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