Ignorance

1
Ignorance

• Knowledge (gnosis) from root (gno)
• Ignorance (agnoeo, agnoema, agnoia)
• The a- prefix indicates the negative
• So, Ignorance is the opposite of knowledge
• Ex Agnostic (Does not know if God exists)

2
John 831-32

• Then Jesus said to those Jews
  who believed Him, If you abide
  in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And
  you shall know the truth, and the truth shall
  make you free.
• The Bible has always put an emphasis upon
  knowledge.

3
Hosea 46

• My people are destroyed for
  lack of knowledge. Because you
  have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you
  from being priest for Me Because you have
  forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget
  your children.
• Ignorance poses a distinct danger for the child
  of God.

4
Ignorance is a lack of knowledge

• A lack of knowledge could be the result of
  inattention or apathy (inexcusable). Or a simple
  lack of opportunity (under-standable, but causes
  vulnerability).
• Sin is often rooted in moral blindness.
• Those who lack spiritual discernment may be
  guilty of heinous sin (reprehensible in the sight
  of God), and not even be aware of their offense.
• Ignorance is not bliss!

5
Examples of Inexcusable Ignorance

• The example of the Jews
• Acts 312-21 (esp. 17)
• The example of the Gentiles
• Acts 1720-31 (esp. 22-23, 30-31)
• The Example of Sinful Humanity
• 1 Peter 113-17 cf. 21-3

6
Conclusion

• Before learning the truth, a person may be
  ignorant and honest, sincere but mistaken. After
  hearing the gospel, ignorance is removed and
  honesty is tested. What are we going to do about
  the truth? Will we accept the truth, and thus
  remain honest? Will we reject the truth, and thus
  forfeit our integrity?
• - Mark Mayberry