Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is Biblical ignorance. This has been a serious problem since ancient times and continues to be a threat today. A careful reading of the Old Testament shows how God’s people, on many occasions, opened the door to ignorance of His will, with devastating consequences.

For example, in Isaiah 5:13, the prophet wrote: “Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge…” This passage clearly shows that a lack of Biblical knowledge leads to spiritual captivity. Likewise, the prophet Hosea warned about the terrible consequences of ignoring God’s Word: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). Ignorance is not merely a weakness; it is a dangerous condition that can lead to spiritual destruction.

The Bible also teaches that God desires His people to grow in knowledge. In Proverbs 1:7 we read that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” while Proverbs 2:1–6 exhorts us to seek wisdom as a treasure. The prophet Jeremiah also lamented that the people did not know God (Jeremiah 9:3–6), showing that spiritual ignorance reflects a separation from Him.

Now then, in what ways can God’s people fall into this ignorance?
(1) By being negligent in growing in the knowledge of the Word (2 Peter 3:18),
(2) By not allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly in the heart (Colossians 3:16),
(3) By failing to practice what is learned (James 1:22–25),
(4) By neglecting the regular reading of Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13),
(5) By not teaching the Word of God correctly (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 4:11),
(6) By not storing the Word in the heart (Psalm 119:11),
(7) By failing to obey God’s commands (John 14:15),
(8) By being carried away by false teachings (Ephesians 4:14),
(9) By rejecting a love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10–12).

Biblical ignorance has been one of the primary reasons why God’s people have failed to carry out His will. This Will cannot be accomplished if we open the door to foolishness and ignorance of the Scriptures. The apostle Paul exhorted: “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Likewise, in Romans 10:2–3, Paul describes those who have zeal for God but not according to knowledge, showing that enthusiasm without knowledge can also lead to error.

The only way to remain firm in the path of the Lord is by giving diligent attention to the Word of God. It is the lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105), the counsel that directs our lives (Psalm 119:24), and the means by which our faith grows (Romans 10:17). Jesus Himself declared: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures…” (Matthew 22:29), indicating that doctrinal error often has its root in Biblical ignorance.

Furthermore, the Word of God has the power to save our souls (James 1:21), to make us wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), and to transform us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, and able to equip us completely for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

Brethren, Biblical ignorance can become so dangerous that it may even prevent our entrance into heaven (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 7:21–23). For this reason, God’s people are encouraged to take spiritual growth more seriously. We must search the Scriptures daily, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11), and desire the Word like newborn babes desire pure milk (1 Peter 2:2).

We are exhorted to cultivate a deep love for the Word of God (Psalm 119:97), to meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8), and to persevere in both studying and obeying it. In doing so, we will not only be hearers of the Word, but doers also (James 1:22).

We must recognize that a people grounded in the Word of God will be useful and a great blessing to the work of the Lord. The wisdom and understanding that God’s Word produces in our lives (Deuteronomy 4:6) will help us live in a way that glorifies Him (John 14:15). Not only this, but it will also grant us the blessing of one day being in heaven with our God, having remained faithful to His truth.