Revelation, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom series #3

Anne Bradshaw • February 7, 2023

God Gives Understanding

Revelation, Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom typically flow in this order, but they don’t have to. There are times when I am reading and studying and have an "aha!" moment of revelation when understanding pulls everything I've learned together into a cohesive application. So although I'm suggesting a progression, the emphasis is on relationship with God and His Word in us being wisely and accurately applied.

In a previous blog (or post) I used a reading analogy to describe how I perceived this progression. Typically, a revelation may come somewhat like a story is revealed to a child as it is being read. I have seen children then get to know the story so well, that they recite it while pretending to read. This is demonstrated before they gain the knowledge of learning what the letters and words say. Understanding then dawns regarding the principles of reading when the meaning of the words and sentences comes together to communicate a thought or idea conveyed.

In this blog, I’m applying that analogy to the receiving and understanding of revelation. My premise is:

Revelations I am talking about are from God to our awareness and not our own imagination.
Revelations from God are not new revelations, the Scripture reveals them as well and did so long before we receive them.
God says what he’s going to do and does what he says he will do.
If a new revelation comes along that is not in or supported by scripture, then it is probably not from Him. This is how cults get started and theories become doctrine, even when they are not true.
We cannot add to or take away from scripture to suit our wants and desires.

What does Understanding do for us? I did some research and here is what I found:

With understanding we accurately handle the word of truth (2Tim 2:15)
It leads to integrity (Prov 15:21)
Understanding helps us to know when to speak and when to be quiet; produces an excellent spirit. Prov 17:27
Understanding draws out the counsel of the heart no matter how deep it resides Prov 20:5
Our own understanding can mislead us, the understanding of God can direct our path (Prov 3:5-6)
Understanding is part of the great commandment in Mark 12:33
Paul had a lot of knowledge gained through schooling and such, but it wasn’t until he received the revelation of Christ that that knowledge became understanding and the Scriptures all made sense. What made sense was the mystery of Christ and his Kingdom seen throughout the counsel in his letters to the church. Eph 3:4
Paul prayed the Colossians would be filled with knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Why? So they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, (see Colossians 1:9-12 for this list)
Spiritual wisdom and understanding are fueled by knowledge. Without knowledge (of the scriptures, will of God) our wisdom and understanding are weak and without power. Limited knowledge leads to limited ability to understand and act wisely.
Understanding brings assurance. Assurance is important so that we have a firm foundation from which to act or not. Col 1:9
God gives understanding 2 Ti 2:7
Understanding can be darkened as one is alienated from the life of God through the ignorance caused by the blindness of the heart Eph 4:18
Purpose of understanding is that we may know Him and that He is Truth and in him we find truth in Christ 1 John 5:20, Eph 1:18
Knowledge rejected leads to vain imagination and foolish heart darkened (Rom 1) We see this pattern today not because Romans 1 is just now coming “true” but because it is a reaping and sowing principle set in place by God. We find it all throughout scripture. Not understanding this leads to many misunderstanding regarding prophesy that gets lumped into “end times” theologies. If we consider our own history, Knowledge of God and His statutes is good FOR us and keeps us on the right track. To reject them as our culture has done in favor of convenience and self-indulgence has led to a lawlessness. Why? Because of the principle of reaping and sowing, not because some ancient prophecy is now just coming true.

Understanding is most effective in spiritual maturity (1 Co 14:20). We have to be grownups understanding that not everything is about “us.” The mature know how to wisely apply the understanding and therefore accurately interpret the Revelations the Spirit reveals to them. The mature don’t think all revelation is for them alone although there may be a personal application. Revelation is meant for the Church as a whole. There are broader implications of truth than just me, myself, and I. The personalizing of scripture into devotional moments alone, has caused the people of God to become tone deaf to the leading of the corporate body of Christ by the Spirit of Christ.

A few points I’ve found helpful to remember:

God doesn’t say to one person one thing and then something else to someone else regarding the same subject. God is consistent and constant. He does not change his mind.
It is necessary to know the history of the times in which the scriptures were written. It can put things into perspective, and we are less likely to apply something to our NOW that was meant for another day and time. While the principles of how God acts can be brought forward into now this is because he is consistent. The wicked will always be caught in their own traps, for example. But it would be inaccurate to say that the earth is going to endure a worldwide flood because of the wickedness of humanity.
Our misunderstandings can often be traced back to wanting to satisfy our agendas or taking shortcuts in gaining the knowledge for understanding.
Through understanding we gain insight; the insight leads to wisely applying the knowledge and understanding we gain.
Revelations are first applied to us personally, then they are for the corporate body of Christ. Otherwise, we are always either pointing a finger of accusation/blessing toward our enemies, or constantly focused on our own situations resulting in a “belly-button” type faith (inwardly focused).

May the Spirit of Christ (our teacher, friend and advocate) grant you revelation and joy as you “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 AMP

Blessings, happy studying,

Anne

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Get Ready

By Anne Bradshaw • May 29, 2025

Hear His voice, and Go

He Invites Our Participation

By Anne Bradshaw • May 8, 2025

Dear Reader, It has been on my mind this morning the incredible gift we have in Christ to be members of the Family of God, the Church Jesus is building, citizens of the Kingdom, joint heirs with Christ. We are in His Good Care, always. I’m sure you have also had moments when the appreciation for this gift seems to eclipse the momentary business of daily life. I’m sure you would have your insights as well to add. It is from this place that I am sharing today. My husband and I take time each morning to pray together for family, the Church and the nation. Today when we were praying for our nation and for the people of God, we prayed for those who hear His voice that they would choose obedience above the temptations and the insecurities that they may experience. We prayed for Congress, especially, to be focused on good stewardship of the office they are holding and accomplish the pressing needs of the nation rather than simply the “easy” stuff they can agree on. Our prayers were for those who are not being good stewards of the power and influence they have been given, would now make choices according to the Law of the Spirit of Life or be removed from their places of power and influence until they can fulfill their oath of office responsibly and faithfully. It occurred to me amidst the prayer time, that God really doesn’t need our approval to accomplish His plan. He doesn’t need anyone to be obedient. He invites it. He designed the covenantal relationship with us to not be dependent upon us because He is somehow lacking in something we have, rather He includes us because it is His good pleasure. When I say he doesn’t need us, I mean that He is God all by Himself. He doesn’t need anything from us in order to maintain His sovereignty and Grace and accomplish His plan for humanity that is already in the works. When I was young, I used to think that if I stopped believing in God He would simply vanish. It was quite a revelation to realize I was not that powerful and that whether I believed or not, approved or not, was happy, sad, faithful or disobedient, God was still God. He is faithful to His covenant regardless of my momentary lapses or victories. He loved me and wanted me to have the abundant life promised. Then I learned an even greater truth. It’s not about me. Never was. There is no personal plan of God for my life. It isn’t all planned out. He just knows what is in store and prepares me in advance with all the skills and ability I need to enjoy, endure or receive all that is ahead of me. He’s in my corner, but not for my sake… It’s for everyone. It’s for His kingdom, His righteousness working through me so ALL can have an abundant life promised. I just have a small corner in a much bigger purpose in which to work and follow His leading. It’s not about me... I find that incredibly freeing. I can’t make a mistake that messes up His plan. I’m not that powerful. I am free to choose. I am offered leadership and favor according to His good will for me, for all. If the consequences of sin are experienced, it is because sin carries its own punishment. And sometimes that punishment spills over to others. A drunk driver could have an accident and kill other people. The other people didn’t do anything wrong; the evil of alcohol abuse is at fault. But God still cares and is not defined by the accident. He takes care of His people, but that doesn’t mean we don’t experience the fall out of evil in our world. He promises to walk with us through it. He promises His justice. Evil wears out because it “eats its own” just as a wasting disease will “eat” the host until there is nothing left to survive, then the disease also dies with the host it destroyed. This is evil. God never designed our bodies to host wasting diseases. He didn’t design us to sin. We were meant for more. Evil things have been happening behind the scenes of our government for years. It is now being revealed. Pray with us that the evil will not only be brought to light, but that it will also receive the just judgment of God and His righteousness through His people who are even now, building impenetrable cases to process. We pray for them. We must keep the courts in our prayers that the just judgments of God would be able to work successfully. We must not be discouraged when judges make rulings that are prejudiced, excessive, biased and unfair. Why? Because our hope is in the Lord who is above all and sees all and is faithful to His Covenant with those who believe. God always wins. Those who confront the evil of death, doubt and despair, are not forgotten. The mothers and fathers who lost children to fentanyl, brought in and distributed illegally in our nation, are not forgotten. The people struggling to pay debts, to provide for family and be good stewards are not forgotten. What is needed is for the Church Jesus is building to realize the power of her voice among the nations to make a difference; speak forth the will of God, His one Will, His Just Judgments. What we have currently is a church that is praying in a dozen or more different directions. Because God has Chosen to work through us, is it not important that we steward that responsibility corporately with accuracy rather than personally? Is it a surprise that personal agendas are most likely not God’s agenda? If it is the Church’s mandate to push back darkness and administrate the principles of the Kingdom of God upon the earth, is it any wonder evil has gotten a foothold when we are so busy looking after “me, myself, and I” our own local church food banks and Sunday morning services rather than speaking as one with the whole church against the evil that is even making the food banks necessary? Here's a thought: Maybe those who run the food banks (for example) wonder what purpose they would have if the food banks were not necessary? (just a thought) Would they pray to end the need for something in which they are finding fulfillment? Could the concern for fulfillment, validation, and significance apply to any other Church-run organization made necessary because of the works of evil? I wonder, how many have read Matthew 23 lately? Maybe it isn't that. Maybe the sincere concern for others cannot see past the momentary need to the corporate power of the Faith of God and the one Church Jesus is building to confront the evil source and heal the root of the need. Something to think about, anyway... Grace and peace, my friends. Anne