 Corinthians 2:12
Ever met someone who seemed to glean great joy in withholding information? If you’re a younger sister, it might have been your older brother… Most of us know someone who seemed to enjoy holding-back pertinent details from us. But, God is not someone who delights in withholding information from us. In fact, He longs for us to know things.
In looking-up the word, “know” used in the above passage, I gained a better understanding of God’s heart. Did you know, no pun intended…, that the word, “know” from 1 Corinthians 2:12 means so much more than you might think? Look at a few of its definitions:
- To see, to perceive with the eyes or any of the senses
- To notice, to discern
- To discover, to inspect, to examine
- To look at, to behold
- To experience
- To understand
- To have regard for, to cherish
By replacing the word, ”know” in the above passage, with these definitions, I get a clearer picture. God wants us to discover, examine, and understand the things which He has freely provided! How awesome, that we serve a God who wants us to know things, not withold withhold from us. So, what has He freely provided for us?
- Eternal Life/Salvation – Ephesians 2:8-9
- Righteousness/Justification – Romans 4:16; Hebrews 9:26
- Peace with God – Romans 5:1
- The Holy Spirit – John 16:13
- The mind of Christ – 1 Corinthians 2:16
- Grace – God’s unmerited favor – Romans 3:20-24
His invitation is to examine, experience, and understand the free gifts He provides. And, the bullet list above does not begin to scratch the surface of all that He has freely given to us. How do we know the things He provides? Through often examination of His Word and time with Him, we better understand the things He wants for us to know. Let’s jump on the KNOW Train and perceive more of the things He longs for us to know. In knowing, we will cherish Him more. All Aboard!
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. – Psalm 119:18
Bible Study Tool Links:
Tools to Understand the Bible
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
Bible Gateway
Bible Study Tools
Spirit-Filled Life Bible
10 Comments
Julie Smith
Sharon, thank you for taking the time to read the blog post. And, thank you for your encouragement. : )
Sharon Thomson
beautiful and encouraging thoughts! It’s good to know! 🙂
Julie Smith
Hi Mary! I am so appreciative of your time and your encouragement! I sure miss seeing you and Jack. Please let me know how you are.
Mary Archer
Great words to ponder! Keep blogging, Julie!
Julie Smith
Hi Patricia! Thank you for your sweet message! We miss you and your family. Please let me know how you are. : )
The Martins
Glad to hear from you again! It’s so refreshing. Blessings to you all.
Julie Smith
Thank you, Pastor Gary! Your encouragement has often meant a great deal to me! We miss you all at SGF! We need to plan a visit, soon!
Gary Osborn
I’m still the leader of your fan club! Love this piece. As my friend, Richard Hanner, used to say, “This dog will hunt!”. Interpretation: This piece will preach. Should be taught and shared. Is good to know and think about. Appreciate you so much!
Julie Smith
Bobbie, thank you so much for taking the time to read the blog post and to reach out to me! We miss our South Gate family so much! We are doing well. Thank you for asking. We hope to visit you all soon!
Bobbie Chapman
Oh Julie, thank you so much. I have missed your blogs and was so grateful to receive this one. I hope that both you and Wayne, as well as the kids, are doing well. We love and miss you guys.