The Knowledge of God
The knowledge of Christ is priceless and will shine brightly in heaven, while human knowledge and earthly accomplishments are transient and insignificant.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the transient nature of earthly knowledge compared to the eternal value of knowing Christ. He asserts that while worldly achievements may fade, the knowledge of Jesus will endure and elevate believers to share in the divine wisdom of God. Spurgeon encourages the congregation to prioritize their relationship with Christ, as it is through Him that they will continue to learn and grow in understanding. He reminds them that true wisdom lies in recognizing the worthlessness of worldly accolades in light of the glory of knowing Christ. Ultimately, the pursuit of Christ's knowledge is what will lead to eternal significance and fulfillment.
Text
The most of the subjects which mortals study here will be forgotten in the world to come; the profoundest of them will be too trifling to be pursued amid angelic thrones. The honors of classical and mathematical attainments will shine but dimly amidst the glories of heaven, but the knowledge of Christ Jesus will still be priceless, and it will cause those who possess it to shine as the sun. He that knoweth Christ shall go on to sit at his feet and still to learn, and as he learns he will tell to principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
See ye, then, beloved, that the apostle for the sake of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord still counted all the things that he had once gloried in to be but loss.
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "A Business-Like Account," delivered June 3, 1877.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Transient Nature of Human Knowledge
- A. Most human knowledge will be forgotten in heaven
- B. Even profound knowledge will be insignificant in heaven
- II. The Eternal Value of Knowing Christ
- A. The knowledge of Christ will shine brightly in heaven
- B. Those who know Christ will continue to learn and grow
- III. The Apostles' Priorities
- A. The apostle Paul valued the knowledge of Christ above all else
- B. He considered earthly accomplishments as loss compared to Christ
Key Quotes
“He that knoweth Christ shall go on to sit at his feet and still to learn, and as he learns he will tell to principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Prioritize the knowledge of Christ above all else, as it is the most valuable and eternal knowledge.
- Consider earthly accomplishments as loss compared to the knowledge of Christ, and focus on growing in your relationship with Him.
- Continue to learn and grow in your knowledge of Christ, and share it with others as a testimony to God's wisdom.