2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
This passage of scripture shows us the end result that is intended by God in granting us the Bible and all the wealth of knowledge it contains. It is not merely for us to become bloated with information and theories, but rather for us to become perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. A theoretical knowledge of the scriptures is good in its proper sphere, but unless a practical application is made on an ongoing basis, through the power of The Holy Spirit, the knowledge thus acquired then becomes vain. And even when the knowledge contained in the scriptures is applied, we are not to become complacent in the pursuit of higher and nobler aspirations, for the Christian's life should always be in forward motion, not stagnant nor even recalcitrant by any means.
However, it is sometimes the case in our walk with God, that we falter, stumble, and fall, because of inherited or cultivated tendencies to evils which easily beset us, and if we are not girded with strength from above, we run the risk of becoming discouraged, and we can lose our steam in running the Christian race. We should therefore harbor a relentless spirit in the pursuit of perfection which can only be found in Christ, for although the only Perfect person that has ever lived on this earth is Jesus, yet it is the will of God that we strive for the mastery in every deficient area of our lives. Even though we may be in the kindergarten stage of our spiritual development, yet we can still be A class students, applying the knowledge contained in the scriptures as best we know how, and that's all that is required of us. Let's read:
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" ..... 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
The doctrine of cheap grace now being widely circulated in some Christian circles, allows those who subscribe to it to retain serious errors and flaws in their character building, because it teaches its adherents that inherited or cultivated tendencies to evil are way too difficult to overcome. And as a result of this seriously flawed theology, many Christians have not only stopped trying to overcome, but have also lowered the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate the lusts and desires which really need to be uprooted, in order for an upward trajectory of growth and development to be experienced. Never in our Christian experience should we ever conclude that sin is too difficult to overcome, for even though we may have fallen several times in our walk with God, yet He has promised that one day we will victorious, if we exercise a relentless pursuit of perfection. Let's read:
Proverbs 24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
The key to a sustained military campaign against the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is by abiding in Christ each and every day, for if we stay the course with Jesus, His victory and His perfection will become ours, since we are made partakers of His sufferings and victories, if we abide in Him. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which gives us this assurance, and it is the will of God that we partake of that indomitable spirit of Christ, which does not take defeat for an answer, but rather claims the mighty promises of God in gaining the victory. Let's read:
1st John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" .... 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!