1. Introduction

Knowing God is not simply about learning Bible verses or collecting information about Him. It involves growing in our understanding of what He has revealed through His Word.

As we study Scripture, we learn about God’s character, His righteousness, His grace, His promises, and His purposes through Jesus Christ. The more we understand His Word, the better equipped we become to recognize truth and distinguish it from error.

However, spiritual growth does not come merely from reading many chapters or memorizing numerous verses. We must also seek to understand what we read, consider the context, and allow the truth to shape our thinking.

A person can know many Bible verses and still misunderstand their meaning. Therefore, our goal should be to grow in both biblical understanding and the ability to handle God’s Word accurately.

In this lesson, we will discover how Scripture helps us grow in our knowledge of God and why we must continue learning throughout our lives.

2. Key Scripture

2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Peter encourages believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Notice that the verse connects growth with grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. Our understanding of Christ should continue to deepen as we learn more about what Scripture reveals concerning Him.

We do not grow by inventing new truths about God. We grow by understanding more clearly the truth He has already revealed.

As we study the Bible, we discover more about the significance of Christ’s work, the meaning of God’s promises, and the life believers have in Him.

3. We Grow by Learning the Truth of God’s Word

Colossians 1:9–10 (KJV)

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Paul prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, wisdom, and spiritual understanding.

These verses show that understanding God’s truth is important to the believer’s life. Knowledge helps us recognize what pleases God and equips us to live fruitfully.

We should therefore approach Bible study with a desire to understand, not merely to finish a reading plan or complete a course.

When we encounter a difficult passage, we should take time to examine it. We can read the surrounding verses, identify the audience, consider the circumstances, and compare related Scriptures.

Careful study helps us develop a sound understanding of God’s Word.

4. We Must Handle God’s Word Accurately

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Paul instructs Timothy to handle the Word of truth accurately.

This is especially important because the Bible contains different historical settings, audiences, covenants, instructions, and promises. We must not ignore these distinctions when interpreting Scripture.

For example, a command given to Israel under the Mosaic Law must first be understood in its original setting. Before applying that passage to believers today, we should examine what the New Testament teaches about the subject.

Likewise, when reading Paul’s letters, we should consider whom he was addressing and what issue he was discussing.

Rightly understanding Scripture protects us from building doctrines on misunderstood passages.

Our responsibility is not to force the Bible to agree with our existing opinions. It is to examine the text honestly and allow its meaning to correct our understanding.

5. Knowledge Should Help Us Recognize What Is True

Ephesians 4:14–15 (KJV)

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Paul describes the importance of becoming established in the truth rather than being carried away by every new teaching.

When believers develop a sound understanding of Scripture, they become better equipped to examine teachings and recognize when something does not agree with God’s Word.

This does not mean that we should become proud or believe that we can never be mistaken. Instead, we should remain humble, teachable, and committed to examining what we hear.

Growing in knowledge should also affect how we treat others. Paul speaks of speaking the truth in love.

Therefore, we should not use biblical knowledge to humiliate people or prove that we are more spiritual than they are. We should use what we learn to understand God’s truth and communicate it faithfully.

6. Practical Example

Imagine that a Christian has attended church for many years and can quote numerous Bible verses. However, whenever someone presents a teaching that differs from what the Christian has always heard, the person rejects it immediately without examining the Scriptures.

Is knowing many verses enough?

No. Memorizing Scripture is valuable, but we must also understand what those verses mean.

Consider the example of the Bereans.

Acts 17:11 (KJV)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

The Bereans listened eagerly and examined the Scriptures to determine whether the teaching they heard was true.

Their example reminds us that spiritual maturity involves a willingness to learn and examine biblical teaching.

A person who has studied the Bible for many years should still be willing to learn. Likewise, a new believer should be encouraged to develop the habit of studying Scripture carefully.

The goal is not to defend everything we have previously believed. The goal is to understand God’s truth more accurately.

7. How Can We Continue Growing in the Knowledge of God?

We can develop a stronger understanding of God’s Word by following these principles:

  • Study consistently: Make time to read and study Scripture regularly.

  • Understand the context: Consider the audience, circumstances, and purpose of each passage.

  • Compare Scripture with Scripture: Examine related passages rather than forming conclusions from isolated verses.

  • Remain teachable: Be willing to correct your understanding when you discover that you have misunderstood something.

  • Keep Christ central: Pay attention to what Scripture reveals about Jesus Christ and His finished work.

  • Apply truth responsibly: Consider how biblical teaching should shape your understanding, decisions, and conduct.

  • Share with love: Communicate what you learn with humility, patience, and respect for others.

Remember that spiritual growth is not a competition. We should not measure our knowledge by comparing ourselves with other believers. Instead, we should remain committed to learning and understanding God’s revealed truth.

8. Remember

Growing in the knowledge of God means continually learning to understand His revealed truth more accurately through His Word.

Reading the Bible is important, but we must also study it carefully, understand its context, and examine the teachings we receive.

We should never assume that we know everything simply because we have been Christians for many years or have memorized many verses.

As we continue learning, we become better equipped to recognize truth, identify error, and communicate God’s Word faithfully.

Our goal is to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, becoming firmly established in biblical truth while remaining humble and willing to learn.

PreviousNext