"And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know" (I Corinthians 8:2).

There are many things which none of us can know -- not even the apostle Paul. Yet even with his realistic modesty, there are certain key truths which Paul could affirm with certainty, and so can we on the same grounds as he.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Revelation 2:17).

"Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful" (Romans 1:31).

"For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3).

The Christian life and ministry can grow wearisome and hard at times, but with Christ Himself as our example, the Lord admonishes us not to faint, but always to press on.

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge" (II Peter 1:5).