I See Therefore I Know? Seeing + ? = Knowing

Mindonfire · April 23, 2006

Seeing + ? = Knowing

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Today I would like to discuss with and show believers that there is a marked difference between seeing and knowing. Many believers have argued that since Rev 1:7 states that the world will see Messias, this also means that they will know him. I am here to tell you otherwise. It is absolutely correct that everyone will see him with their physical eyes. But let us remember that the physical eyes are unable to see and know that which is spiritual. Seeing is not knowing.

As believers we must understand that there is a chasm which divides the dimensions of seeing and knowing in this physical world. Seeing with the physical eyes does not always translate to knowing in the spiritual mind. Let’s use the disciples, Pharisees, and Jews for examples.

T

he disciples saw Jesus and they saw him do all of his miracles. They saw him heal the sick, open the eyes of the blind, raise the dead, and feed thousands with a meager amount of food. But yet when Jesus asked them who did they think he was. Only Simon Peter was able to correctly identify him (Matthew 16:15-16)

Likewise the Jews were also in attendance to see Jesus do many of his miracles (John 12:37). As a matter of fact they were the primary recipients during many of these miracles. (John 2:1-11, Luke 5:18-26, Luke 5:15, Matt 15:32-38) Just think about how mind blowing this is. Jesus did a very many of his miracles in their view, but yet they wanted him dead (Mark 15:12-13, John 19:14-15). So much for seeing

The Pharisees were also in the neighborhood to see Jesus and to see some of his miracles (Matt 9:34, Luke 5:17, Luke 6:6-11). But yet they were constantly plotting of ways to trap and destroy him (Matt 12:14, Mark 12:13).

So here we see 3 perfect examples of 3 groups of people who were not visually or mentally impaired, and if they were Jesus probably healed them of their impairments. But yet out of these three groups only one individual (Simon Peter) was able at that time to come to the knowledge of who Jesus is. Now let us ask ourselves; what made Peter so different that he was able to see and know that Christ was the Messias. Well if we study Matt 16:17 you will see the answer. The reason that Peter was able to see and know that Jesus was the Messias was because God the Father had given him the revelation (Matthew 16:17). The rest could not know this because the Father had not revealed this as of yet to them.

Let me present to you another example using one of your present day characters. Take one of your stars for instance. Let’s say Tim Lahaye. If you didn’t watch any T.V. or read any periodicals, you may have Mr. Lahaye come up to you and greet you without you knowing him. Then later on a friend may approach you and ask you, did you see Tim Lahaye in town today. Of course your answer is going to be no because you did not know that you had seen him. But you did see him, you just didn’t know it.

For those of who may still not understand, let me present you with one more example, which you may be able to relate to. When a child or an adult is first introduced to mathematics, they are oblivious to what they are looking at. The child or adult is only able to see numbers or the equation. They have no idea how to arrive at the solution or what the numbers are used for. It is only after you have revealed to this child or adult the purpose, use and the steps used to come to a solution are they able to know what they are looking at.

It is important to remember that all of these examples had two things in common. They all saw what they were looking at. But they all did not know what they were looking at until an outside influence revealed it to them.

Now someone might ask; why did Peter receive the revelation at that time. Well we must understand that there are many factors which are involved when it comes to receiving revelation from God. The most important factor is your disposition or mindset. There are certain dispositions or mindsets that block and there are certain dispositions or mindsets that open your spirit to revelation. Today let’s take a look at some individual dispositions or mindsets which can block the entrance of revelation into your spirit.

God: God gives revelation to whomever he wills. If he doesn’t want to give it to you, then there isn’t too much you can do. But if you examine yourself you might find something in you that is blocking it, or it may not be the right time. (Prov 10:20, Psalm 5:5)

Hardness of heart: This is a disposition or mindset that is lacking in consideration, compassion and gentleness. This type of mindset is also obdurate, resentful, and resistant to change even when it is wrong. (Prov 28:14, Mark 6:52, Mark 8:17-18)

Pride and Vain in heart, mind, spirit: This tends to lead to the hardening of the heart. The dispositions or mindsets that are infected with this tends to feel that others are unworthy and inferior to them. They tend to think that their way is the best way. They also have an excessive over-appreciation of their own importance, appearance, and achievements. And because of this they do not listen when the voice of reason from God speaks to give them revelation. (Prov11:2, Prov16:18)

Foolish in heart, mind, spirit: These dispositions or mindsets are lacking in sense, judgement, and discretion. They are easily engaged by absurd and ridiculous notions. (Prov19:3, Prov15:7, Psalm 5:5)

Carnal, Fleshly, Sensual heart, mind, spirit: These dispositions or mindsets are inclined to bodily pleasures. These love to gratify the physical more than the spiritual. These mindset have become an enemy of the Living God who must be worshipped in spirit. (Rom8:6-8, Col. 2:18, Jude:19)

Gross in heart, mind, spirit: This is a disposition or mindet that is excessively obese. It has been growing and spreading with excessive riches, and luxuriance. And because of this it has become lazy, indolent, lethargic, and apathetic. This type of disposition or mindset tends to elicit disgust and judgement from God rather than revelation. (Matt. 13:15, Jer. 5:27-28, Eze. 32:16)

Double minded and Lukewarm heart, mind, spirit: These dispositions or mindsets are lacking in conviction. They are like warm waves of the sea. Driven and tossed about by every wind of doctrine. These are most likely to get spit out than to receive revelations.(James 1:5-8, Jude:13, Rev. 3:15-16)

Wicked and Iniquitous heart, mind, spirit: These dispositions or mindsets have the nature of immorality and depravity. They are not moved by gross injustices; as a matter of fact they welcome it. (Prov10:20, Psalm 5:5)

So if your mind has been overly tainted by anyone of these diseases you will not know what truly is going on in the world around you. You will succeed in repeating the same mistakes as your predecessor Israel. You will succeed in estranging yourself from God and his Messias, and incurring the wrath that is to come. You will see but you will not know that the Man of Sin or Anti-Christ is here until it is too late. You will see Messias coming with the clouds of heaven, (Rev1:7) but you will not know that it is him until it is to late. You will be a physical seeing, but spiritual blind man or woman.

“Knowing is not present in the physical sight but knowing is present in spiritual revelation."

Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Daniel 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.