The Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge

LESSON 2

You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

In this edition, we continue with our series on The Gifts of the Spirit. The topic for this study is: The Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul listed several spiritual gifts which are manifested in the body of Christ. These spiritual gifts include the following: "12:8 FOR TO ONE IS GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT THE WORD OF WISDOM; TO ANOTHER THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE BY THE SAME SPIRIT;

12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

12:10 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 Corinthians 12:8-10; Capital Emphasis Added) The passage above, coupled with several others (see Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11), outline various spiritual gifts that are provided by the Holy Spirit to members of the body of Christ. In this study, our focus will be on the gifts of wisdom and knowledge. We will consider these gifts in two sub-sections as follows:

1) THE GIFT OF WISDOM

The gift of wisdom is a spiritual gift which the Holy Spirit imparts unto some in the church to ascertain in a special way the mysteries of salvation, and with the uncommon ability of clearly explaining it to the comprehension of the church body. Besides the rich expositions on the mysteries of salvation, people with the gift of wisdom will also exhibit distinguished abilities as counsellors, instructors and advisors. In circumstances where the church seem to be divided on critical issues, a "word of wisdom" from a person endowed with this gift helps to resolve the impasse, and redirects the church to focus on her core mission of proclaiming the everlasting gospel of Jesus. Scriptural examples of the manifestation of the gift of wisdom include Stephen's wisdom in expounding the Scriptures in relation to the Messiah to the Jews (see Acts 6:3, 10), Solomon's uncommon wisdom to judge the people of Israel (see 1 King's 3:5-28; 1 Kings 4:29-34) and Jethro's counsel to Moses to delegate authority (see Exodus 18:17-26). The fact that the gift of wisdom appears first in the outline of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 does not suggest that it is the highest endowed spiritual gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

2) THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

The gift of knowledge is a spiritual gift which the Holy Spirit imparts unto some in the church to be able to conceptualise, understand and apply key secular knowledge in a special way for the spiritual development of the church body, and for the advancement of the gospel commission. People with the gift of knowledge see ways through which key elements in the theories of academia and professional fields can be utilised to further the cause of God. In circumstances where the church seem to face challenges in applying appropriate knowledge for the furtherance of the gospel, a "word of knowledge" from a person endowed with this gift brings key solutions. In our 21st century age of computer and information technology, it is amazing to see how the Lord is utilising many through this important gift to enrich the spiritual life of God's people, and provide easy tools for the propagation of the gospel. A scriptural example of the manifestation of the gift of knowledge is the apostle Paul's application of his vast knowledge in Hebrew theology to expound the gospel in a clear manner to both Jews and Gentiles (see Acts 22:3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22). The fact that the gift of knowledge is mentioned after the gift of wisdom in the outline of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 does not suggest that this gift is the second in rank in terms of the endowment of spiritual gifts in the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

Exhortation: Because of the danger of pride and other spiritual pitfalls that the gifts of wisdom and knowledge may lead those who are endowed with them, the apostle Paul provided the following counsel to God's people who manifest any of these two important gifts: "3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

(James 3:13-18) In our next study, we will consider the topic: The Gifts of Healings and Miracles. The Bible Study references for this study are 2 Kings 5:1-15, 2 Kings 20:1-7, Matthew 9:20-22; Matthew 9:27-31, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 5:12-16, Matthew 24:24-25 and Revelation 16:13-14. Please do well to go through these passages before the next study is released.

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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