Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8319 perception, spiritual 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. Perception in dealing with people God's knowledge of human hearts Psalm 139:1-4 See also Psalm 17:3; Psalm 44:21; Proverbs 24:12 Jesus Christ's perception of those around him John 2:24-25 See also Isaiah 11:1-4; Matthew 9:3-4 pp Mark 2:7-8 pp Luke 5:21-22; John 4:16-19; Revelation 2:23 True understanding by God's servants Nehemiah 6:1-2; Job 21:27; Acts 5:1-3 Perception of spiritual truth Recognising God's ultimate authority Revelation 4:1-2 See also 2 Kings 6:15-17; Daniel 7:8-14 Understanding Jesus Christ's teaching Matthew 13:10-11 pp Mark 4:10-11 pp Luke 8:9-10 See also Matthew 13:16-23 pp Mark 4:13-20 pp Luke 8:11-15 The parable of the sower is about the way Jesus Christ's teaching in parables is received. Understanding who Jesus Christ is Matthew 16:15-17 pp Mark 8:29 pp Luke 9:20 See also Acts 8:30-35; Isaiah 53:7-8 Understanding about Jesus Christ's death and resurrection Luke 24:45-46 See also Luke 24:30-35; John 12:16 Perception to interpret events 2 Samuel 5:11-12 The building of a palace in the newly captured Jerusalem confirms to David his election by God ; Isaiah 43:9-12 Through his miraculous direction of his people's history, God is perceived as the one, true God. See also Isaiah 41:18-20; Isaiah 64:4; Jonah 1:12 Jonah recognises God's hand in the storm; Acts 10:34-35 Through the circumstances of his guidance, Peter realises that God's salvation is for Gentiles too. Perception leading to effective service 1 Kings 3:9 pp 2 Chronicles 1:10 See also 1 Samuel 16:7-13 Samuel perceives that David is to be king; 2 Kings 4:8-10 A Shunammite's perception of Elisha leads her to extend hospitality to him; Hebrews 11:27 Moses' perception of the invisible God Lack of perception By those in the OT Isaiah 43:19 See also Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh; Numbers 22:31-34 Balaam; Deuteronomy 32:28-29 Israel in the wilderness; Isaiah 29:10-12 the people of Jerusalem; Isaiah 42:20 Israel By some Jews in the NT Matthew 13:13-15 pp Mark 4:12 pp Luke 8:10; Isaiah 6:9-10; Luke 12:56; John 3:3-4; Acts 28:26 By Jesus Christ's disciples Matthew 15:16 pp Mark 7:18 not understanding what makes a person unclean; Matthew 16:9 pp Mark 8:17-18 not understanding about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees; Matthew 16:22 pp Mark 8:32 Peter cannot accept that Jesus Christ must be crucified; John 14:9 Philip does not understand that Jesus Christ reveals the Father; John 20:9 not understanding about the resurrection Not recognising the risen Christ: See also
5135 blindness, spiritual |
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