Understanding Part 32

Ephesians 1:18 NKJV

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

As Paul prays for the Ephesians, he shows how there is much for us to learn, to understand about what God has made available for us through Christ. Here he prays that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened so they could realize the hope to which they were called and the rich inheritance they had as part of the Body of Christ. This lets us know that we have spiritual eyes. As our spiritual vision improves we will understand more of what God has planned for us. When this happens, we will enjoy more of what He has in store for us. Let us continue the journey of getting to know Him so He can help us understand more, and enjoy more of what belongs to us through Jesus Christ.

Understanding Part 31

1 Corinthians 14:20 NJKV

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

As Paul discussed the proper way to handle speaking in tongues and the gifts of the spirit, he encouraged the Corinthian church to be mature in their understanding. I believe he is telling them to avoid childish thinking that would hinder them from accepting true understanding. Sometimes we are hindered from seeing the truth due to selfishness. We want something to be a certain way and so we determine to see it the way we want it. We do not want our feelings to be hurt or our flesh to be denied. Let us grow up when it comes to understanding and be mature enough to accept the truth even if we don’t like it.

Understanding Part 30

Luke 24:45 NKJV

And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

This passage in Luke is about Jesus ministering to His disciples after the resurrection. This was an example of how knowledge of the scriptures does not necessarily translate into understanding. That is why we need to look to God for help as we read, study and meditate His Word. Let us humble ourselves when we approach the scriptures and ask for understanding. Knowledge is good but understanding makes a huge difference in our ability to activate the Word in our lives.

Understanding Part 29

Mark 12:33 NKJV
And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Once we get understanding we need to love God with all of it. In other words, we need to use what we understand for His glory. We also need to love Him with our understanding, seeking Him for more understanding while we worship and serve Him with the understanding we already have. I love you Lord, with all my understanding.

Understanding Part 28

Jeremiah 4:22 NKJV
" For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge."

When we decide to do evil, we exhibit a lack of understanding. Knowledge of God and understanding of His plan and purpose will keep us from making wrong decisions. Oh God! Give us understanding that we may always choose to do the right thing.

Understanding Part 27

Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV
And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

There are different ways God will help us get understanding. One of them is through the ministry gifts. If we are not giving attention to the ministry gifts God has given us, we are slowing down our progress when it comes to understanding. However, notice they are to be shepherds or leaders after God's heart. If someone comes along teaching contrary to God's Word, they are not operating on God's behalf. God is not the author of confusion and will not contradict Himself. Once we find a pastor that teaches according the the Bible and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we need to pay attention and learn from him or her. It is one way God intended for us to increase in understanding.