\u201cUnderstanding\u201d means you get it \u2013 you are able to receive, process, and then reach a proper conclusion to a matter. It works that way in the world, and it particularly works that way in the Kingdom of God.<\/p>\n
The scriptures put such a high value on \u201cgetting it\u201d, and yet one might inclined to think that if you simply \u201cknow your bible\u201d, if you\u2019ve been around the spiritual block a few times, then you\u2019d be able to claim spiritual understanding. But it doesn\u2019t quite work that way. In fact, the scriptures not only point to the value and merit of knowledge and understanding the ways of God, it actually gives us warnings and cites examples of failed understanding. It can in fact be tragic.<\/p>\n
Understanding is not an “automatic anything”. We are told to purposely go after understanding. To in fact cry out for it.<\/p>\n
This is why our God, in His great mercy, has provided for, and assigned, the Holy Spirit to be our active teacher, so that we might grow in our daily revelationary understanding of God. That comes only from time spent with God, with the Holy Spirit. Strategically, this is also why our adversary has invested so much effort in undermining and maligning the work of the Holy Spirit, and in warring against the saints, and their prayer time. Satan has some understanding as well \u2013 he understands that a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led saint is a dangerous adversary for him.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s some scriptural thoughts re the topic (since my opinion might be nice, but biblical accuracy is a must):<\/p>\n
THE VALUE OF UNDERSTANDING: WHERE TO OBTAIN SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING \u2013 IN THE WORD OF GOD: THE ADMONISHMENT TO GO AFTER UNDERSTANDING – AN INVITATION BY THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM. (and we all know that the beginning of wisdom is \u2013 HINT: Psalm 111:10):<\/p>\n Proverbs 4:5-7<\/strong> THE REJOICING, IN HUMILITY, OF THE PROGRESS OF UNDERSTANDING IN OUR LIVES:<\/p>\n Jeremiah 9:23-24<\/strong> The above verses are critical in that they are positioned, by the Lord, in the midst of some seemingly harsh prophecies towards Israel. We can write these off as Old Testament writings if we like. But they are for us. In the midst of those strong words is the revelation that we absolutely must search out and even embrace HOW our God operates throughout the age, how He responds to sinfulness, rebellion, wickedness, how He moves upon His people, in love, in correction, in consistency. Without that understanding, we are assured we will either fail to understand God, and then become offended when He does work in our lives and the lives of the people around us.<\/p>\n In fact, I am confident that, sadly, the \u201cmany shall be offended\u201d verse in Matthew pertains primarily to Christians who have been so fed on a diet of less-than-biblical fullness, that when God moves as He has promised to move in the last days, saints will be offended by their God. I believe these verses speak to us of the falling away spoken about IN THE CHURCH, in the last days:<\/p>\n Matthew 24:10-13<\/strong> THE POTENTIAL FOR THE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP: Proverbs 28:16<\/strong> THE GOOD NEWS \u2013 MODELED BY A PROFESSIONAL KILLER – HERE WE SEE A ROMAN CENTURION, A LEADER OVER 100 TRAINED VIOLENT WARRIORS, BLOWING THE MIND OF OUR LORD, BECAUSE THAT CENTURION \u201cGOT IT\u201d:<\/p>\n Matthew 8:9-10<\/strong> Jesus perceived the centurion got it. In being IN authority, he understood He was UNDER authority, accountable to the great God who puts men in place, and takes men out of office. Jesus saw the pompous control of the Pharisees. And here was a Centurion who had understanding.<\/p>\n ETERNAL TRUTH THAT SOLOMON ALREADY UNDERSTOOD, WRITTEN LATER BY DANIEL: FINISHING UP WHERE WE BEGAN: All scripture NKJV.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cUnderstanding\u201d means you get it \u2013 you are able to receive, process, and then reach a proper conclusion to a matter. It works that way in the world, and it particularly works that way in the Kingdom of God. The … Continue reading
\nProverbs 16:22<\/strong>
\n22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nPsalms 119:104<\/strong>
\n104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;<\/em>
\nTherefore I hate every false way.<\/p>\n
\n5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
\nDo not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
\n6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
\nLove her, and she will keep you.
\n7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
\nTherefore get wisdom.<\/em>
\nAnd in all your getting, get understanding.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n23 Thus says the Lord:
\n\u201cLet not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
\nLet not the mighty man glory in his might,
\nNor let the rich man glory in his riches;
\n24 But let him who glories glory in this,
\nThat he understands and knows Me,
\nThat I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
\nFor in these I delight,\u201d says the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
\n11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
\n12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
\n13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nSolomon understood (see Daniel 2:20-21, below) that even a man placed in a position of authority by God, without understanding the ways and rules and requirements of God, actually has no other course than to become a great oppressor, because in failing to understand his own accountability to God, and in failing to believe the work and intent of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the ones under his authority, that leader\u2019s only other conclusion will be the necessity to control and manipulate. That is always a disaster:<\/p>\n
\n16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,<\/em><\/p>\n
\n9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, \u2018 Go, \u2019 and he goes; and to another, \u2018 Come, \u2019 and he comes; and to my servant, \u2018 Do this, \u2019 and he does it.\u201d
\n10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, \u201c Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!<\/em><\/p>\n
\nDaniel 2:20-21<\/strong>
\n20 Daniel answered and said:
\n\u201c Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
\nFor wisdom and might are His.
\n21 And He changes the times and the seasons;
\nHe removes kings and raises up kings;
\nHe gives wisdom to the wise
\nAnd knowledge to those who have understanding.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nProverbs 4:5-7<\/strong>
\n5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
\nDo not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
\n6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
\nLove her, and she will keep you.
\n7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
\nTherefore get wisdom.
\nAnd in all your getting, get understanding.<\/em><\/p>\n