6.1. THE KNOWING GIFTS

THE WORD OF WISDOM is a fragment of divine wisdom supernaturally given. It is revelation of the divine will and purpose, by the Holy Spirit. It is no doubt a word of wisdom that Jesus promised to those brought before governors and kings for His sake and as a testimony to them:

Matthew 10:19,20 "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you." (NKJV)

Stephen's defense of the gospel is a demonstration of this, having a marked effect on his adversaries:

Acts 6:10 "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." (KJV)

A word of divine wisdom can be given:

	To solve difficult problems
	To defend the faith when attacked
	To convict adversaries of the faith
	To answer with the mind of God on a matter
	To bring practical solutions to situations.

Daniel 2:30"But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart." (NKJV)

Daniel knew that the word of wisdom was distinct from the natural, and only God could give such revelation (Daniel 2:28 ). By a word of wisdom there can be the unfolding of God's plans and purposes concerning things - places - people - individuals - communities and nations. God revealed to Noah a warning of future judgment (Genesis 6:13 ), adding God's own plan for the ark (Genesis 6:14-16 ). Noah fully obeyed the command received through a word of wisdom (Genesis 6:22 ). By a word of wisdom Abraham was guided to a promised land (Genesis 12 ). Agabus, by a word of wisdom, warned of coming famine (Acts 11:28 ). Today this gift of the Spirit in operation, warns, guides, declares acts of God, makes known His giftings (1 Timothy 4:14 ) and His purposes. In my own case, God gloriously gave a Word of Wisdom in vision form that described the city in Africa that would be the base for a ministry with ever widening usefulness and influence, covering some 30 years - and to this day affecting some 8000 students through our Christian Life Training Course.

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE may be defined as the supernatural giving of a fragment of that all-knowledge of God, for a special purpose. The following selected examples substantiate this:

	By a word of knowledge Elisha was able to warn the king of Israel of an enemy's plans of destruction (2 Kings 6:9-12 ).
	By the word of knowledge Jesus convinced a sinner of her need (John 4:18-19 ).
	Ananias of Damascus in a vision received a word of knowledge revealing Saul's need, condition, calling, and where to find him (Acts 9:11 ).
	Peter, by a word of knowledge, exposed corruption in the Church (Acts 5:3 ).

This supernatural gift is the imparting by the Holy Spirit of revelation or insight into the realm of spirits. This gift will give insight into the presence of evil spirits and their activity, but it is by no means limited to that. By this gift the similitude of God may be discerned, or the risen Christ recognised in a vision. By this gift unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit may be known and understood - the presence of the angels of God and their activities seen. It is by this wonderful gift that human spirits are discerned revealing their good or evil tendencies. The very secrets of the heart can be revealed (1 Corinthians 14:25 ).

Scripture examples of this gift of discerning of spirits confirm the statements already made:

	ELISHA discerned the spirit of Gehazi (2 Kings 5:26 ).
	PETER discerned the lying spirits of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5 ).
	PAUL discerned a fortune-telling demon (Acts 16:16-18 ).
	ANANIAS OF DAMASCUS discerned the Lord in a vision (Acts 9:10 ).
	The gift of discernment can reveal whether a sickness or affliction results from natural or demonic causes (Matthew 12:22 ).