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Chapter Four
The three gifts of revelation and information
The gift of a word of wisdom. "logos sophias"
A word of wisdom is a fragment of God's wisdom imparted to us; it is a supernatural revelation of the will and purposes of God. This is the first gift mentioned in the list in 1Cor.12v8-10., and it is the most important, because out of the knowledge of the will and purposes of God flows the manifestation of the other gifts. Following God's directive wisdom is the source of real spiritual power. Failure to obey God's words of wisdom has always ended in disaster; obedience has always resulted in blessing and victory. 2Chron.36v15-21. Lk.19v41-44. 2Chron.20v20. Much confusion has arisen from a purely human explanation of a word of wisdom, so let us consider:
WHAT A WORD OF WISDOM IS NOT.
It is not natural wisdom sanctified to the service of God.
No more than speaking with tongues is the consecration of linguistic ability to God, or the gifts of healings are the sanctified ministrations of the Christian doctor. It is a fragment of Divine wisdom.
It is not the ability to rightly interpret or preach the Scriptures.
A word of wisdom is not a result of intellectual process or consecrated study, nor is it anointed preaching and teaching, or the exposition of truth under Divine blessing. These are God-given ministries, but they are not within the sphere of the word of wisdom; which is a supernatural revelation of the purposes of God, operating in the realm of Divine direction and prediction, and not in the realm of preaching, teaching and exposition. In 1Sam.9v15,27. 10v1., “the Word of God” to Saul from Samuel, was not an exposition of Scripture; it was a revelation of the will and purpose of God, for Saul to be king over Israel. The Holy Spirit guides all Christians into truth as they read the Scriptures, but this is not the sphere of the word of wisdom, which is a direct personal revelation to us of the will, plans and purposes of God. Jn.16v13.
It is not the ability to guide and counsel people wisely.
A word of wisdom is not mature Christian guidance, which on occasions is absolutely necessary in the Christian life. It is Divine direction and guidance. Usually the guidance for everyday affairs needs common sense and Christian wisdom. Ps.32v8-10. If we need a word of wisdom from God, He can break into our lives and routines, just as He has done so often with His children in the past.
It is not a good administrative ability.
It is not the ability to lead or guide large meetings or conferences, etc.; though sometimes such leaders may experience a real word of wisdom from God, just as James did in Acts.15v12-22,28.. Deacons probably fulfil the two administrative ministries spoken of as “helps” and “governments” in 1Cor.12v28..
The word of wisdom must not be confused with the normal gift of prophecy.
The simple gift of prophecy edifies, exhorts and comforts; whereas the word of wisdom directs, predicts, and reveals the purposes of God. 1Cor.14v3,23,25. Prophetic ministries will REGULARLY manifest the word of wisdom and the other gifts of revelation; whereas Christians with the simple gift of prophecy, may OCCASIONALLY manifest the gifts of revelation; and usually seldom on the highest levels of spiritual revelation. Daniel's predictive revelation ministry was exceptional, even among the greater prophets of the Old Testament. Eph.4v8-11. 1Cor.12v28. Acts.9v15,16. It appears only Agabus was told, in about A.D. 43, of the dangerous famine which started about a year later, and lasted from about A.D. 44 to 47, and caused the death by starvation of many in Judea. Acts.11v27-30. See 21v10,11.
The word of wisdom is not now intended to add to the Scripture.
All the truth that we need for this age is revealed to us in the Scriptures. Christ and His apostles and prophets have given us the only foundation upon which we can build as Christians. God has revealed His new purposes for each age as the new age has begun. When God gives words of wisdom to Christians today, it is usually to meet local circumstances or personal needs; it is NOT to add to the truth of Scripture. Those who claim that they have a new revelation of truth that replaces, or adds to the Holy Scriptures, should be rejected. Eph.2v20. 3v5. Rev.22v19. There are many false teachers today who claim a new organisation, a new order and authority, a new apostleship, and new doctrines, and they deny Christ's deity, death and doctrines. Paul warns us that they are motivated by another spirit, and are “deceitful workers”, and “Satan's ministers;” who falsely claim to be messengers of light and ministers of righteousness. 2Cor.11v3,4,13-15. Beware of such teachers. Col.2v8,9. God has revealed His eternal truths and purposes to us in the Scriptures.
A DEFINITION OF A WORD OF WISDOM.
A word of wisdom is a fragment of God's Divine wisdom imparted to us; it is a supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit of the mind and purposes of God. It is God's will, plans and purposes revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Through this gift the Holy Spirit has revealed in the past, Divine truth that has been received as “the oracles of God” and Holy Scripture; though this revelation of new truth ceased after the start of this age, God can still reveal His plans and purposes for individuals, communities, churches and nations, through this gift.
SOME EXAMPLES AND USES OF THE WORD OF WISDOM.
To reveal the vital spiritual truths, eternal counsels and sovereign purposes of God.
All the Divine revelations in Scripture of the purposes of God came through this gift. The Scriptures are “God-breathed,” and this is why Jesus said that they could not be broken, they are “the oracles of God.” 2Tim.3v14-17. Jn.10v35. Acts.7v38. Rom.3v2. Heb.5v12. The Bible proves its claim to inspiration. “The oracles of God” can be divided into two main groups.
Truths and principles, and general commands for living by. The aim of the Law and Christ's teaching was to get people to live holy lives, to put love into action. Christ came to save us from sin. Mt.1v21.
God's hidden purposes, and His plan of the ages. Eph.1v21. 2v7. 3v11. Certain plans of God are not dependent upon men's reactions, they are God's eternal purposes and sovereign plans for His creation. These plans of God are called “mysteries,” “musteria,” which does not mean “mysterious things,” but rather “hidden purposes.” God has revealed His Divine secrets, and hidden purposes to His children. Eph.1v9,10. 3v3-11. Some of these wonderful purposes of God had been kept hidden since the foundation of the world, until they were revealed at the start of this age. Mt.13v11,17-35. Lk.10v21-24. Rom.16v25,26. 1Cor.15v51-53. Col.1v26. Titus.1v2.
God had an incredibly complex and wise plan of all the ages before He started His creation. We read in Eph.3v11., of God's “eternal purpose,” “prothesin ton aionon,” His “design concerning the ages,” or His, “plan of the ages.” Every age up to the Great White Throne judgement has been a preparation for the ages of ages after that judgement. During these preparatory ages, God has been recording the reactions of the free wills of His creatures. At the Great White Throne Judgement, God will make known the works of every creature; and every mouth will be stopped. Rom.3v19. God will show the perfect justice and wisdom of His dealings, and will prove by past history, that without His loving rule, and communal “agape” love, happiness in community life is quite impossible. The whole of God's great plan of the ages depended upon redemption in Christ, without which no creation would have been possible. Christ's death was foreknown and planned before the foundation of the world. Rom.16v25,26. Eph.3v10,11. Titus.1v2. Rev.13v8. We are also told, as children of God, of Satan's purposes and plans. 2Thes.2v7-12. Rev.2v13,24. Is.14v12-14. etc. Satan's plan to corrupt and destroy the earth, and by brute force and violence make the inhabitants of the earth worship him, is clearly told to us in the Scriptures. Rev.11v18. 13v1-18. N.B. v3,4.
God has revealed His secret plans and purposes to His children, but has hidden them from the worldling. Mt.13v9-17. Enoch had Christ's second coming revealed to him. Jude.v14. Abraham rejoiced over Christ's coming. Jn.8v56. Daniel had the revelation of future world empires, the first and second comings of Christ, the last judgement and eternal kingdom of God. Dan.7v1-16. 9v20-27. The apostles John and Paul received equally astounding revelations of the plans and purposes of God. These are but a few of those who have experienced the revelation of God's sovereign plans and purposes. The wonderful thing is that we still have a part in their fulfilment, and will enjoy during the endless ages of ages, the wonderful plans of our heavenly Father and the unsearchable riches of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph.2v4-7. 3v8,14-21. Hallelujah!
To warn of future Divine judgement.
God warned Noah of the flood, Gen.6v18-22.; and Abraham of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain. Gen.18v17-33. 19v12,13. Elijah and Micaiah foretold Ahab's death. 1Kings.21v17-27. 11v1-39. 2Chron.18v1-34. God told many prophets of His purpose to judge Israel and Judah by captivity. 2Chron.36v15-21. Ezek.9v1-11. Is.10v5-27. Christ prophesied Jerusalem's destruction at the hands of Titus and the last great Antichrist. Lk.19v41-44. 21v20-24. Mt.23v29-39. Rev.17v15-18. Lk.17v20-37.
To give Divine direction before, or during natural catastrophe or national disaster.
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and averted international disaster. Gen.41v1-44. God rewarded the faithful great woman of Shunem by preserving her in famine. 2Kings4v8-17. 8v1-8. Christians were prepared for famine by the prophesy of Agabus and took the appropriate action. Acts.11v27-30. Paul was warned of a storm and directed in it by words of wisdom. Acts.27v9-11,21-25,30-34,44.
To give Divine direction and deliverance in the time of persecution and danger.
David was protected from Saul. 1Sam.25v5,6. The three kings were delivered from sure defeat when fighting Moab. 2Kings3v4-27. The wise men, and Joseph and Mary, were warned of Herod's intentions. Mt.2v12,13,19,20. God told Jesus to delay His visit to Jerusalem, obviously to escape arrest. Jn.7v1-10,44-53. Paul was warned to flee from Jerusalem just after his conversion. Acts.22v17-21. Jeremiah's guidance from God was rejected, the result was death for all. Jer.42 and 43.
To give Divine defence in trial or persecution for Christ's sake.
Jesus tells us in Lk.12v11,12. and 21v12-15., that if we are persecuted and put on trial for our faith, we must not premeditate what to answer, for God will impart His Divine wisdom, and guide us what to say in that hour. Jesus warned us not to rely on oratory or clever answers, but on Divine illumination, He certainly had this experience when His foes asked Him the source of His authority in Mt.21v23-27.; and the lawfulness of offering tribute to Caesar in Mt.22v15-22.. The Divine wisdom and authority imparted to Peter and John gave them a boldness and assurance that amazed the Sanhedrin, they could only threaten them, they could not answer or silence them. Acts.4v8-22. 5v17-42. The writer has had the experience of saying things that were not in his mind and outside his knowledge. This promise gives us immense assurance in facing the unknown future; we know that we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
God may also inspire us to give our testimony as Paul did in Acts.22v1-24. and 26v1-32.; or tell us to take advantage of a division among our persecutors as in Acts.23v6-10.. God may inspire us to answer our foes with Scripture truth, as Christ did in Mt.22v23-33,41-46.; and Paul did in Acts.24v24-27.. See Col.4v6. 1Pet.3v13-18.. The Jews could not refute the divinely inspired irresistible Scriptural logic of Stephen; they had to kill him to silence him. Acts.6v8-10. and 7v1-60. If we have to die for our faith and divinely inspired truth, like Christ, Stephen, Paul, and almost all the apostles, we know that grace will be given to us to overcome. God can deliver us, but if He does not, He is still with us, and if our foes kill us, they only send us home to our heavenly Father, our Saviour, and heaven all the sooner. In Phil.1v21-24., Paul tells us that death to the Christian is gain, life with Christ in heaven is far, far, far better than here. Dan.3v16-18. Heb.11v32-39. A.T. Robertson says of Phil.1v23., “'Very far better,' ('polloi mallon kreisson'). Double comparative (Lightfoot calls it triple because of 'polloi') like Isocrates and the 'Koine' often. See 2Cor.7v13. for 'perissoteros mallon.' 'Polloi' is the instrumental case of measure (by much).” End of quote.
To give Divine direction in the work of God.
It can reveal and confirm a call from God to work for Him.
The call of Moses. Exod.3v1-13. Gideon. Judges.7v1-11. Isaiah. Is.6v8. Jeremiah. Jer.1v1-9. Paul. Acts.9v10-17. 13v1,2.
It can reveal a God-appointed leader.
Saul. 1Sam.9v16. David. 1Sam.16v6-13. The twelve apostles. Lk.6v12-19. Paul. Acts.9v15,16.
It can reveal God's strategic plans.
Jesus, Joshua and Jericho. Joshua.5v13 to 6v5. Elijah. 1Kings.17v1. 18v46. Philip. Acts.8v26-29. Peter. Acts.10v1-48. Paul. Acts.13v2. 16v6-10. Three thousand converts become missionaries. Acts.2v5,41. When the man born lame was healed there were many converts. Acts.4v4. Christ's ministry was strategically directed by His Father. Jn.5v19,20,30.
It can reveal the solution to a church problem. Acts.15v13-29.
In the council at Jerusalem, discussion was not ruled out, they said, “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and us.” Acts.15v28.
To judge or correct sin, or a wrong attitude so that God's work can prosper.
Peter's sectarian views were corrected by a revelation of God's purposes for the Gentiles. Acts.10v9-22,30-48. Ananias and Sapphira are exposed and judged by God for their sin. Acts.5v1-11. Christ corrects the seven churches in Revelation 1 to 3.
To reveal promises of blessings that are to come.
Abraham. Gen.12v1-7. 17v1-8. Jacob, Gen.25v23. 28v15. The promise of the Holy Spirit. Acts.2v16-21. with Joel.2v28-32.
To comfort and assure troubled saints.
God comforts us by revealing His eternal purposes for us. Josh.1v1-9. Jer.1v4-10. Acts.23v11. 27v22-24. Rev.1v9-18.
To give directions that will meet our material needs.
God loves to meet our needs for Divine direction and guidance in home, family life, work or business; this is as much a part of sacred service, and God's work as Church matters and worship. 1Kings.17v2-16. 2Kings.4v1-7. Lk.5v1-11. Mt.17v24-27.
SOME STRONG WORDS OF WARNING, AND SPECIAL POINTS TO WATCH.
Directive revelations should be carefully examined, and often rejected.
Paul tells us to test all prophecies in the fire, and reject all revelations that contradict or add to Scripture. 1Thes.5v20,21. We already have the foundation of Christian doctrine for this age. Eph.2v20. 3v5. Rev.22v19. 2Cor.11v3,4,13-15.
Don't let others direct you by supposed prophetic revelation.
This warning is necessary because arrogant false prophets have given false revelations that have ruined many people’s lives, and directed them out of God's will. The Old Testament prophets enquired of God for people, and directed them; however, under the New Covenant this aspect of prophetic ministry has changed. Paul said in Rom.8v14.; that God’s sons can all be personally led by God, and so we should seek guidance for ourselves. We read in Heb.8v8-13., that under the New Covenant, “they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest.” Heb.10v19-22.
God-given guidance through others will confirm, not direct.
We should NEVER submit to guidance from others about which God has not already given us definite and well-confirmed guidance personally. Jn.14v16-26. 16v7-15. 21v20-22. Heb.4v12-16. 1Thes.5v20,21. We must consider thoughtfully, and at length, any revelations that are given to us; and beware of strong personalities who would interpret revelation in the light of their opinion, and counsel us into their decisions. A word of wisdom can show us personally how to serve God, but this gift is not given to us to direct another person's walk with God, as Peter found out, when Christ corrected him for trying to get guidance for John. Jn.21v20-22. Confirmation of guidance, can and may occur through others. In Acts.13v2. a word of wisdom confirmed what God had already told Paul and Barnabus, they received specific guidance direct from God, and others confirmed it in a general and vague way. Take time to consider prophecies, and NEVER make instant decisions on them. Put them in the fire and test them. In 1Thes.5v21., “Prove all things,” is “panta,” which means, “all things;” and dokimazete,” the present active imperative of “dokimazo,” to approve after testing; it is used of the testing of metals, and money, make sure absolutely sure that any guidance that is given you is genuine and from God, and not counterfeit. The present tense shows the necessity of a continual testing of every prophetic revelation. Continual testing, not meek acceptance, is God's command.
God continually tests the ministries He has put in the Church. In 1Thes.2v4., Paul states “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel;” “we have been approved,” is “dedokimasmetha,” the perfect passive indicative of “dokimazo;” the perfect tense shows a completed state, and so means tested and proved with the lasting approval of God. Paul finishes the verse by again using “dokimazo;” he writes, “so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.” Here Paul uses “dokimazonti,” the present active participle; to reveal that God tests, and continually scrutinises, all the thoughts and intents of the hearts, and inner lives of his apostles and ministers; pleasing Him is far more important than pleasing men. Paul reminds them of his pure motives and gentle care in looking after them as young converts. 1Thes.2v5-11.
Warnings in emergency through well-proven ministries should be heeded.
In emergencies, God can use trustworthy prophets, like Agabus; or spiritual Christians, like those at Tyre; to give specific direction from danger, or warnings of danger, by words of wisdom. Acts.20v22,23. 21v4,10-14. Many Christians, in many different locations, gave Paul the same warnings from God even though hundreds of miles separated them, and there was no possibility of contact or collusion between them. Through them God gave Paul a strong warning not to go to Jerusalem, which he ignored; and as a result his ministry was greatly restricted, and the Church was badly damaged by the Judaizers. Agabus warned of an approaching famine in Acts.11v27-30., this occurred from A.D. 44 to 48, and during it many people died in Judea of starvation, the church had about three years warning of the famine, and prepared for it.
2. Don't expect even genuine words of wisdom to always happen immediately.
Don't forget the time factor in prediction.
Remember the experience of the prophets in 1Pet.1v10-12.. You may think a prediction or promise from God may happen quickly, when it may take years to come to pass, and be fulfilled, and this can be a great trial of our faith. Satan tries to take advantage of the delay between a revelation and its fulfilment; He even cast doubt on our Lord's future ministry, and taunted Him to prove His ministry by doing the miraculous. Lk.4v1-13. N.B. v3,9,10. Eph.6v10-20. Heb.6v12. 10v32-39. Even great prophets have been tried by delays in the understanding and fulfilment of their prophecies. 1Pet.1v10-12. Ps.105.v17-19. Dan.7v15,16,28. 8v15,16,26,27.
Don't let circumstances overwhelm you, hold fast in faith.
There is sometimes a great discrepancy between circumstances as they appear and God's words of wisdom; hold on in faith. Lk.4v1-13. Eph.6v10-20. Heb.6v12. 10v32-39. Remember how God's Word tried Joseph's faith until it was fulfilled, but the Word of the Lord came to pass over 20 years later. Ps.105v17-22.
Don't try to force prophecies to come to pass, wait for God to fulfil His Word.
Do not try to bring a word of wisdom to pass, unless God tells you to do so; wait until God fulfils His Word. In Ps.34v7., “Rest in the Lord,” is in the Hebrew, “Be silent to the Lord.” In Ps.62v1., “Waiteth,” means, “is silent.” See Ps.40v1-4. 42v1-11.
Don't forget that God's purposes can be altered by repentance or rebellion.
A prophecy of judgement may not come to pass because people repent and put things right with God or man. Jonah.3v9,10. God may also withhold promised blessing because of sin and sloth. Ps.95v8-11. Ezek.18v20-32. 2Cor.6v16 to 7v1. Repentance and a new consecration can change circumstances or stop the judgement of God. Ps.95v8-11. Numb.14v354,35. Ezek.18v20-32. 2Cor.6v16 to 7v1. Jonah.3v9,10. Is.38v1-22. God postponed Hezekiah's death, because of his new consecration and prevailing prayer. Is.38v1-22.
Don’t forget that abiding in Christ is the key to obtaining prophetic revelation. Jn.15v1-17. 16v12-14.
God never intended us to divorce the manifestation of spiritual gifts from abiding in Christ, obeying God's Word, and prayerful communion with God, and this applies particularly to the word of wisdom. We have to walk with God to have His important ways, will, and purposes revealed to us before they happen. “God made His ways known unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.” Ps.103v7. Abiding in Jesus is the key to a profitable manifestation of the predictive prophetic gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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