RECEIVING REVELATION

1.  Introduction.

Matthew 4:4.  “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God.”

• God’s intention – man live out of a relationship
• Core of relationship is communication – God desires to speak to us.
• Many decisions in life – answer not found directly in Bible – we need revelation.
• Revelation = 601 = to take the cover off something concealed, hidden and make it known.
• God has answers in every area of our life – we need revelation.
• Jesus made it clear – the church is built upon revelation of who He is.  Matthew 18:18-19
• Ephesians 1:17-18.  God wants to release revelation to us.

            (1)  Understand your calling. (2)  Understand who we are in Christ.                                   (3) Understand what a man filled with the Holy Spirit can accomplish.

2. The Source of Revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:9-12.  We have received the Spirit of god that we might know the things which are freely given to us by God.

• God has prepared things for us beyond our natural comprehension. (v9)
• These things relate to life here and to eternity.
• The Holy Spirit reveals them – He takes the cover off Gods plans for us.
• Holy Spirit reveals things which God freely gives to us.
• How can you receive from God if you don’t know what you’re entitled to?
• Revelation gives legal rights to claim and possess Gods provision.

The Works of the Holy Spirit.

i. He will teach you. John 14:17-21

· Teach = 1321 = to talk over with a person in order to instruct them.

· All things = everything God has provided/prepared for your life.

· The Holy Spirit is a life coach – v18.  He acts like a Father instructor.

ii. He will Guide you.  John 16:13

· Guide = 3594 = to lead the way; act as a travel guide, pointing out things.

· Truth = without anything concealed.

· Holy Spirit = uncovers our lives, motives, passions and giftings.

                         = reveals truth – Gods perspective on Life.

                         = may be offended by that truth unless you are hungry to hear.

iii. Holy Spirit will show you Future.  John 16:14

· Show = 312 = to announce in detail.

· Things to come = things God has planned for your life;

· You don’t have time to work the whole life out – the Holy Spirit will progressively uncover.

· Gods plan for your life are bigger than yours, much greater.

Key One?

• How is revelation received?
• How do I position myself to receive?
• How do I move from revelation to possession?
• There is a process involved in moving from revelation to possession of what God has shown us.

3. How is Revelation Received?

1 John 2:27.  “You have an anointing that abides within you …. The same anointing teaches you of all things…”

• The Holy Spirit indwells our spirit and communicates Spirit to spirit.
• The Holy Spirit communicates.

(a)  Inward Sensations (b) “Outer Limit” Experience

· Seeing – spontaneous thoughts              Open Visions     2Kings 6:17/Acts 10:10

· Hearing – Spontaneous words               Angelic realm     Acts 10:3/Daniel 10

· Feeling – Sensations of release/restart   Visits of 3^rd Heaven 2Kings12:2/Rev 4:1-2

· Revelation can come totally unexpectedly (God Sovereignty works)

· Revelation will never be contrary to the Word or character of God

· Revelation can include:

· Insight to blocks, bondages, attitudes, sin in your own life

· Insight into Gods plans for your life, decisions

· Insight into meaning of Word of God

· Insight into the Spirit world

· Insight into problems/issues/motives in people

· Gifts of the Holy Spirit: especially revelation gifts – word of knowledge; discerning Spirit; wisdom.

4.  How to Position Self to Receive?

i. Hunger and Desire

Proverbs 2:1-5.  “Seek her as silver, search for her as for hidden treasures”

· Hunger and desire are key requirements for revelation

· I must long to connect with God to hear his voice.

· Passion and thirst draws the attention of God. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• Worship is the expression of a heart that longs for God.

2. Fasting

Ezra 8:21-23.  “Fast … to seek a right way for us, for our children and for all our substance.”

• Fasting is not persuade god but to prepare your heart to hear Him
• Fasting is more then doing without food; = focussed time with God
• Mind is cluttered, busy, distracted – sends “Engaged signals”
• Fasting loosens soul attachments and sharpens spirit to receive
• Key Decisions – Take time to fast and seek God.
• God will confront personal issue in Life that blocks intimacy with Him
• Impact – personal life and family (Deuteronomy 29:29) and Finances.

3. Meditation

Jeremiah 15:16.  Your words were found and I did eat them…”

· Meditate = To ponder, revolve over, over in the mind

                              To picture, imagine

· Meditate on: (i) Word of God.  (ii) Past Works of God in your Life

                                                   Insight?                          Insight?