The Word of Knowledge
8 …to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; - 1
Corinthians
12:8 KJV
 |
| Source: Google Images |
This Gift is the
ability to know certain facts concerning a situation without learning, studying
or consulting others. It has nothing to do with one’s natural intelligence
quotient or academic prowess. It is correctly called the Word of Knowledge as it
is a tiny portion of God’s infinite knowledge that is revealed to the recipient
to accomplish a specific purpose. The Word
of Knowledge is the ability to know past and present stuff about people,
places and things by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This gift deals with
the past and the present, not the future but can and many times does operate
together with the Gifts of Prophecy and the Word of Wisdom, both of which have some
aspects of futuristic orientation to them.
The Word of Knowledge
can be seen in operation in both the Old and New Testaments.
Here are a couple
of examples from both Testaments.
Here’s an instance
from the Old Testament:
When Saul went
looking for His father’s donkeys that were lost, he met Samuel the prophet who immediately
by the gift of the Word of Knowledge said to Him:
20 But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious
about them, for they have been found. – 1
Samuel 9:20a NKJV
Notice Saul hadn't even
mentioned the purpose of his wanting to see the prophet, he had just barely
greeted him, so there is no way that Samuel could have known what Saul came for
except the Lord revealed it to him and that’s exactly what happened. There are
many instances of this gift of the Word of Knowledge in operation in the Old
Testament.
In the New Testament there
are plenty of instances of this gift in operation. The Lord Jesus as well as
the apostles and the disciples operated in it. Our Lord Jesus operated in this
gift as He spoke to Nathaniel. He also operated in this gift as He spoke to the
woman at the well. He knew the thoughts of people’s hearts through the
operation of this gift.
47 When
Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
48 “How do
you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip
called you.”
49 Then
Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are
the Son of God; you are
the king of Israel.” – John 1:47-49 NIV
 |
| Source: Google Images |
This gift of the Spirit is available for us today, we are to
desire it, yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to use us in this gift as the
need arises. We are encouraged to desire and ask for those gifts that would be
of benefit to others, that way Jesus is glorified and others are blessed. For
example, if someone needs physical healing, the gift of prophecy may not be beneficial to them or if someone is bound by condemnation or guilt
or shame, the gift of faith may not do them nearly as much good as the gift of
prophecy would… well, you get the picture.
TO BE CONTINUED>>>
No comments:
Post a Comment