Let us explore “The Gift of Knowledge” and “The Gift of Wisdom” – two extraordinary manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s power. In this lesson, we shall delve into the profound realm of supernatural revelation, understanding, and discernment bestowed upon believers. These divine endowments have the potential to inspire faith, foster sensitivity to God’s leading, and equip us to navigate life’s challenges with divine wisdom. Through biblical examples and scriptural references, we will grasp the essence of these gifts, learning how to operate in them effectively and allow God to work mightily through our lives.
The Gift of Knowledge:
The “Word of Knowledge” is a remarkable spiritual gift that imparts supernatural revelation concerning facts in the mind of God. In Bro. Fedrick’s teaching, the word of knowledge concerns matters in the past or present. This is a useful distinction in the class, although 1 Corinthians 12:8–11 names the gift without defining it by a strict timeline. As we explore the gift of knowledge, we shall discover its purpose in inspiring faith and strengthening our spiritual sensitivity. The more we operate in this gift, the more we grow in discernment, distinguishing between good and evil. This spiritual sensitivity enables us to be more valuable instruments in God’s hands, serving as vessels through which He works His wonders.
John 4:17-19 (KJV) – “The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. …I perceive that thou art a prophet.”
In this example, Jesus demonstrated the gift of knowledge by revealing to the Samaritan woman that she had had five husbands and was currently living with a man who was not her husband. This revelation astonished the woman and led her to recognize Jesus as a prophet (John 4:19). Jesus revealed information about the woman’s past and present circumstances (John 4:16–19). Bro. Fedrick also pointed to Nathanael, whom Jesus saw under the fig tree before Philip called him (John 1:47–49). These accounts illustrate knowledge beyond ordinary human observation, while recognizing that Jesus’ divine identity is greater than any one manifestation of the Spirit.’s past and present circumstances, demonstrating His divine insight into her life.
The Gift of Wisdom:
Similarly, the “Word of Wisdom” is another extraordinary gift that imparts divine insight and understanding. This gift is often directed towards the present or future, allowing believers to navigate life’s complexities with divine guidance. Unlike God’s omniscience, which knows all things, this gift involves a particular manifestation of wisdom from the Spirit, not possession of all God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8, 11). Bro. Fedrick also used Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:5–11) as an illustration of revelation about future events. The class associated the word of wisdom with divine direction and purpose, often concerning what lies ahead; Scripture itself does not define the gift solely by a timeline—a portion of divine knowledge that God reveals to us. As we study biblical examples of the gift of wisdom, we shall learn how it helps believers make wise decisions and gain clarity in their spiritual journey.
1 Kings 3:24-28 (KJV) – “And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged, and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.”
In this story, two women claimed to be the mother of a baby, and Solomon, displaying wisdom given by God (1 Kings 3:12). This passage does not explicitly identify his judgment as the particular word of wisdom named in 1 Corinthians 12:8. In the account, Solomon proposed to divide the child to settle the dispute. The real mother’s love for the child compelled her to offer to give up her claim to protect the baby’s life, while the impostor was willing to see the child divided. Solomon’s wisdom allowed him to discern the true mother and make a just judgment that left a profound impact on all of Israel.
Cultivating Sensitivity and Separation:
To effectively operate in these gifts, we must cultivate spiritual sensitivity. Sensitivity to God’s leading allows us to discern His voice more clearly and receive divine revelations. Moreover, we must understand that these gifts are not a substitute for prayer, fasting, and the diligent study of God’s Word. Instead, they must remain subject to Scripture and be exercised in love (1 Corinthians 12:7; 13:1–2). Bro. Fedrick stressed that spiritual impressions must never contradict God’s Word and that gifts do not replace the ministry of the Word. Hebrews 5:14 also encourages discernment through spiritual maturity. They complement these practices, enhancing our spiritual growth and empowering us to be effective vessels for God’s purposes.
Embracing the full potential of these gifts sometimes requires a crucial element: separation. We must be willing to detach from negative influences and distractions. By making this intentional separation, we position ourselves for the miraculous and unhindered fulfillment of God’s calling in our lives. Sometimes, to experience the miraculous, we must let go of the crowd that might hinder our progress. The lesson’s practical point is to recognize when relationships or distractions draw us away from obedience to God. Setting appropriate boundaries is not a reason to assume others are jealous or secretly working against us. We are still called to love people, exercise wisdom, and remain faithful to the work God has given us. The crowd may follow its own path, but we must resolve to embark on the journey God has chosen for us.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this lesson on “The Gift of Knowledge” and “The Gift of Wisdom,” let us be reminded of the significance of sensitivity, separation, and spiritual growth in unlocking the full potential of these divine endowments. With an earnest desire to be used by God and a heart for the lost, we can confidently operate in these gifts, inspiring faith in others and witnessing the supernatural power of God in our lives. Let us continually seek divine wisdom, allowing God to work through us as we navigate life’s journey with spiritual discernment and divine guidance. May these gifts help us serve others faithfully and glorify Jesus Christ. Bro. Fedrick reminded the class that the purpose of the gifts is not to make someone a spiritual giant but to minister to people. The testimonies he shared were personal accounts offered as illustrations; our foundation for doctrine remains Scripture.
Footnotes: A lot of this is from notes taken in The Gifts of the Spirit class at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, led by Bro Jerome Fedrick.