1. Parables and Spiritual Realities And He said, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND. Luke 8:10

2. Kingdom Realities are Often Hidden “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Cor. 4:1 “At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” Matt. 11:25

3. We cannot understand or see the Kingdom of God with our brains only, but in the Spirit and with the heart. Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jn. 3:3 Our brains can be full, but our hearts empty. “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim 3:7

4. Parables have layers of truth The obvious truths in the parables are usually easy to see. The deeper meanings are hidden from those who are “outside”. The humble, the hungry, the children, and the small are candidates for the Kingdom. Those who are wise in their own eyes would use the truths of God to their own fleshly advantage and then propagate it to others leading them astray. Thus misusing what God’s truths are intended for – to lead us to Christ.

5. For Example… "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Lk 6:38 This verse has been used by many for selfish gain. It is often taught and encouraged that we should “sow a seed” in order to get money back. We should never give, in order to get something back in return. This changes it from true giving. Many who are “outside” have used this to manipulate the masses into giving and building their own kingdoms. The truth is: we are free to give and our needs will always be met. To the degree we give of our resources, is to the degree we will be given to. The humble man will not use this for selfish ambition.

6. How to Receive Realize that you don’t have. Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.” Jn 9:41 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,” Rev. 3:17 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Mt 7:7,8

7. How To Receive Realize You Don’t Know