Be Encouraged
Be Encouraged Excerpt Paul’s stated purpose was that they might be encouraged in heart and united in love. Confidence and strength of conviction as well as cohesive unity yield a full understanding of the truth. There is no full knowledge apart from moral commitment. Complete understanding ( syneseōs , “insight” ) results from complete yielding. And this understanding is Christocentric. This insight into God’s ways enables believers to know ( epignōsin ) Christ fully. Christ, as the true mystery of God, reveals God to man ( cf . John 1:18 ; Heb. 1:2-3 ). For in Him are hidden ( cf . Col. 1:26 ) all the treasures of wisdom ( sophia , cf . 1:9 ) and knowledge. Knowledge is the apprehension of truth; wisdom is its application to life. Knowledge is prudent judgment and wisdom is prudent action. Both are found in Christ ( cf ....