DON’T BE RELIGIOUSLY IGNORANT

DON’T BE RELIGIOUSLY IGNORANT

INTRODUCTION

Many today hold to religion without revelation, tradition without truth, and ceremony without Scripture. Paul warns believers in the dispensation of grace not to remain ignorant (Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Religious ignorance blinds minds, blocks understanding, and builds false confidence. God desires clarity, not confusion; knowledge, not neglect; truth, not tradition.

POINT 1 — THE IGNORANCE OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

(Romans 10:3)
Religion seeks to establish man’s righteousness; revelation reveals God’s righteousness in Christ.

A. Seeking the Wrong Standard — Israel sought their own (Romans 10:3).

B. Substituting Self-Righteousness — Like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

C. Standing on the Savior’s Righteousness — Christ is the end of the law (Romans 10:4).

POINT 2 — THE IGNORANCE OF GOD’S DISPENSATION

(Ephesians 3:2–3)
Paul reveals a mystery never known before — the dispensation of the grace of God.

A. A Mystery Once Hidden — Hid from ages (Ephesians 3:5).

B. A Message Now Heralded — Revealed to Paul (Ephesians 3:3).

C. A Ministry for the Heavenlies — The Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23).

POINT 3 — THE IGNORANCE OF THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

(Acts 20:24)
People mix kingdom gospel, law gospel, and works gospel — but Paul proclaims the gospel of grace.

A. A Salvation Apart from Works — Not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

B. A Savior Accomplishing the Work — Christ died, was buried, rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

C. A Standing Assured Forever — Justified freely (Romans 3:24).

POINT 4 — THE IGNORANCE OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

(1 Corinthians 12:12–13)
Believers today are not Israel, not under the law, not in the kingdom program.

A. A New Creation People — One new man (Ephesians 2:15).

B. A Non-Covenant Position — Without covenants (Ephesians 2:12).

C. A Nourished by Christ Relationship — Christ the Head (Colossians 1:18).

POINT 5 — THE IGNORANCE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

(Colossians 1:9–10)
Many grow emotionally, traditionally, ceremonially — but not scripturally.

A. Growing in Revelation Knowledge — Filled with His will (Colossians 1:9).

B. Growing in Responsible Walk — Walk worthy (Colossians 1:10).

C. Growing in Real Strength — Strengthened with might (Colossians 1:11).

POINT 6 — THE IGNORANCE OF SATAN’S DEVICES

(2 Corinthians 2:11)
Satan uses religion more than rebellion to blind believers.

A. Deception Through False Teachers — Transforming as angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13–14).

B. Distractions Through Traditions — Vain traditions (Colossians 2:8).

C. Distortions Through Doctrinal Mixture — Winds of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

POINT 7 — THE IGNORANCE OF OUR BLESSED HOPE

(Titus 2:13)
Many confuse the rapture with the Second Coming, Israel’s hope with the Body’s hope.

A. A Pre-Tribulation Rescue — Delivered from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

B. A Personal Reunion — Caught up together (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

C. A Permanent Residence — Ever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

CONCLUSION

Religious ignorance is dangerous. It destroys understanding, derails doctrine, and deceives souls. God has given revelation, not religion; doctrine, not darkness. We must reject ignorance and embrace illumination.

CALL TO ACTION

Study the Scriptures rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15).
Stand in the gospel of grace alone (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
Stay grounded in Paul’s epistles, our doctrine for today (Romans–Philemon).

Don’t be religiously ignorant — be spiritually informed!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ignorance is dangerous.
Understanding is essential.
Revelation is available.
Truth is preserved.
Grace is sufficient.
The gospel is simple.
The Bible is clear when rightly divided.