May 20

Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. Colossians 3:9, 10

THROUGH knowledge, as well as in knowledge, the new creature is renewed or refreshed, built up, made strong. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. What the old mind had was the wisdom of this world. What the new creature receives is the wisdom of God. The development of the different powers of the new mind is a gradual work, dependent upon knowledge. With the new will the knowledge becomesthe energizing and strengthening power, and finds opportunities by which the new creature can accomplish its purpose. This knowledge is that which cometh from above. It is not merely the knowing how many chapters there are in the Bible, nor how many verses there are in the Bible and being able to quote them; but by the various providences of God in life, it is to come to such a knowledge of God that it is sufficient for his will to be made clear to us, to insure obedience. Our knowledge is increased in proportion as we give heed to the things which God has spoken; in proportion as we set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.