Notes on Lesson 1

Our existence is intertwined with a myriad of senses, both physical and spiritual.

Through our physical senses, we unravel the mysteries of light, color, shape, sound, fragrance, and even the gentle touch of pressure. Yet, beyond the realm of the tangible, lies a realm of ethereal perception. Through our spiritual senses, we embark on a journey to discern the essence of good and evil, behold the captivating allure of beauty, and unravel the profound tapestry of truth. These intangible senses also grant us the extraordinary ability to receive divine communication, forging a connection with the divine, with God Himself.

• Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those because of their practice have their senses trained for the distinguishing of both good and evil.

In the realm of the spirit, the prophets bestowed upon us a profound understanding of these ethereal senses, often likening them to the metaphorical 'eyes' and 'ears' of the spirit. Through these spiritual 'eyes,' we gain the extraordinary ability to perceive the unseen, to discern the intricate dance of good and evil that unfolds around us. Like finely tuned 'ears,' our spiritual senses enable us to attune ourselves to the harmonies of beauty and truth, resonating with the profound melodies that echo through the cosmos. It is through these spiritual 'eyes' and 'ears' that we open ourselves to receive divine communication, allowing the whispers of God to guide us on our sacred journey.

• Isaiah 6:9-10 MKJV And He said, Go, and tell this people, You hear indeed, but do not understand; and seeing you see, but do not know. (10) Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn back, and be healed.
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues 
• 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
• Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues

Within the depths of our being, these spiritual senses serve as our compass to navigate the vast realm of God's spiritual truth. They are the divine gift that allows us to discern the subtle whispers of His guidance and wisdom. Yet, in times of spiritual decline, it seems as though these senses become dulled, clouded by the distractions and burdens of the world. The vibrant hues of truth fade, and the melodies of beauty grow faint. However, when the winds of revival sweep through our souls, a remarkable transformation occurs. Our spiritual senses awaken from their slumber, like a dormant flame suddenly ignited. They become sharp, keen, and attuned to the divine frequencies that permeate the universe. In this state of revival, we are able to perceive God's truth with unparalleled clarity, as if a veil has been lifted, revealing the profound depths of His presence.

The spiritual senses stand apart, distinct from their physical counterparts. They transcend the limitations of the physical realm, allowing us to perceive a deeper reality that lies beyond what meets the eye. An intriguing example of this contrast can be found in the Pharisees, who possessed astute physical vision, particularly when it came to scrutinizing and pointing out the faults of others. However, despite their keenness in the physical realm, they remained blind to the glaring truths of the spiritual realm. Their eyes, so perceptive in the material world, failed to recognize the profound spiritual truths that were evident to those with awakened spiritual senses. It serves as a poignant reminder that true insight and understanding extend beyond the surface, requiring the illumination of our spiritual senses to perceive the profound depths of spiritual truth.

• Matthew 23:16-17 MKJV Woe to you, blind guides, saying, Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor. (17) Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

Let us embark on a journey to explore the various spiritual senses, each holding its own unique significance:

Eyes:

These spiritual 'eyes' serve as our perceptive instruments, allowing us to scan our environment, glimpse into the future, and receive visions. They grant us the ability to perceive the essence of people and events, offering insights beyond the surface.

Ears:

Our spiritual 'ears' are attuned to hear the divine words of God. They enable us to cultivate obedience, embrace servanthood, and discern the will of God. Through these ears, we receive the whispers of divine guidance, leading us on the path of righteousness.

Taste:

As the Psalmist proclaims, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Our spiritual sense of taste goes beyond the physical realm, offering discernment through experiential knowledge. It allows us to savor the goodness of God, to discern truth from falsehood, and to cultivate a deep understanding of His ways.

Smell:

The spiritual sense of smell carries the fragrance of holiness. It grants us rapid discernment, enabling us to detect what is pure and what is tainted. Like a warning signal, it alerts us when something "smells funny," guiding us away from toxic teachings and influences.

Touch:

Through the spiritual sense of touch, we experience the communication of holiness. It is through this sense that we encounter healing, anointing, and spiritual power. It also reminds us to "touch not the unclean," guiding us to maintain our spiritual purity and avoid that which is defiling.

As we delve into each of these spiritual senses, we uncover the profound depths of our connection with the divine, allowing us to navigate the spiritual realm with clarity, discernment, and a deep sense of purpose.

Our perception of the world is intricately intertwined with the tapestry of our senses. Through these remarkable faculties, we immerse ourselves in the richness of our surroundings, embracing the wonders with awe and wonder.

• John 7:38: He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.

Gates

Glory Realm: 

• Love
• Humility 
• Peace 
• Thankfulness 
• Joy
• Righteousness

Spiritual/Spirit Realm: PHINEUMA/ Breathe: 

• Prayer 
• Reverence 
• Fear of God 
• Intuition 
• Revelation 
• Worship 
• Hope 
• Faith 

Natural/Soul Realm: PHSYCHE/ Bridge 

• Consciousness.
• Reason
• Imagination
• Will
• Choice
• Emotions
• Mind- subconscious, unconscious

Carnal/Body Realm: SOMAS/ Biology

• Sight- Eyes 
• Smell- Nose 
• Hearing- Ears 
• Taste- Mouth 
• Feel- Touch 
  
  

• Matthew 13:16-17 MKJV: But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. (17) For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them.
• Matthew 16:15-18 MKJV He said to them, But who do you say I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) Jesus answered and said to him, You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven. (18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

So one of the keys to blessing in the spiritual life is to have spiritual senses that understand what God is saying and doing. If we are capable of receiving God's direct revelation then we will be like the apostle Peter: You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven.

• Matthew 13:9-15 MKJV: He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (10) And the disciples said to Him, Why do You speak to them in parables? (11) He answered and said to them, Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. (12) For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away even that which he has. (13) Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not; nor do they understand. (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, "By hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive; (15) for this people's heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Lesson 1 Summary:

1. Within the depths of our being, lie the distinct spiritual senses that form the very fabric of our conscience and inner world. They serve as gateways to the spiritual realm, allowing us to connect with the divine and perceive truths beyond the physical realm.
2. Unlike our five outer senses that navigate the tangible world, the spiritual senses are a realm unto themselves. They transcend the boundaries of the physical, enabling us to delve into the mysteries of the spiritual realm and experience its profound realities.
3. The spiritual senses possess a remarkable ability to digest the "solid food" of spiritual truths and discern the intricate dance between good and evil. They empower us to comprehend and internalize deep spiritual teachings, providing nourishment to our souls. Moreover, they act as discerning guides, helping us navigate the treacherous waters of morality and make choices that align with God's truth.
4. Just as a muscle grows stronger with exercise, the spiritual senses require practice and constant use. It is through active engagement that they sharpen and become finely attuned to the divine frequencies. Neglecting them can lead to their dulling or even dormancy. Therefore, let us embrace the adage of "use it or lose it" and diligently exercise our spiritual senses to unlock their full potential.