CONCERNING SPIRITUALS
Part I
W. J. Franklin
“The Word of Wisdom” & “The Word of Knowledge”
The general subject of I Corinthians 12 through 14 is that of spiritual gifts or the divine order or mode in which these gifts are to be exercised in the assembly. It is evident that many in the church at Corinth had been endowed with these gifts and were guilty of abusing them. In chapter 12, verses 12-27, the apostle states and illustrates the truth that the church is one body as the human body is one but has many members.
Summary:
Verse 1 – The Greek rendering of this verse is, “Now concerning spirituals,” and the apostle continues with a discussion concerning the operation of the Holy Spirit and the mentioning of the nine gifts. Notice that he said, “I would not have you ignorant.” This subject is of so much importance that it demands particular attention and care.
In verse 2, He calls their attention to their past life to make them to fully appreciate the mercies and blessings of God. The idea is, that they had been led in the past by priests of idolatry, to worship idols that couldn’t speak. (Psa. 115:4-8) (Habakkuk 2:18-20). But now they worshiped the living God who could and would not only speak to them but also through them.
In verse 3 the apostle shows that the true Spirit of God will exalt Jesus as Lord. (compare John 16:14) All who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit will love and reverence the name of Jesus.
The work of the Holy Trinity is seen in verses 5-7. First, administrations or ministries given by Christ. (note V. 28) (Eph. 4:8 & 11) Do not confuse these ministries with the gifts of the Spirit; Second, operations or works of the Father. His works are various. They are not all alike. Note all creation, however much it varies, everything is formed by the same Hand. Third, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Notice it’s given to every man! These various manifestations, nine in all, are listed in verses 8-10. We will discuss these, one by one, as to what they are and what they are not.
(I) The Word of Wisdom
Natural wisdom is the ability to apply possessed knowledge and experience. But this is not natural or human wisdom, but the supernatural Wisdom from God. This Wisdom cannot be developed because it is already perfect. The Word of Wisdom is the supernatural revelation, by the Spirit, of Divine purpose; The supernatural declaration of the Mind and will of God. The supernatural unfolding of His Plans and Purposes, concerning things, places, and people. Do not confuse the Word of Wisdom with deep spiritual insight in the Word of God; believers may have a revelation of the scriptures without possessing any of the gifts. This is not an unfolding of His revealed will, but of His unrevealed will. A gift of revelation but is always in line with the written Word.
In a sense, the Word of Wisdom is the revelation of the purpose of God concerning people, things, or events in the future so as to direct them in their experience, for their safety, etc. While the Word of knowledge could refer to the revelation of past happenings or present events in the lives of people or concerning various things. Some scripture examples of the use of the Word of Wisdom will show how indispensable is the Gift to poor, ignorant and helpless mortals such as the best of us are.
(1) Gen. 6:13-22 – God’s knowledge of future peril communicated in a supernatural way to Noah. This was future tense and had bearing upon the action of Noah –thus is Wisdom.
(2) Gen. 41:16 & 28-44 – Here Divine Wisdom reveals God’s plans to these He is going to use, for the purpose of appointing a leader and saving a people.
(3) Matt. 1:20 – a Word of Wisdom through a dream to instruct Joseph (compare Matt. 2:20)
(4) Acts 10:9-16 – A Word of Wisdom in type, shattering the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, opening a Gospel door unto the outcast Gentiles. Notice this Word of Wisdom revealed the future plan of God.
(5) Acts 13:2 – The command by the Spirit to separate Barnabas and Saul was a Word of Wisdom as to the timing of God’s will and had bearing upon their walk and experience.
(6) Acts 26:16 – A Word which directed Paul’s life.
(7) Acts 27:18-25 – Note verse 23 – a Word that directed his action.
The examples are too numerous for all to be included. For every telling before hand of events to came is an operation of this blessed gift. To treat this gift as a vocal gift and suggest that it is preaching and teaching is to rob it entirely of its supernatural and miraculous character.
(II) The Word of Knowledge
The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of certain facts in the Mind of God. God keeps ever before Him in the storehouse of His Mind all the facts of heaven and earth. He knows every person, place, and thing in existence. He has them ever before Him; that is Knowledge. The Word of Knowledge is the revelation to man by His spirit. Of some detail of that “all-knowledge” (the revelation of the existence, condition, or whereabouts of some person, object, or place or the location or occasion of some event) It is a gift of revelation, not a vocal gift.
This gift is many times confused with natural ability, natural learning or enlightenment. If it were any of these, it would not be a gift, but an accomplishment. It is not natural, but supernatural. A few examples of the use of this gift in the scriptures will help to make this clear:
(1) I Sam. 3:10-21 – a word to Samuel
(2) II Kings 6:8-12 – used to warn a king of an enemies’ plan.
(3) I Kings 19:14-18 – to enlighten and encourage a discouraged servant of the Lord.
(4) II Kings 5:20-27 – to expose a hypocrite
(5) John 4:18,19,29 – to convince a sinner of the need of a Savior.
(6) Acts 9:10 & 11 – used to point out a man in need. Notice this Word came in a vision.
(7) Acts 5:3 – to reveal corruption in the church
(8) Mark 14:3-15
Please do not confuse this with learning. Don’t you see, this is a special supernatural revelation of facts given by the Holy Spirit.
Part 2 in the next issue
