First Corinthians 12 Part 4 The Gift Of The Word Of Wisdom

God determines the scope and purpose of spiritual gifts. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-6  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5)  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6)  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 

In our last post we saw that the Spirit of God gives a wide variety of spiritual gifts to be used in the local church. 

He administers these things according to His will as He deems best in meeting the needs of each local church.

We also learned that the Lord Jesus Christ calls men into gospel ministry as Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers and church leaders.

We saw how Christ called His disciples and how they gave up their old life in order to follow Jesus.

Last, we learned how the Father works all of these wonderful things out according to the good pleasure of His will. 

The indwelling presence of God's Spirit will make itself known in us.

1 Corinthians 12:7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit refers to the outward evidence of His indwelling presence within our heart. 

This manifestation is given to all believers in Christ for the specific purpose of bringing great spiritual benefit to our lives. 

The indwelling presence of God's Spirit is necessary, good and profitable for us. 

When the Word of God takes root in our heart such that we are regenerated by God's Spirit, it will produce fruit in us. 

When the Spirit of God regenerates a sinner, he or she is made a new creation in Christ and the old way of life passes away (See 2 Corinthians 5:17).

To put this another way, if we profess faith in Jesus Christ, but nothing changes in how we live our life, then we are self deceived (See 1 John 2:3-6). 

Whatever gifts God has bestowed, or in what various ways the Spirit of God manifests Himself, each gift is intended to edify the body of Christ. 

The Spirit of God will elevate Jesus Christ as He administers gifts to us.

John 16:12-15  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15)  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 

The Spirit of God will never give a spiritual gift to someone so that they can enrich or promote themselves. 

His gifts will teach and point to Jesus Christ, God's perfect Lamb.

Gifts of the Spirit are always going to elevate Jesus Christ and edify Christians. 

The Bible contains many examples of men who made merchandise of the people they claimed to be ministering to.

Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the gifts of the Spirit and was rebuked. 

Acts 8:9-23  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10)  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11)  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13)  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14)  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15)  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16)  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19)  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20)  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21)  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22)  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23)  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 

In Samaria a man named Simon fooled the people  into thinking he was some great and powerful magician.

Philip the evangelist preached the gospel of Christ to them and many people responded. 

Signs and wonders accompanied gospel preaching and Simon observed that the Spirit of God was given to new believers by laying on of hands.

He offered Peter and the others money so that he could have this gift.

The apostle Peter strongly rebuked Simon because he thought he could purchase the gift of God. 

No doubt, he wanted to be able to control the people again and make more money in the process. 

This is an example of how the gift of the manifestation of the Spirit of God is not to be used. 

His manifestation is to bless others and edify the church, not to enrich any man.

We must use spiritual gifts with a cheerful humility to edify the church. 

Romans 12:3-8  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5)  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7)  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Some Corinthians viewed themselves as superior to others based upon the gifts of the Spirit that they had manifested in their lives. 

Paul urges us to think soberly about gifts of the Spirit so that our attitude remains humble and appreciative.

He reminds us that though there are many members in the body of Christ, we do not all have the same manifestation or gifts.

Spiritual gifts are gracious manifestations of the indwelling Spirit of God and they are different because there are many different needs to be met in the church.

We must learn to use whatever spiritual gift God has given us with a cheerful heart, with the purpose of serving our local church family, and for giving glory to God.

A manifestation of the Holy Spirit in us is exclusively for God's glory.

1 Peter 4:10-11  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11)  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

All Christians have been gifted by the Spirit of God in some manner. We are to view the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in us as a good steward of God's grace.

We have done nothing to earn His manifestation because this gift stems from the grace of God toward us. 

Peter tells us in very clear terms, we must use whatever gift or ability God gave us in a way that brings honor and glory to the Father. 

The word of wisdom was to impart new revelation from God at that time.

1 Corinthians 12:8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 

It is noteworthy that the first two spiritual gifts that Paul receives are oriented toward what God says to us. 

We must remember that when Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth, the New Testament was not yet complete. 

It would be several decades until John wrote the last book of the Bible around 100 A.D. 

Thus, apostles and others were given Word oriented gifts by the Holy Spirit.  God had things to say that the early church needed to hear. 

They needed to know about the structure and leadership of a local church. All churches needed sound doctrine through the apostolic teaching.

Jews who were born again needed to understand how Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of Moses.

What is meant by the phrase "the word of wisdom?" The Greek word translated "wisdom" refers to the mind of God. 

A word of wisdom connects with the wisdom of God in which Paul previously spoke about to the Corinthians.

It is the perfect wisdom of God displayed as He executes His plans and advances His purposes, using human governments or preaching of His Word.

King Solomon received such wisdom from Jehovah.

1 Kings 3:5-12  In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6)  And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7)  And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8)  And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9)  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10)  And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11)  And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12)  Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 

Solomon is a great example of a man receiving wisdom directly from God. He was young when he became king. 

Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked the young king what he would desire from Him.

Solomon knew that he would need the ability to discern good from evil because of all the political intrigue his father endured.

He asked for wisdom so that he could discern truth from error in settling disputes of the people. 

He asked for wisdom to rightly lead God's chosen people, Israel.

In addition, he wrote wisdom literature such as the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for our benefit.

God's wisdom is infinitely superior to the wisdom of man or devils.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19)  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20)  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21)  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 

The wisdom of God is manifested through gospel preaching. The world scorns it as foolishness but preaching the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. 

The world's wisdom is brought to nothing by God's wisdom. He destroys the plans and schemes of depraved humanity with His wisdom.

The Spirit of God stands ready to teach us the wisdom from our Father.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13)  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

Let us revisit what God has already told us through the apostle Paul. It is the Spirit of God who indwells each believer at the moment of their conversion to Christ.

One of His essential ministries to us is to help us know and learn the wonderful things that the Father has freely given to us.

These are spiritual truths, the mystery of God in Christ revealed as the Spirit of God teaches and guides us in understanding the scriptures. 

The great mystery of salvation through faith in Christ is now manifested to us. 

Romans 16:25-27  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26)  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27)  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. 

God's entire plan of redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ was a mystery, hid in God until Christ completed His saving work and ascended to heaven to be with the Father. 

God kept it a secret according to His perfect wisdom and neither devil nor man could thwart His plan of salvation.

This glorious mystery is fully revealed by those who preach the gospel of Christ.

All people and all nations are to hear this gospel and obey it. If they fail to hear and heed the gospel of Christ then they will be eternally condemned.

Such truths include the mystery of Christ being the Lamb of God slain from before the foundation of the world (See 1 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 13:8. 

It includes the mystery that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

It includes the mystery of the rapture of Christ's church and receiving a new sinless body (See 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

It includes the mystery of God's will and His working all things out according to His good pleasure (See Ephesians 1:9).

Gospel preaching is to make all men see the fellowship of this great mystery which was hid in God before anything was created (See Ephesians 3:9-13).

There is the mystery of Christ and His church (See Ephesians 5). There is the mystery of Christ in us which is the hope of glory for the believer (Colossians 1:27).

Such a word of wisdom would certainly include showing how Jesus Christ literally fulfilled all that the law and prophets said about Him.

It would include showing how the Old Testament pictures of Christ find their full reality in the life, words, works, and person of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. 

God has given us the mind of Christ through His indwelling Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 

The word of wisdom brings the mind of God to us as far as He chooses to reveal it. We have the mind of Christ so that we are conformed more and more into His image. 

The mind of Christ is what the Spirit of God seeks to work into our hearts. 

Jesus was lowly and meek and this is the fruit God's Word and Spirit will produce in us. 

Jesus was longsuffering and patient and this is how the mind of Christ will shape us so that we too, are longsuffering and forbearing with others.

Spiritual gifts are bestowed that men may with them bless the church and promote Christianity. 

Spiritual gifts are not given for show but for service. 

Spiritual gifts are not for self promotion but for edification of His church. 

Spiritual gifts are not to magnify those who are gifted by God's Spirit, but to build up our faith in Christ and His Word.

Therefore, the exercise of spiritual gifts like the word of wisdom, bring a heavy responsibility to use the gift as God intends it to be used. 

The early church needed this gift from God because the New Testament was not completed until many years after Paul wrote this letter.

Is this gift, a word of wisdom, operative today? Since God is no longer giving any new revelation to man we would have to say "No."

In a practical sense, wisdom today refers to learning and understanding what God is saying to us and then applying it to our decisions and choices.

When we live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God as Jesus taught, then we display wisdom.

But, the wisdom of new revelation from God as Paul speaks of, no longer is needed. God's Word is complete and we have all that we need from God for living this life and preparing for eternity. 

Deuteronomy 4:1-2  Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2)  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 

Some would say that they have new revelation from God, but the scriptures are complete and God specifically commands against adding to His Word. 

One prominent televangelist claimed that he saw a 900 foot tall statue of Jesus and that his viewers must send in money to help his ministry.

He was fleecing his own flock, in order to finance a luxurious lifestyle. This is sadly true of many televangelists and so called faith healers. 

They are guilty of making merchandise of God's redeemed people and they will be held to account for this.

When anyone claims to have new revelation from God today, they must be rejected. God's Word is complete and He says not to add to it or to subtract from it. 

Such a command would make no sense if God was still giving new revelation to us today. 

There is no new revelation that God is giving today. We have everything we need beginning at Genesis through Revelation. 

The next gift listed by Paul is the word of knowledge and this gift is operative today. 

It is connected to God teaching us about Himself through the scriptures and connected with the application of God's Word to our lives. 

We will look into the word of knowledge in our next post. 

Bob