In what ways can we address ignorance of God in our community? The Charge of 1 Corinthians 15:34 “ Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.” Why Ignorance Grows • Noise of competing voices (Colossians 2:8) • Darkened understanding through habitual sin (Ephesians 4:18) • Neglect of Scripture in homes and churches (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) • A form of godliness without power (2 Timothy 3:5) Practical Ways to Dispel Ignorance in the Community • Cultivate Visible Holiness – Live distinctly (Matthew 5:16) – Break with known sin; credibility follows purity (1 Peter 2:12) • Proclaim the Gospel Clearly – Speak of Christ’s death and resurrection, the context of 1 Corinthians 15 (vv. 3-4) – People cannot believe what they have not heard (Romans 10:14-15) • Teach and Disciple Intentionally – House-to-house studies (Acts 20:20) – One-on-one mentoring following Paul’s pattern with Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) – Equip believers to handle the word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15) • Anchor Everything in Scripture – Read it publicly (1 Timothy 4:13) – Memorize and meditate (Psalm 119:11) – Answer cultural issues with chapter-and-verse clarity (Isaiah 8:20) • Engage the Public Square – Reason graciously, like Paul in Athens (Acts 17:22-31) – Write, speak, and post with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15) – Offer biblical perspective when community decisions are made (Proverbs 29:2) • Model Loving Community – Meet tangible needs (James 2:15-16) – Display unity across age and background (John 13:35) – Hospitality opens doors for gospel conversation (Romans 12:13) • Persist in Intercession – Pray for open hearts (Colossians 4:3-4) – Ask the Lord to send workers (Matthew 9:38) Living Awake Together When believers stay sober-minded, cease known sin, and keep Scripture central, God replaces ignorance with saving knowledge. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” but Proverbs 9:10 promises, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Addressing ignorance begins with awakened saints who shine, speak, and serve until their community can no longer say, “We do not know God.” |
    |