What One Does Not Know CAN Hurt Them

What One Does Not Know CAN Hurt Them
(Brad Phillips)

     We often  hear the statement, "What people do not know won't hurt them." However, when we seriously reflect  upon this statement we can quickly conclude that this statement does not hold true concerning many things. For instance, if someone does not know that a bottle of water is contaminated with poison and they drink that bottle of water, it will hurt them. So, you see, there are some things that can hurt people if they do not know them, and this is not only true concerning physical matters, but also true concerning spiritual matters. 

     So, with the thought of "what one does not know CAN hurt them" pressed upon our minds let's take a look at some much needed things that one needs to know concerning spiritual matters. Starting with, it is important that one knows God, for if one does not know God, it will hurt them. How do I know this? Well, the apostle Paul gave this warning in 2 Thessalonians 1:8, when he revealed that vengeance will be taken upon those who do not know God, and he then goes on to inform in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 that those who do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction.

     Now, one must not only know God, the creator of all things (Acts 17:24), but they must likewise know His will. In Ephesians 5:17, Paul wrote, "do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is." You see, it is vital for one to know God's will, for if one does not know God's will it will hurt them. So, do not be unwise like God's people of old who were destroyed due to a lack of knowledge concerning God's will (Hosea 4:6), but rather be one who knows God's will. 

     Likewise, one must know about Jesus Christ. One must know and believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, lest they die in their sins (John 8:24). One must know that Jesus Christ is the Savior (1 John 4:14) and that He came to this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). One must know that Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:15). One must know that Christ is the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). One must know that reconciliation to God is only through Christ (Romans 5:9-11). One must know that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5), and one must know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one will come to the Father in heaven except through Him (John 14:6). Friend, failure to know Christ and to be in Christ will hurt you (Ephesians 2:1).

     Also, one is in need of knowing about sin. One must know that sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).One must know that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). One must know that sin separates them from God (Isaiah 59:2). One must know that they must repent of their sins (Luke 13:1-5), and one must know the need to be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). For, if one does not know about sin, and what to do about it, sin will hurt them (Romans 6:23).

     My friend, failure to know about the things mentioned above will hurt you. Therefore, seek the Lord while He can be found (Isaiah 55:6), hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28), declare Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; 1 John 4:15), repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27). For, failure to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16),and failure to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ will hurt you (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).