The Difference Between Head Knowledge and Heart Knowledge!

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1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie,promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to meby the command of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

"Titus is one of three pastoral letters. 1 and 2 Timothy are the other two.  These letters specifically give pastoral guidance and direction to the churches first pastors.  Notice Paul had mentored both Titus and Timothy and calls them his "sons" in the common faith. Not mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Titus was noted in Galatians (cf. Gal. 2:1, 3) where Paul wrote of journeying to Jerusalem with Barnabas, accompanied by Titus. He later served as the bishop of Crete." (Guzik)

Oftentimes we gloss over Paul's opening address in the letters he writes, but these prologues reveal a lot about who Paul is and his theology. Paul always mentions he is a "servant" and "apostle".  First and foremost Paul's qualification for ministry was his servant's heart.  Next, Paul references his calling to be an apostle.  Paul was personally called by God, and his calling is at the center of his life mission and purpose.  And what was that purpose?

To further the faith of the elect, and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.  Notice once someone comes to faith that is just the beginning.  Paul wants to "further" the faith?  Our faith is furthered as we trust in God's promises and act accordingly.  Next, Paul sees that the key to godliness is a deeper knowledge of the truth.  Knowledge of the truth comes through the teaching ministry of the church. I like to call this "faith seeking understanding".   And this knowledge is not knowledge for knowledge sake, but for the sake of application of truth.  As we apply the knowledge we have of the bible, we grow in godliness.  Truth is which is not applied in our daily lives is only "head knowledge", not "heart knowledge".  Our heart and lives are formed as we submit our will to God's guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If this is Paul guidance to one of the first pastors in the church, I think it is equally true for pastors today.  In fact the teaching and discipleship ministries  are what fuel church growth.  Simply put, "You can't transmit what you don't have."  Meaning disciples who are not living out their faith cannot make other disciples.  

Where are you at in your knowledge of the bible? And probably more important has it gone from mere "head knowledge" to "heart knowledge"!

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