ICS Daily Devotions
The Word of Knowledge
1 Corinthians 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit
The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift that falls under the category of “revelation gifts” along with the word of wisdom and discerning of spirits. It is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit on certain facts in the mind of God relating to people, places or things, either about the present or the past.
The word of knowledge cannot be acquired through academic studies as it is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to us by grace. Rather, it is a Word “dropped” into our spirit man. It is a manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and it might bring about encouragement, a warning, expose something or reveal matters.
God in His wisdom has given us the Holy Spirit as a teacher, comforter and helper. Therefore, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the manifestation of His ministry through the body of Christ and He has distributed the gifts as according to His will. The same anointing that Jesus operated under is operating in our lives through the gifts He has given to us. Jesus told us that the work He did, we, the church will also do and greater work than what He has done because He is going to the Father. He has sent the Holy Spirit to help us in the ministry so that we can continue to preach the gospel and minister under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing. Therefore, we need to be connected to the vine.
An example of this gift in operation is found in John 4:16-18 where Jesus had a word of knowledge over the woman of Samaria and a word of wisdom about worship. It was a supernatural manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus used this revelation or word of knowledge that the woman had five husbands to point her to her salvation.
Although God is omniscient, He doesn’t reveal everything to us, but will often just give us a word, or a fragment of what He knows. Also, the word of knowledge will be revealed to us in many ways, such as during a conversation with someone or during worship and prayer sessions, so let’s get to know the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, and respond to the word of knowledge revealed as it is a supernatural revelation by God.
Sermon Series: CG Campaign – Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow
