Definition of the word and concept — paradox = A paradox is a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one’s expectation.
As we grow so does our understanding, a two year old’s understanding of the sky is much different than a post graduate physics student. The same goes for spiritual understanding. Our problem arises when we constantly are having a ‘third grade’ spiritual perspective reinforced over and over no matter what level of spiritual understanding that you have. The institution does not do upper level spiritual training, they continue to do ‘third grade’ level training. If they attempt to go beyond that level it will always be the academic intellectual route with zero Holy Spirit involvement.
God continues to step us to another level as we grow, IF we ask Him to teach us. But for the majority of those sitting in the institution they never interact with God Himself via the Holy Spirit. They will interact with a Bible study, or sit and listen to a sermon either on-line or in person. But in both those cases there usually is extremely little room for questions, especially difficult questions. Asking difficult questions will get you kicked out. (this I know by personal experience)
IF God begins to teach you — your understanding of Him and His ways will continually be challenged to expand beyond what you are comfortable with. With each new step your revelation of the expanse grows letting you know there is a WHOLE lot more you don’t know. CS Lewis uses this paradox in his last book in the Narnia series. I now understand this method of the path of God which is continually filled with seeming paradoxes. Why? God will continually ‘blow up’ that which you thought you ‘knew’ by showing you a bigger realm. You then have to re-think and ponder all that you thought you knew to incorporate the bigger parameters you just been given / shown.
Intellectual knowledge is often relegated to the level of academic schooling one has had, degrees, years, etc. Most seminaries and “Christian universities” take the same path when it comes to supposed spiritual knowledge. One has to learn all the theological and doctrinal arguments and stances, so that you can carve out your own platform of what you believe. So how did the first century Church advance spiritually without the academic crowd? Is the Holy Spirit even considered within academic circles? If you can’t quantify it — is it worth anything? How does one quantify … all and each of the fruit of the Spirit? Spiritual maturity and knowledge is vastly different than intellectual knowledge I’ve learned throughout the years of observing and listening.
Learning the Voice of the Holy Spirit through the Word (He uses) and the indwelling Presence is vastly different than the academic learning one is given at strictly a mental intellectual level. IF one is learning from the Holy Spirit — certain attributes begin to grow within your character and heart. Specifically — His Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), along with other spiritual character personality traits, like humility, gratefulness, and repentance. They become more evident within ones life. Academic learning can lead to great pride, and elitism. As you only recognize someone who has the same or more than yourself — as having value, or you can really learn from. Like- only an ordained Pastor is really worth ‘listening to’ on spiritual matters.
Commit yourself to learning directly from the Teacher … Himself. Learn to discern His Voice within you. Learn how to obey it. Learn how to ask Him difficult questions and then wait and listen for His answers to you … specifically.