He may talk like an angel, and live like a devil.
(Philpot, "Abounding
of Love in Knowledge and Experience")
There is "a knowledge of the things of God" which a
man may possess without a personal experience of
the new birth--without any divine operation upon his
soul whatever, or any participation of the grace of God.
From reading the scriptures and hearing the Gospel
preached, many attain to a carnal, intellectual,
barren head knowledge of the truth; who, as to
any experimental, vital, saving acquaintance
with it, are still in the very gall of bitterness and
the bond of iniquity.
A man may have the 'knowledge of an apostle'
and the 'worldliness of a Demas'.
He may be clear in head, and rotten in heart.
He may talk like an angel, and live like a
devil.
He may understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
and be nothing but a hypocrite and an impostor.
In our day such characters abound in the churches.
But distinct from this "head knowledge", as distinct
from it as heaven from hell, there is a most blessed
"spiritual knowledge" of the things of God, with
which the people of God are favored.
"Then He opened their minds so they could
understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45
**We have posted Philpot's very helpful sermon,
"Abounding
of Love in Knowledge and Experience"
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