Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8319 perception, spiritual

8319 perception, spiritual

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:

John 20:14; John 21:4