Progression of Revelation Revelation is always expanding in its understanding of God with evidence in maturity. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (TLB) 11 It’s like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things. 12 In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see him in his completeness, face-to-face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now. How does revelation come? : Personal time in fellowship with the words and Spirit of God. Through the encounters of life when those words are applied by the Spirit. Reception of revelation shared by others. How does revelation progress? With documentation for retention and further meditation. When it is savored and applied. As it becomes the motivation, inspiration, and craving for more. Revelation isn’t Presuming to have obtained only hides from what will be revealed to a child’s humility. Matthew 11:25 (NKJV) 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 (TLB) 2 If anyone thinks he knows all the answers, he is just showing his ignorance. 3 But the person who truly loves God is the one who is open to God’s knowledge. Revelation of Christ is not a mental agreement, but a provision of the Father. Matthew 16:17 (NKJV) 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Unveiling comes with believing and acting on what is revealed. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. Revelation requires the Spirit’s unveiling. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 (TLB) 9 That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. 10 But we know about these things because God has sent his Spirit to tell us, and his Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets. 11 No one can really know what anyone else is thinking or what he is really like except that person himself. And no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. Revelation comes God’s Light brings revelation of Jesus, not merely catchy phrases or man’s thoughts. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT) 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Paul’s prayer – not for provision or blessing, but revelation of what is already provided. Ephesians 1:15-23 (NKJV) 15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Revelation is progressive Revelation by the Spirit results in progressive transformation – each gained to advance to the next. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMPC) 18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. Revelation requires continued care to retain, apply, and be blessed by. Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (TLB) 18 So keep these commandments carefully in mind. Tie them to your hand to remind you to obey them, and tie them to your forehead between your eyes! 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! 20 Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, 21 so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you. Revelation isn’t automatic with information. Requires a hunger/void that turns to God for filling. Matthew 13:14-16 (TLB) 14 “This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘They hear, but don’t understand; they look, but don’t see! 15 For their hearts are fat and heavy, and their ears are dull, and they have closed their eyes in sleep, 16 so they won’t see and hear and understand and turn to God again, and let me heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. Revelation progresses with a continual invitation from need and desire. Psalms 119:18-19 (TLB) 18 Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. 19 I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. How does revelation come? : Personal time in fellowship with the words and Spirit of God. Through the encounters of life when those words are applied by the Spirit. Reception of revelation shared by others. How does revelation progress? With documentation for retention and further meditation. When it is savored and applied. As it becomes the motivation, inspiration, and craving for more.