The Apostle Paul includes the gift of the word of
knowledge in his letter to the Corinthians.
“There
are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the
same Lord. There are different kinds of
working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the
Spirit is given for the common good. To
one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the
same Spirit…. All of these are the work
of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he
determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-8, 10-11 NIV, italics added for emphasis)
The
Apostle Paul also ranks the gift of the word of knowledge of having more
importance than the gift of tongues, when no interpreter is present.
“Now,
brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you,
unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge
or prophecy or word of instruction? Even
in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how
will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the
notes? Again, if the trumpet does not
sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your
tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air…For
this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret
what he says.” (I Corinthians 14:6-9 NIV, italics added for emphasis)
The spiritual
gift of the word of knowledge is distinctly separate from the other spiritual
gifts, to include the gift of the word of wisdom…although knowledge and wisdom
are often associated together when describing
God. However, when it comes to the
spiritual gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, one could easily
use the analogy of being “book smart” versus “common sense” to differentiate
between the applications of the two gifts.
In other words, the Holy Spirit equips some believers with the ability
to know the content of the Word of God while others may have the ability for understanding
the practical application thereof.
Overall,
the spiritual gift of the word of knowledge play an important role in our
churches and religious denominations/ affiliations as people continue to search
for answers about God sovereignty.
Scripture teaches how the Bible is absolutely trustworthy in all matters
of faith and doctrine. Therefore, the
Holy Spirit entrusts certain believers with the gift of the word of knowledge
gift to help others learn about God’s divine truths, as well as effectively
reasoning with them about the infallibility and inerrancy of the Word of God.
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