Gifts of the Spirit: Word of Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:8 NKJV

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 involves a super natural impartation of facts which, by natural means, the individual has know way of knowing at the moment. “

“Commissioned with Power” Gordon Lindsay Page 99 Copy Right Christ for the Nations Institute 2001

Acts 4:32–5:11 NKJV

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

1. The word of knowledge proves that God is real.

Acts 5:3–4 NKJV

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

OK, just because Ananias and Sapphira died dose not mean they went to hell. God was making a point. what was the point? the church of Jesus Christ is not a play thing.

notice that Peter was with the Apostles, he had no way of knowing that the couple had conspired to look like they where giving at a level they where not.

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 NKJV

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

2. The word of knowledge is a “in the moment” gift. No human is omniscient.

1 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

1 Corinthians 13:11–12 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

In 2 Kings 4:8-37 is the story of a Shunamite woman’s son:

the woman feed Elisha and His armor bearer every time they past by.

then she built and furnished them a room.

Previous to this the woman had no child, God rewarded her generosity with a baby boy. she did not give to the ministry of the prophet that she would receive, she had even asked the prophet not to lie to her.

the son was born and grew to be old enough to be with his father in the field.

the child got sick with a headache and died.

Elisha brought the boy back to life through the power of God.

before all of that we have an interesting nugget.

2 Kings 4:27 NKJV

27 Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me, and has not told me.”

The Lord hid the situation from the prophet.

word of Knowledge is an in the moment situation, even for a prophet.

3. The word of Knowledge does not replace bible study.

Jeremiah 29:7–9 NKJV

7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:31–33 NKJV

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

John 5:39–40 NKJV

39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.