The first spiritual gift we will look at is the Word of Knowledge. 1 Corinthians 12:4-8 - "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit,"
What Is The Gift Of The Word Of Knowledge
Here is a simple definition: The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of specific information (facts) from the mind of God concerning people, places, or things. Another way to put it, this gift is a supernaturally inspired speaking of facts that could only be known because God revealed them. The Word of Knowledge is supernatural knowledge, given by the Holy Spirit, about something in the present or past.
It's important to clarify what the Word of Knowledge is not, to avoid confusion. It's not intelligence, it's not acquired through extensive learning or research, and it's not simply having a vast knowledge of the Bible. The Word of Knowledge is distinct from these, as it is a direct revelation from God, not a product of human effort or intellect.
Words Of Knowledge Are Spoken
The term' Word of Knowledge' itself suggests that this gift is meant to be spoken. It's not just about having knowledge, but about sharing it with others. The Holy Spirit communicates this knowledge to be spoken out to the person or group it concerns, strengthening their faith and understanding.
How Are Words Of Knowledge Are Given By God
They are given or inspired to a person by the Holy Spirit and can come through different means, including the voice of God, the witness of the Spirit, a vision, a dream, a divine thought, or an angel.
The Purposes Of The Word Of Knowledge
There are several reasons or purposes for the gift of the Word of Knowledge. Here are examples from scripture and their results.
Nathanael Under The Fig Tree
John 1:47-49 - Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming and says: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Remember, they have never met. Nathanael responds, "How do You know me?" In that question, he asked, we have never met before; how do you know what type of person I am? To which Jesus answered, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Jesus didn't physically see Nathanael but by a revelation of the Holy Spirit. It was also a revelation of the Holy Spirit as to the character of Nathanael. What was the outcome? Nathanael believed in Christ; he said, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
The Samaritan Woman's Five Husbands
John 4:16–19 - Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.
In this case, the Word of Knowledge comes as Jesus reveals through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that this woman has had five husbands, and the current man she is with is not her husband. What was the result? The woman recognized that God was with Christ. John 4:19 - The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet." She even believed that Jesus was the potential Messiah, and went and witnessed it. John 4:28-29 - The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
Ananias' Knowledge Of Saul
Acts 9:10-12 - Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."
The Holy Spirit directed Ananias as to the exact location of Saul (Paul), Saul's vision, and the outcome of his visit. This Word of Knowledge resulted in Ananias going to Saul, Saul receiving his sight, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and him going and preaching.
Interestingly, in this passage, Ananias receives what could be considered a second Word Of Knowledge about the future of Paul after he questions God about all the harm Saul has done to the church. Acts 9:15-16 - But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." This opened the heart to Ananias to go and seek out Saul.
Peter Informed Of The Messengers From Cornelius
Acts 10:19-21 - While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them." Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, "Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?"
In this situation, the Word of Knowledge confirmed Peter's previous vision and the direction of what was to come.
Preparatory Warnings Give To Paul
Acts 20:22–23 - And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
The Holy Spirit prepared Him for hardships he would face.
Acts 21:10–11 - And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
This Word of Knowledge for Paul was given to the prophet Agabus and again prepared Paul for what he would face in Jerusalem.
OT Example
Here is an example of a Word of Knowledge from the Old Testament that you can look up and read.
Ezekiel 14:1-7 - This Word of Knowledge was given to Ezekiel to expose the sin and idolatry of the people. This was done for the purpose of winning back the hearts of these people.
To summarize, a Word Of Knowledge can inform, prepare, bring conviction, build faith, warn, open someone's heart, expose, and give direction. The usual purpose is to build faith and lead people to God and His purposes.
In the next post, we will examine the Spiritual Gift of the Word of Wisdom.
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