Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Biblical head knowledge alone puffs up. Nothing is worse than spiritual pride, Amen? What good is it if we do not flesh out – put into practice - what we know to be God’s Truth? We sit, soak and sour so to speak. Hebrews 4:12 tells us: “12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” God sees everything, including the motivations of our hearts. His Word, through the Holy Spirit’s power, is to change our thoughts which will change our hearts which will change our hands (actions). We will live what we really believe to be true.
A perfect example of Biblical knowledge apart from a changed heart and hands is Satan himself. He knows the Word and always mixes it with lies seeking to get us to question its Truth and he can use anybody to do it – even Peter. Remember as well that Satan sought to trip up our Savior (fat chance) in the desert by distorting the very Word of God.
Again, God’s Word is to transform us. It was never meant to remain in the head alone. It searches our minds and hearts teaching us the way to go and slowly but steadily transforming us into the image of Jesus. We must never, never neglect it rather seek to be forever changed by it.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)