Once we understand how God designed us to walk under the control of His Spirit, only then can we comprehend and accept His call for your life.
Man’s Head Knowledge
Once we understand how God designed us to walk under the control of His Spirit (See: Uniquely Designed for Victorious Kingdom Living) we can comprehend and accept His call to depend fully on His revelation, as it supersedes and governs mankind’s head knowledge. So, what does it really mean to be led and guided by the revelation knowledge of God’s Spirit instead of the head knowledge of mankind? How will this life be different than the average Christian life? Ephesians 1: 17-19 reveal that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him [that] the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance … what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”
God’s Revelation
These are the extraordinary things of God that no human mind can comprehend without the Spirit’s revelation. His revelation brings enlightenment and direction to mankind’s spirit and soul. As we choose to live under the Spirit’s authority, we set aside the misguided carnal dominance of mind, will, and emotions and experience our masterpiece lives in the incredible fullness He designed.
Revelation Knowledge
Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truths of God to the spirit of mankind, and only His Spirit’s revelation can transform us into His masterpiece. First Corinthians 2:10-13 speaks of “these things (what God prepared for those who love Him) God has revealed to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything… no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God … we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” Scripture further reveals in 1 Cor 1: 19, 2 that “it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discerning of the discerning I will thwart. “Where is the… wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”
For Christians, the Spirit’s Revelation is:
• The divine disclosure to humans of the knowledge that God desires to make known.
• First received in the individual’s spirit, who conveys it to mind, will, and emotions. The body is the Spirit’s conduit to the natural realm.
• Always consistent with God’s nature and His Bible truths.
• Never declares revelation of “new truths” not presented in the Bible. (Rev 22)
Head Knowledge
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness” (1 Cor 3: 19). Head knowledge is potential truth, but it is accepted and applied only because of personal experience says it is true. As sciences expand mankind’s perception or actual understanding of truth, previous scientific “facts” are subject to change. Culturally established norms or “self-declared truths” which are not based on God’s Word are as fleeting as patterns created by wind moving across sand. Even so, secular society teaches its “truths” as correct for all. Each succeeding “incite” washes past “truths” away to once again be temporarily replaced by the next secular concept. Head knowledge works through mankind’s flesh. Accordingly, every individual, every tribe, and even some “Christian” churches declare themselves the final discerners of truth, instead of God’s Word. Thus, “truth” vacillates with times and emotions. It differs by individual, science, and culture, therefore it has limited value, unless it is based on the Bible. God provides His social and scientific truths to mankind. He designed us to thrive through exploration and learning, but He is to be our source. Many Christians are driven by secular head knowledge and forfeit much of God’s masterpiece life. These generally walk in the flesh.
Living in the Difference
Once we know the difference, we must constantly choose. As we choose His revelation, we are no longer willing to build life on anything else, and His revelation leads every portion of our lives. Even as we explore the intricacies of the sciences, we do so against the background of the Bible. We approach everything: sermons, articles, seminars, books, the Bible, by asking the Spirit to reveal His knowledge and the next steps of our journey with Him. We open ourselves to His revelation by placing our flesh on the cross, inviting His Spirit to fill us, and asking Him to reveal what He has for us. All is assessed against Biblical truth. This particularly applies to spiritual growth and learning, as we no longer embrace any teaching because a credible source: preacher, teacher, or author, presents it as true. We similarly evaluate through Scripture what we believe the Spirit is revealing. He then protects us from the deceptions of both the enemy and our own flesh (minds and emotions). The Spirit of God, in full alignment with Scripture, is our final authority.
How Revelation Knowledge Works
Consider the following verses from Galatians. Through revelation, God’s Spirit guided the Apostle Paul in all areas of life, and that is the empowered and incredible relationship He offers us in Galatians One:
• 1:11,12 … the gospel which was preached by me … I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
• 1:15,16 … When it pleased God … called me … to reveal His Son to me … I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
• 2:1,2 … After fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem … by revelation
Discerning Secular, Carnal and Spiritual Christian Living
We are not to judge others, but we are to ask the Spirit for His discernment regarding how we and others are walking. Only individuals who have the revelation knowledge of God’s Word and are walking in the Spirit can truly teach, communicate, and live in God’s purpose and power. As we walk this way, we are spiritual Christians. Non-Christians and Carnal Christians may memorize the Bible and teach its truths through head-knowledge, but that is an imitation. The power of God does not flow through non-Christians. Carnal Christians may occasionally walk in the Spirit, but normally their flesh is in charge. Both may have profound influence through the charisma of their flesh, but the flesh provides no kingdom value. Wonderfully, God’s Word always carries His power in and of itself, regardless of whom utters it (Isaiah 55:11).
Intentionality and Obedience
Living through revelation truth and knowledge is dependent on the Holy Spirit, but it requires our intentionality and obedience. We learn to always listen for, confirm, receive, and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. The living truths of God and the Bible are passed from generation to generation through the work of the Spirit and through Him alone. We, God’s Church, have important roles, but His Spirit, not mankind’s head knowledge, brings true revelation, salvation, and transformation.
Application
• Recall times when Bible truths about Christ, salvation, your identity in Him, and walking in the Spirit have jumped off the page and become revelations that transformed your life.
• Do you live and grow by the Spirit’s revelation or by religious and secular head knowledge?
• Are you willing to ask the Spirit for His revelation in every personal encounter, scripture verse, Bible study, sermon, book study, or discussion? This is His design.
• Based on what He has revealed, what transformations is He asking you to embrace? Are you willing?
Author’s Bio: Curt Martin is an author, speaker, seminar leader, and organization consultant. God has filled him with the passion to see every individual and organization become the unique and incredible masterpiece God designed. Little touches Him more than helping awaken all God placed within you, so you thrive in His freedom, purpose, and power as you learn to walk in God’s Spirit. Only those who commit to this journey experience the fullness of living God’s victorious life. Articles include excerpts from his award winning book, “Whose Life Are You Living?”
Here is some related reading for you: What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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