The third of the Seven Spirits is that of understanding. Those who are called to be overcomers must discern the difference between the traditions of men versus the truth of incorruptibility. Man’s religion, doctrines, rituals, ceremonies, and traditions are all noise as we pursue truth. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
18 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,
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
FATHER, I receive the fullness of this prayer and that the eyes of my understanding be enlightened and illuminated to the fullness of receiving all instruction required for my calling.
Proverbs 3:19 , "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding He hath established the heavens.”
As Kemper Ditzler wrote in his book “Raising the Remnant”, wisdom lays the foundation and understanding builds the walls of our house so that knowledge can fill our house. Knowledge without wisdom and understanding is like a cloud without rain. It is fruitless and the famine will continue.
Man is given two choices: living in the Spirit or of walking after the flesh. Both are accessible but are on different paths. Life or death, you choose. “Self” or the ego would have you to choose living after fleshly desires. The focus is always on the external where the senses are active.
Jesus spoke about the need for understanding in Matthew 15:
15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”
16 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
People continue to focus on the outward events, signs, types, and shadows but instead should focus on the internal. This is where the real action is at. Glorification will not be poured out on the external in order to cleanse the internal. Only after the heart is cleansed and purified will we “see” GOD. The carnal man attempts to keep a veil over the eyes or your understanding. As long as you believe the illusion that focusing on the external will evoke a change, the carnal man will remain in control. The heart must be the focus, Jesus made it very clear. Paul further expounded on this truth in Romans 8:
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Paul continues to show us the path to pleasing FATHER:
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
The Spirit of Understanding unlocks the mysteries and treasures given in Scripture. Understanding provides the “why”, the “how”, and the “where” in many cases. This allows us to not only understand the acts of Our Heavenly Father but HIS character and Divine Intent. Paul assures us that we CAN walk in the Spirit:
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Jesus Himself demonstrated the impartation of understanding:
Luke 24:45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Let us all receive in fullness the Spirit of Understanding!