Dictionary of Bible Themes The ability to see beneath the outward form to the underlying, often hidden, reality. It is a necessary gift in dealing with people, understanding spiritual teaching and interpreting events. Perception is important for effective service, though is often lacking, even among God's people. Psalms 139:1-4Perception in dealing with people See also God's knowledge of human hearts Psalms 17:3; 44:21Proverbs 24:12 John 2:24-25 See also Jesus Christ's perception of those around him Isaiah 11:1-4Matthew 9:3-4 John 4:16-19 pp Mk 2:7-8 Revelation 2:23pp Lk 5:21-22 Nehemiah 6:1-2Job 21:27 True understanding by God's servants Acts 5:1-3Revelation 4:1-2 Perception of spiritual truth See also Recognising God's ultimate authority 2 Kings 6:15-17Daniel 7:8-14 Matthew 13:10-11 Understanding Jesus Christ's teaching See also pp Mk 4:10-11 Matthew 13:16-23pp Lk 8:9-10 pp Mk 4:13-20 pp Lk 8:11-15 Matthew 16:15-17The parable of the sower is about the way Jesus Christ's teaching in parables is received. Understanding who Jesus Christ is See also pp Mk 8:29 Acts 8:30-35pp Lk 9:20 Isaiah 53:7-8Luke 24:45-46 See also Understanding about Jesus Christ's death and resurrection Luke 24:30-35John 12:16 2 Samuel 5:11-12 Perception to interpret events Isaiah 43:9-12The building of a palace in the newly captured Jerusalem confirms to David his election by God See also Isaiah 41:18-20; 64:4Through his miraculous direction of his people's history, God is perceived as the one, true God. Jonah 1:12Acts 10:34-35 Jonah recognises God's hand in the storm Through the circumstances of his guidance, Peter realises that God's salvation is for Gentiles too. 1 Kings 3:9Perception leading to effective service See also 1 Samuel 16:7-13pp 2Ch 1:10 2 Kings 4:8-10Samuel perceives that David is to be king Hebrews 11:27A Shunammite's perception of Elisha leads her to extend hospitality to him Moses' perception of the invisible God Isaiah 43:19Lack of perception See also By those in the OT Exodus 5:2Numbers 22:31-34 Pharaoh Deuteronomy 32:28-29Balaam Isaiah 29:10-12Israel in the wilderness Isaiah 42:20the people of Jerusalem Matthew 13:13-15Israel By some Jews in the NT Isaiah 6:9-10pp Mk 4:12 Luke 12:56pp Lk 8:10 John 3:3-4Acts 28:26 Matthew 15:16 By Jesus Christ's disciples Matthew 16:9pp Mk 7:18 not understanding what makes a person unclean Matthew 16:22pp Mk 8:17-18 not understanding about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees John 14:9pp Mk 8:32 Peter cannot accept that Jesus Christ must be crucified John 20:9Philip does not understand that Jesus Christ reveals the Father John 20:14; 21:4not understanding about the resurrection See also Not recognising the risen Christ: 5135 blindness, spiritual5150 face 5161 kneeling 5895 intimacy 5947 shame 6178 hardness of heart 8021 faith 8226 discernment 8281 insight 8355 understanding 8361 wisdom 8834 unbelief |
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