Summary:

There is a knowledge that goes beyond all human intellect. When we receive such knowledge, it changes the very core of our being. This revelation
knowledge is the knowledge that can only come from God. We receive
hidden wisdom when we hear a Word from God spoken directly to us
concerning our individual lives. However, His written Word is the
gateway to His spoken Word.

1. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30).
   
   1. Jesus was saying His effectiveness and power came as a result of what He heard from the Father.
      1. Every great man and woman in the Bible did great exploits because they heard from God.
2. Simon Peter received the Word from God that Christ is the son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-18).
   1. Jesus said flesh and blood (or a person) did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven.
      1. Simon Peter was transformed by the revelation.
         1. Peter was not simply a name Jesus gave him, but a declaration of who he was because of the revelation he received.
         2. Jesus said he had become a Peter, or Petros, which means a large piece of rock.
         3. This revelation knowledge gave Peter a solid foundation. He was made stern and strong because of what he knew.
         4. Jesus said upon this rock (revelation knowledge) He would build His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
         5. We are the church. God builds us up with His Rhema Word.
      2. What we receive from people is information; what we receive from God is revelation.
      3. We can position ourselves to hear from God by remaining in the Spirit, and in His Word (Revelation 1:10).
         1. We can also position ourselves with our own personal song of praise to God (Isaiah 30:29-30).
         2. Praise songs are not merely a performance, but joyful expressions that lead the way to hearing the voice of God.
         3. We do not have to be musicians or singers to have praise services.
         4. When we offer our personal praise to God with a glad heart, He will cause His glorious voice to be heard.
      4. God is always speaking, but can we hear Him?
         1. We cannot hear God’s voice when we are cluttered with cares, worries, stress, and concerns.
         2. We must cast our cares on Him; and learn to live a life of ease.
         3. We will not be able to hear Him if our hearts are not right.
         4. For example, we can not hear God when we are being manipulative, lacking integrity, or being hypocritical.
3. The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life (2 Corinthians 3:6).
   1. The Bible offers us the letter (information) and the Spirit (revelation).
   2. We cannot dismiss one or the other. We need both the written and the spoken Word (John 6:63).
   3. We should never use the written Word to place others in bondage.

Scripture References:

• John 5:30
• Matthew 16:13-18
• Revelation 1:10
• Isaiah 30:29-30
• 2 Corinthians 3:6
• John 6:6