Word of Wisdom
What is Wisdom?
Understanding what is true, right, or lasting - not to be confused with knowledge, which is an accumulation of information
What is the word of wisdom?
Supernatural insight into or revelation about the plans and purposes of God
What are the distinctive characteristics of the word of wisdom?
It is a specific word of God's wisdom, not just wisdom in general.
It deals with things in the future, not the present or past.
It is different than ordinary guidance from God.
We can learn the word of wisdom by studying examples in the Bible.
Old Testament
Noah - Genesis 6:17 - 22
Joseph - Genesis 37: 5 - 11
New Testament
Examples in the ministry of Jesus
Jesus knew about Peter's denial before it happened - Luke 22: 31 - 34
Jesus knew about His upcoming death, burial and resurrection - Matthew 20: 17 - 19
Examples in other ministers
Ananias and Paul - Acts 9:15
Agabus and Paul - Acts 21: 10 - 11
Word of Knowledge
What is a knowledge?
An accumulation of facts about a given subject
What is the word of knowledge?
Supernatural revelation of facts concerning people, places or things - present or past
What are the distinctive characteristics of the Word of knowledge?
It deals with the present or the past, never the future (do not confuse with the word of wisdom).
It is a specific word of knowledge, not just knowledge in general.
It is knowledge given by God, which the recipient has no other way of knowing.
As with word of wisdom, this is separate from "ordinary" guidance.
We can learn about the word of knowledge from Biblical examples.
Old Testament
Kish's donkeys - Samuel 9:20
Elisha and Gehazi - 2 Kings 5:25 - 26
New Testament
Jesus knew about the woman at the well - John 4:16 - 18
Peter knew people from Cornelius' house had arrived to see him - Acts 10:19
Discerning of Spirits
What does "discerning" mean?
To recognize or perceive, to see clearly.
What is the discerning of spirits?
Supernatural insight into the realm of the spirit
What are the distinctive characteristics of the discerning of spirits?
God and the holy angels can be perceived.
The devil and evil spirits can be perceived.
The intents of the hearts of people can be perceived.
