{"id":44955,"date":"2021-01-16T01:00:12","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T22:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=44955"},"modified":"2025-05-08T23:35:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T20:35:22","slug":"how-paul-dealt-with-spiritual-ignorance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2021\/01\/16\/how-paul-dealt-with-spiritual-ignorance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Paul Dealt with Spiritual Ignorance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In his ministry as an apostle, Paul wasn\u2019t only concerned with people accepting Christ and receiving forgiveness for their sins. His mission was much broader. Paul worked tirelessly to teach believers the full counsel of God, including divine truths and hidden mysteries that had been embedded in Scripture since ancient times (see Acts 20:27).<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew that spiritual ignorance could cripple the Christian life. That\u2019s why he warned the church:<\/p>\n

Ephesians 5:17 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013<\/p>\n

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\u201cTherefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

To Paul, ignorance wasn\u2019t harmless\u2014it was dangerous. It meant living without the knowledge that empowers believers to walk in victory and purpose. Without divine insight, Christians become vulnerable, confused, and ineffective.<\/p>\n

What Is Spiritual Ignorance?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Spiritual ignorance is more than just not knowing facts. It’s the absence of divine understanding that would otherwise guide one\u2019s life. It\u2019s like someone unaware that mobile phones exist. Instead of calling distant relatives, they walk for days to deliver a message. If they had knowledge of technology, communication would be much easier and faster.<\/p>\n

Likewise, many Christians suffer not because of a lack of faith, but because they lack understanding. As God said in Hosea 4:6:<\/p>\n

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Hosea 4:6 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

You can only serve God effectively to the extent of your revelation of Him. The more you understand God, the more victorious and purposeful your walk with Him will be.<\/p>\n

Paul continually emphasized the need for believers to grow in spiritual understanding. Let\u2019s look at several key truths he didn\u2019t want the Church to remain ignorant of:<\/p>\n

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1. The Hope of the Resurrection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul taught that believers who die in Christ will be resurrected at Christ\u2019s return. This truth comforts us in times of loss and gives us hope beyond the grave. Without this knowledge, grief can consume us like it does those without Christ.<\/p>\n

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2. The Saints Will Judge the World<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Corinthians 6:2\u20133 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?… Do you not know that we are to judge angels?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul revealed that believers who overcome will have roles in God\u2019s future kingdom, even judging the world and angels. This is a profound truth that should inspire us to live holy and prepare for our eternal calling.<\/p>\n

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3. Christ Hidden in the Old Testament<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Corinthians 10:1\u20134 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2026they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul showed that Jesus was present even in the Old Testament. The events and symbols in Israel\u2019s history\u2014like the manna and the rock\u2014were shadows pointing to Christ. This calls us to read the Old Testament through a Christ-centered lens.<\/p>\n

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4. Suffering in Ministry<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Serving God isn\u2019t always easy. Paul faced intense persecution and suffering for the gospel. Understanding that trials are part of the Christian journey helps us stay faithful when things get tough.<\/p>\n

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5. Your Body Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Corinthians 3:16\u201317 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you not know that you are God\u2019s temple and that God\u2019s Spirit dwells in you?…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Our physical bodies are sacred\u2014they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned that anyone who defiles the body through sin or abuse will face judgment. This truth teaches us to honor God with our bodies.<\/p>\n

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6. Provision for Gospel Workers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Corinthians 9:13\u201314 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple…? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul made it clear that God has ordained material support for ministers of the gospel. It’s not a matter of human opinion, but divine design.<\/p>\n

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7. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1 Corinthians 12:1 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Many Christians today are either skeptical of spiritual gifts or misuse them due to lack of understanding. Paul urged the Church to know how the Holy Spirit works, including the gifts, ministries, and power He imparts for the edification of the body.<\/p>\n

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8. God\u2019s Plan for the Nations and Israel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Romans 11:25 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul explained that God has a timeline: the gospel is now going to the Gentiles, but a time will come when God’s focus returns to Israel. When the “fullness of the Gentiles” is complete, the door will begin to close. This truth calls us to urgency\u2014today is the day of salvation.<\/p>\n

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Final Words: Don\u2019t Take Grace for Granted<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the age of grace is nearing its end, what hope will be left for those who rejected Christ during the time of mercy? Jesus warned that the door will eventually close (Luke 13:25). When that happens, it will be too late.<\/p>\n

This is why Paul urged believers not to be ignorant of God\u2019s plan, His will, and His ways. Ignorance can cost you your calling, your peace, and even your eternity.<\/p>\n

So repent, turn from sin, and return to God while there is still time.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maranatha\u2014The Lord is coming!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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