epistemologically determined in human logic categories,
but instead he trusted God in faith.
Writing to Timothy, Paul indicates that "if anyone does
not agree with...the teaching conforming to godliness, he is
conceited (puffed up) and understands (epistamenos)
nothing" (I Tim. 6:3,4). Paul's argument seems to be that
the teaching of the Christian life is based on the faith-
derivative of God's character expressed in human behavior.
To fail to understand and agree with this is to "stand upon"
insubstantial understanding. Although such a person may
have their epistemological belief-system all systematized
and categorized, theologized and dogmatized, he takes his
"stand upon" something other than the dynamic person of
Jesus Christ.
Additional Greek words are used in the New Testament
to refer to "knowledge" and "understanding," including the
words eideo and gnosis. To the Corinthians Paul notes that
"knowledge (gnosis) makes arrogant (puffs up), but love
edifies" (I Cor. 8:1). Later in the same epistle he writes, "if
I know (eido) all mysteries and all knowledge (gnosin)...but
do not have love, I am nothing" (I Cor. 13:2).
Metaphysical understanding and intellectual understanding
acquired epistemologically are not God's ultimate objective
wallpaper
(WallPaper)
#1