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"To one is given the word of wisdom..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:8

A VARIETY OF GIFTS

A variety of gifts from the Holy Spirit was noted. Each gift must be carefully understood.

“For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:8

1. “The word of wisdom”

a) Essentially the focus is “wisdom”.

i) It describes a wise man.

ii) It describes a person who is able to give wise counsel.

b) The “word” of wisdom

i) A reference to actual words of wisdom spoken.

ii) This word could be the fulfilment of what Jesus promised (Matthew 10:20).

2. How should we understand the call to search for wisdom

a) In the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9)

b) In the book of James (James 1:5)

c) The call to seek wisdom stands

i) Everyone ought to seek wisdom.

ii) But it is the Spirit of God who is the One who gives wisdom.

3. The gift of wisdom

a) This becomes an actual gift of the Holy Spirit.

b) The individual displays deep wisdom that can only come from the Spirit of God.

4. “The word of knowledge”

a) This gift is differentiated from the gift of wisdom.

b) There is “common knowledge”.

This is available to anyone who is interested in acquiring knowledge.

c) The word of knowledge could then be a reference to deep knowledge.

i) This would mean divine revelation is involved.

ii) This a special work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:15-19.

d) This was especially evident in the lives of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

i) Peter became an effective and insightful preacher-teacher to the Jews.

ii) Paul became an outstanding preacher-teacher to the Gentiles.