2020 0111 Words of Wisdom

1 Corinthians 12:7–8 NIV

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,

The Story So Far

Gifts are given by the Spirit for service to the Lord and for the purpose of God

Gifts are given to individuals for the common good of the body of Christ

There is authority within the body of Christ but not like that in the world

Accountability is essential for keeping godly order within the body.

Godly order and peace is essential for the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

The Gifts

1 Corinthians 12 gives a list of gifts given to individuals for the common good of the body

Romans 12 gives a similar list of gifts with some extras

Ephesians 4 identifies those ministries given to the church to equip the saints

these gifts are not for individual gain but for the Kingdom

as we proceed over the next few weeks please ensure that these gifts are for the Kingdom

The Message of Wisdom

God’s desire

Exodus 31:3 3  and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—

Wisdom will

save you from wicked men

save you from adulterous women

discern every good path

promote the Kingdom of God

Wisdom comes from the correct application of knowledge and experience

it is the right reality in our situation

we can have several choices for any given decision - wisdom is choosing the right one

2 Corinthians 1:12

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.

True wisdom comes from the mind and heart of God as reveal by Jesus Christ

the cross of Jesus declares grace to all men

in that grace received comes the knowledge of God

and in that grace received comes understanding

and in that grace received comes wisdom applied

wisdom applied in conduct with integrity and godly sincerity

Wisdom within the body of Christ is given for the common good

yes it will bless the individual who needs that divine inspiration to go on in the things of Christ

yes it will bring peace to them as they struggle with the challenges of life

and yes it will bring a strength and an unity within the body

we will all be stronger in Christ

James 3:13-18 13  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Identifying Spirit given Wisdom

pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere v17

outcomes are good life, deeds done in humility v13

selfish ambition shows otherwise leading to disorder and every evil practice v15

true wisdom points toward Jesus

Ephesians 1:17 17  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Message of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:7 NIV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

spiritual fear is the reverence, the honour, the amazement of who God is, and by extension who Jesus is

remember the othe rfear only came in with the devil in the garden