Operations Session #4 – Wisdom

Key Verse: I Corinthians 12:7-11 NKJV

Introduction:

All gifts work by one and the same spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

We are to desire that these gifts be made manifest among us, and we are to leave it up to the Holy Spirit to use whomever He wills. He will not use everyone the same way.

Scripture states that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts of the Spirit to every man severally as He wills. Some desire to be used in a particular gift; however, this may not be what God wills for him. Therefore, we must stay open to God and let His will be done, even in spiritual gifts. There is trouble when we want to do something ourselves and go for it instead of what God wants. 

God is always looking out for our best interest; we should trust Him.

What is the gift of the word of wisdom?

1. It’s the gift of the word of wisdom, not the gift of wisdom.
   1. General knowledge – vs- supernatural knowledge

1. Joshua 1:8 = Joshua was to meditate on the word to obtain wisdom in conducting his daily life; that’s general wisdom. He gained wisdom through knowledge of God’s word.
2. James 1:5 – James said that if any lack wisdom, let him ask God for it. So we see that this general wisdom gives us the ability to deal wisely in the affairs of life; this wisdom will be given to anyone who asks for it. The wisdom that James is talking about is wisdom to deal wisely in the affairs of life. It’s also wisdom to know how to conduct yourself as a Christian.

A word of wisdom is the supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning God’s divine purpose and plan. 

The word of knowledge deals with the past and present. A word of wisdom will pertain to the future.

We break the gifts apart for understanding and teaching. However, the gifts often operate together. Tongues and interpretation work together, but a word of knowledge and a word of wisdom often work together.

Old Testament prophets not only prophesied about the present, which is the word of knowledge in operation, but they also prophesied about things in the future, which is the word of wisdom in operation. 

The office of prophet and the gift of prophecy is different.

 An individual who operates in the prophet’s office (A gift according to Ephesians 4:11) should have the gift of the word of wisdom operating in his life consistently.

Kenneth Hagin said that for a person to stand in the office of the prophet, a person needs to have at least two of the revelation gifts operating continually in his life and ministry, plus the gift of prophecy.

In other words, for a person to stand in the office of the prophet, he would need to be called to the fivefold ministry as a preacher, teacher of the Word, or another office. (Eph. 4:11,12). Also, have two of the three revelation gifts — the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, or the discerning of spirits — plus prophecy operating consistently in his ministry.

The gift of prophecy should not be confused with the prophetic office. The simple gift of prophecy has no revelation in it. Instead, it speaks unto men for their edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3); it encourages the Church (1 Cor. 14:4).

How does this gift make itself known in my life? 

1. Your own prayer life. (John 16:13-14) “show you things to come.”
2. Through individuals called to the fivefold ministry. (Ephesians 4:11)
3. Through the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12)
4. Through a vision or a dream (Joseph received a dream that declared the plans and purposes of God) (Genesis 37)
5. Prophecy is a vehicle that God uses to bring revelation of his intents and purposes.
6. By an angel (Acts 8:26)

1. Examples of the word of wisdom in operation…

1. John on the Isle of Patmos was receiving a word of knowledge and a word of wisdom simultaneously.
2. Ananias (Acts 9:10-16) received a word of knowledge and wisdom together.
3. Philip (Acts 8:26-29)

Operation in the Old Testament:

1. A word of wisdom to Noah (Genesis 6:13-18)
2. A word of wisdom to Joseph (Genesis 37:6-11)

Operation in the New Testament:

1. A Word of wisdom through Agabus (Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10-13)
2. A Word of Wisdom to Paul (Acts 27:10; Acts 27:23-24)

A word of Wisdom with a condition. (Jonah 3:4)

Further Study: Acts 16:9-10; Matthew 10:18-20; Jeremiah 18:7-10; Deuteronomy 18:22)