1. IGNORANT OR INFORMED

The tendency towards ignorance about spiritual things, on the part of the first century Christians in Corinth, is addressed with loving concern by the Apostle Paul.

1 Corinthians 12:1 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." (KJV)

Ignorance of spiritual manifestations and operations is prevalent among the Lord's people today. That God the Holy Spirit is moving in these days is beyond doubt. It is important to be open and understanding concerning His activities and manifestations.

To help in this let me share some propositions, supporting them from the Scriptures.

Derek Prince: Newsletter, UPROAR IN THE CHURCH "We must cultivate a diet of solid spiritual food. A superficial acquaintance with a few familiar passages of Scripture is not enough. We must build a solid foundation of the great central doctrines of the Christian faith and learn how they apply to the various situations we encounter."

We are either among the ignorant or the informed. Our unifying factor is that we are brethren, which requires the fulfillment of certain obligations, involved in obediently loving one another (1 John 2:7-8 ). To be ignorant is to be uninformed or untaught, whereas to be informed is to hear or discover the facts of the subject. To have the facts is to be in possession of that which is known to be true. In our case, to be properly informed it is necessary to be like those of Berea:

Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (KJV)

It is by searching, checking and comparing with the Scripture that we show open-mindedness, and a teachable attitude. The written Word is the only sound basis for fact. How faulty and untrustworthy it can prove to be when we go on hearsay or the reactions of others. They may be sincere, but as we know, even those we respect, whose opinions we value, can be sincerely wrong. Is it possible to test what we hear and see, and the endorsements of others in whom we have confidence? Yes - by submitting everything to the trustworthy Scriptures, where the knowledge and confirmation will be received that will place us among the informed. It is important that we recognise that both ignorant and informed are "brethren", as Paul undoubtedly did. Our unity must be stressed and lovingly kept.

Ephesians 4:2,3 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (KJV)

Certain obligations are required of us in response to what is happening in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ:

	RECEIVE with "great eagerness" the message of the Lord moving by the Holy Spirit throughout the earth.
	EXAMINE the Scriptures so as to have sound knowledge, and hold fast that which is true.
	MAINTAIN special relationship and unity within the family of God.
	BE EXPECTANT, and do not quench the Spirit.
	FOLLOW PAUL'S EXAMPLE and earnestly endeavour to dispel ignorance by sharing proven knowledge.