Spirit of Christ.
Fathers revenge vs vengeance
Understand- to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the
practice of
understanding- the power of comprehending
especially : the capacity to apprehend general
relations of particulars
3 generational views or perspectives
“The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did
understand, and seek God.”
Psalms 14:2 KJV
“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. How long will ye
judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless:
do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of
the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the
foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children
of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge
the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.”
Psalms 82:1-8 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/psa.82.1-8.kjv
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know
what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at
their commandment.”
1 Chronicles 12:32 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/1ch.12.32.kjv
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto
wise counsels:”
Proverbs 1:5 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/pro.1.5.kjv
“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first,
to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,”
Luke 1:3 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/luk.1.3.kjv
“Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”
Romans 1:31 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/rom.1.31.kjv
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 1:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/eph.1.18.kjv
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 1:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/eph.1.18.kjv
Empathize – to understand vs sympathize – to show comfort and concern
A strong biblical example of a man who was keen in understanding is Daniel.
Daniel — A Man of Understanding
Key Verse:
“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom;
and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” (Daniel 1:17, NKJV)
Daniel was not merely intelligent; God gave him understanding.
He could discern the meaning behind dreams, visions, and events.
Because of his understanding, he became a trusted advisor to kings and influenced an entire
empire.
Additional Scriptures:
Daniel 9:22-23 (NKJV)
“And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, ‘O Daniel, I have now come forth to give
you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I
have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand
the vision.’”
Daniel 10:12 (NKJV)
“Then he said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to
understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard…’”
What Made Daniel a Man of Understanding?
1. He sought God first (Daniel 2:17-19).
2. He lived a disciplined life (Daniel 1:8).
3. He studied God’s Word (Daniel 9:2).
4. He prayed consistently (Daniel 6:10).
5. He humbled himself before God (Daniel 10:12).
Lesson
Understanding is more than knowledge.
Knowledge is knowing facts; understanding is knowing what those facts mean and how to apply
them.
Daniel’s understanding came because he sought God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on
human intellect.
Another excellent example is Solomon, who asked God for “an understanding heart” to govern
God’s people (1 Kings 3:9).
However, Daniel demonstrates how understanding can be maintained throughout a lifetime of
faithful service.
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get
understanding.”
God made you and will come back for you
Hebrews 11:22 (NKJV)
“By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel,
and gave instructions concerning his bones.”
John 14 preparing a place.
1. Stephen’s Sermon — Acts 7:9-18
The most significant New Testament discussion of Joseph is found in Stephen’s defense before
the Sanhedrin.
Acts 7:9-10 (NKJV)
“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and
delivered him out of all his troubles…”
Stephen emphasizes several points:
Joseph Was Rejected by His Brothers
Joseph was betrayed and sold by those closest to him.
Parallel to Jesus:
Just as Joseph was rejected by his brothers, Jesus was rejected by His own people.
John 1:11
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
God Was With Joseph in His Suffering
Stephen stresses that although Joseph suffered injustice, God never abandoned him.
Joseph Became the Savior of His Family
God elevated Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt, and through him many lives were saved
during the famine.
Acts 7:13
“And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers…”
I see this as a picture of Christ, who was rejected at His first coming and will be fully recognized
by many at His return.
