Text: Ecclesiastes 10:10 – “If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.”
Supporting Texts:
- Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
- Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
- Acts 18:24-26 – Apollos being taught more accurately the way of the Lord.
Introduction
We are living in a fast-changing world—technologically, socially, politically, and spiritually. The 21st century has ushered in a wave of new realities, opportunities, and threats. Survival now is not a matter of strength, age, or even position—but of relevance through continuous transformation.
You can be anointed and still be outdated.
You can be experienced and still be ineffective.
You can be sincere and still sincerely wrong—because yesterday’s knowledge is not sufficient for today’s battles.
Three Main Points
1. Learning is the Beginning, Not the End
You must keep learning, but not just anything—learn what is relevant to your generation and calling.
Daniel 1:17 – “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…”
- Learn new technologies.
- Learn modern strategies.
- Learn how the world has evolved.
- Learn the language of your generation.
Illustration: As a programmer, it is not enough to know FORTRAN, Pascal, or COBOL. The world has moved to Python, JavaScript, Node.js, etc. If you stick to what you were taught in 1995, you will be jobless in 2025.
2. Unlearning is as Important as Learning
There are things you need to throw away—not because they were evil, but because they are obsolete.
Mark 2:22 – “No one puts new wine into old wineskins…”
- Some of your ideas, models, methods, and assumptions are no longer useful.
- Unlearning is painful because it attacks your pride and comfort zone.
- Even Paul had to unlearn the Law to embrace Grace.
If a minister still believes that using microphones, screens, or social media is worldly, he is unfit for this age. The devil is using these same tools to corrupt the world. Why shouldn't we unlearn our fears and use them for Christ?
3. Relearning: The Key to Relevance and Renewal
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Relearning is:
- Recalibrating your mindset.
- Upgrading your tools.
- Refreshing your understanding.
The Holy Spirit is not against education. He is the Spirit of Truth, and He leads us into all truth—including discovering how the devil operates in modern times.
Example: Apollos in Acts 18:24-26 was mighty in scriptures but limited. Until Aquila and Priscilla taught him more accurately, he could not go further.
Application to the Church and Ministry Today
- Stop resisting seminaries and theological training—you are not above learning.
- Stop depending only on what worked in 1990. Revival fire must meet with refined minds and relevant strategies.
- Update your ministry model. It’s time to transition from local mindset to global impact.
- The devil has modernized. Why should you remain analog in a digital battlefield?
Biblical Example: Moses
Moses had divine calling but needed Jethro’s advice to update his leadership style. (Exodus 18:17–24)
What worked in Egypt (rod, signs) didn't work the same in the wilderness. Moses had to relearn leadership, delegation, and patience.
Call to Action
- Ministers, update your wine skin. Your oil is only as useful as your vessel is fit.
- Professionals, upgrade your skills. Your certification is outdated if your knowledge is not evolving.
- Christians, sharpen your discernment. The enemy of today doesn’t wear horns; he wears innovation, algorithms, and ideologies.
Key Takeaways
- Learn: Stay hungry for relevant knowledge.
- Unlearn: Let go of expired beliefs and methods.
- Relearn: Embrace updated wisdom through the Word, Spirit, and mentors.
Closing Prayer
Father, deliver me from the pride of outdated wisdom. Teach me how to learn, unlearn, and relearn so I may remain relevant in Your purpose. Sharpen my axe, renew my understanding, and anoint me afresh for this generation, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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