Spiritual Sensitivity by C. R. Oliver (best books to read in your 20s txt) 📖

ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

April 1, 2014

Spiritual Sensitivity

Hebrews 5:14 

14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 
NKJV

Introduction:
           Evidently, exercising sensitivity to the things of the Spirit takes time and spiritual maturity to apprehend, according to Hebrews 5:14. In other words, spiritual sensitivity becomes a goal for the saint and although it takes time to learn, it is a worthwhile pursuit. I dare say, fewer and fewer are seeking this characteristic for their spiritual resume?. Mainly their reluctance is because spiritual sensitivity is not an instantaneous trait and requires learning and practice in discrimination, as well as discernment, in order to attain its abilities. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity for the saint to "study to show himself approved" in this merit as well.

Inclusion of spiritual sensitivity in this continued study of Throne Room Thinking is an integral part of claiming higher realms of authority and greater use of captured thoughts. It follows in sequence to the previous aspects of Divine perception, perspective and wisdom. As the student grows in understanding, he becomes aware that, "God beckons us to raise our standard of learning and calls us to think as He thinks and work as He works." We must "come UP" rather than continually calling for Him to "come down." Being seated in heavenly places is to be the norm, not the exception. An effort must be put forth, both in pulpit and pew, to come to a higher knowledge of Him who is "all in all." There is a piteous cry from saints for materials and messages that are of a deeper nature and increased understanding of the kingdom, but the door of spiritual sensitivity must be open, whereas, it has previously been shut.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

"Their senses exercised to discern" is what the scripture uses to describe the open door of the heart. It takes exercise to achieve this merit. 

To what degree then is this trait learned, as opposed to having some innate capability? How long does the process take to master this field? What elements does one need in order to attain this qualification? What areas of application are required for these abilities? How necessary is it to acquire these skills in accordance to the hierarchy of Christian endeavors? What enhancement to the Christian walk does this ability offer? 

Taking the last question first, let it be declared that skill in spiritual sensitivity affords the possessor an array of options open only to those given to the Spirit.

(Some others of these questions will be answered in this treatise while some will be answered by the employment of the task --- it becomes a "hands-on" skill as well as spiritual reprogramming.)

Not only does spiritual sensitivity have its own bank of knowledge, it has its own methods of deployment and its private reward for involvement. In other words, the initiate opens his/her being to a new set of values and priorities, each calling upon the other to draw one's spirit into a subscription to greater study and excellence. As a person immerses himself into the depths of this subject, the more he realizes how wonderful it is to know what he knows. In like manner, he introspects and cannot imagine a Christian being without this gift. 

Spiritual sensitivity is an end time gift from God to His people. It is not an end to itself; however, those who possess an understanding of its worth find themselves drawn into the mental and spiritual health it provides. Erosion of mind has pervaded the Christian world until one stands in amazement when surveying the current Christian scene. Confusion, frustration and ignorance characterize the circus atmosphere known today as Charismatic Pentecost. Churches are struggling to meet the forces against them at a time when its members should be mature, not babies in their spirits. 

Our Lord advises to step out and step up to the place described by Malachi.

Mal 3:16-18
So a book of remembrance was written before Him 
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name. 
17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts,
"On the day that I make them My jewels. 
And I will spare them 
As a man spares his own son who serves him."
18 Then you shall again discern 
Between the righteous and the wicked,
Between one who serves God
And one who does not serve Him.

What? Do you mean to say those who called themselves "the people of God" could not discern righteousness and wickedness in Malachi's day? Neither could they recognize the servant of God versus one who did not serve Him? (Is this not the condition today?) 

Review Malachi's choice in the word: Discern.

OT:7200 Hebrew: Discern
ra'ah (raw-aw'); a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative):
KJV - advise self, appear, approve, behold, certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, indeed, joyfully, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see (-r, -m, one another), shew (self), sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, surely, think, view, vision [envision].

Something rises up inside me when I hear a prophetic word I know is not of God. Something wells up inside me when I hear twisted Scripture from media or pulpit. Somehow my Spiritual sensitivity guides me when I meet certain "workers" and know to steer clear of their ministries and their message. What is that something? It is that higher, often unexplainable estate called discernment. Sometimes it comes as a cautioning voice inside me, sometimes as an uneasiness that makes me want to run. Sometimes it is a subtle discrimination that challenges my mind to think beyond the surface of what is presented and dig out the underlying meaning.

Isaiah said this would happen in the last days: 

Isaiah 5:20
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter

The sensitive soul is awash today in a sea of unrighteousness, yet our God has not abandoned His ways. Nay, He who observes the fall of the smallest sparrow knows our dilemma! Look at His portrayal of the sensitive soul found in "righteous Lot."

2 Peter 2:7-11
Righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds) - 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self- willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord

God knows our predicament. He knows our souls are being "tormented from day to day." But alas, if your soul is not disturbed, if it is not tormented daily by the unfolding transgressions of the national mind-then fall before the living God and ask Him to quicken your spirit. Someone somewhere needs to begin teaching in our seminaries and Bible schools spiritual sensitivity of the God kind! Yes, modern education has its sensitivity training sessions in order to reprogram the recipient in areas of race, islam, gender and protocol. Their end result is massive conformity and cultural correctness. The writer of Hebrews was not offering a "religious sensitivity class," he was manifesting a life style of Spirit learning to deliver the believer to the Mount Zion of His presence. It is difficult to teach calculus to first graders. 

Ezekiel was most sensitive to his cultural and spiritual surroundings. He was surrounded by the captives of Judah, whether prophet or pilgrim. Listen as he speaks:

Ezekiel 22:28 (He taught that it was necessary to discern between truth and error and be sensitive to the Spirit.)
8 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' when the LORD had not spoken.

This scripture is for today! If ever untempered mortar is evident, it is so in the teachings from our government, our educational systems and our pulpits! Yet, those of my generation failed to mentor these "sons of error." A long time ago, our preachers and prophets knew the ways of the Lord. Our schools of prophets have now become schools for profit. Our culturally defined institutions, both educational and religious, have become dens of diversity attempting to obliterate the foundations laid by past generations of Statesmen. 

Spiritual sensitivity is not always the ferreter of evil and darkness. Equally, it is the approver of that which is good and Godly. Whenever politician or pulpiteer speaks truth, the response is immediate and positive. The problem lies in the audience, for it is weaker and fewer. Spiritual sensitivity does not look at the audience, but it looks inwardly to the Spirit! Truth spoken by a liar is not commendable; the spiritually sensitive approve the truth and dismiss the liar. 

What should we call this deep understanding of the unknown aspects of the Spiritual Dimension? What is it that causes one to race ahead of a speaker and just "know" you want to shout "YES!," because what is being spoken is clearly of God and what he or she is yet to reveal is pure and holy? Such rejoicing reaches ahead of what is being unveiled, so that one can embrace its intent even before others comprehend. 

Hallelujah for both the positive and the negative aspects of having the "senses exercised." 

If the body is to be perfected and brought to Bride status, there must be a concentration of interest in hearing the voice and prompting of the Spirit. The whole New Testament, yeah, the whole Bible is one gigantic teaching about how to exercise our senses. 

The teachings of Jesus constantly incorporated a sensitivity learning format. The Sermon on the Mount and other direct occasions represented rote class discipline, while the miracles and interaction with the populous became "practicum." Because of this method, throughout Jesus' ministry, hundreds "parted company" until He queried the twelve with, "Will you leave also?" How intense is the curriculum of holiness? 

Let us observe some of His ministry occasions. 

Negatively, Jesus hammered the Pharisees about their issues with discernment, and eventually, He left them alone to perish in their sins.

Matthew 16:3, 4
Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. And He left them and departed.

Note His use of the Greek word "discern" in the above text:

NT:1252
diakrino (dee-ak-ree'-no); from NT:1223 and NT:2919; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate: KJV - contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.

Positively, both tenderness and understanding