The Bible speaks of the gift of discernment, or distinguishing, of spirits. Paul wrote the following to the church at Corinth.
He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said (1 Corinthians 12:10 NLT).
The gift was given to the church of Jesus Christ as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What Is This Gift?
To begin with, we find that the gift of the discernment or distinguishing of spirits is only mentioned once in the New Testament. The nature of the gift is not explained or defined. Consequently there are different ways in which the gift is understood by Bible-believing Christians. They include the following.
- It was a special gift to discern whether those who prophesied were actually speaking from God.
- The gift was given to distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the working of evil spirits.
- There is also the view that the gift incorporated both of these abilities as well as many others.
Option 1: The Gift of Discernment of Spirits Has to Do with Evaluating Prophecies
One perspective sees the gift of the distinguishing of spirits as a temporary gift that was used only by the first generation of Christians. The purpose was to know if a prophetic message was divine or from some other source. Since discernment of spirits is mentioned after the gift of prophecy, it provides an immediate clue as to its function. It is the ability to determine between what was genuine revelation from God and that which is false.
As the New Testament was being completed the great majority of the revelation which believers had about Jesus Christ was in oral form. It was, therefore, necessary for Christians to be able to discern between the true and the false. With the Old Testament as the only complete written revelation, there needed to be some way the early church could distinguish the true from the false doctrine about Jesus. Since there many stories about Jesus that were circulating, the believers needed this divine ability to discern truth from error.
When someone uttered a prophecy, it was necessary to determine whether or not that prophet was speaking from God. The Lord supernaturally gifted some individuals to determine whether the message was from Him, from that person’s own imagination, or a false message from Satan.
The Bible warns believers about Satan’s deceptions.
And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14 NRSV).
One of ways in which he would deceive people was to falsely speak as a prophet of God. His false prophets could give counterfeit messages to the church.
Jesus had earlier warned of false prophets who would deceive people. Matthew records the Lord saying.
Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t pay any attention. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great miraculous signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones (Matthew 24:23, 24 NLT).
Therefore, believers needed to be aware that such false prophets do indeed exist.
The Church Was Urged to Practice This Gift
The Apostle Paul urged the church at Thessalonica to practice this gift. Indeed, he gave them the following command.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 NKJV).
Prophecies were to be tested, not despised.
The Gift Is No Longer Necessary
From this understanding of the gift, it would have ceased to exist once that divine revelation ceased and the New Testament was completed. Today believers depend solely on the written Word of God guided by the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error. In other words, they do not rely on this unique gift. The indwelling work of the Holy Spirit now helps every Christian make this distinction. John wrote.
The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him (1 John 2:27 HCSB).
Therefore, since we have a completed New Testament, and each believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit to help them discern truth from error, the spiritual gift of discernment, or distinguishing of spirits, is not necessary for today.
Option 2: The Gift Was Discerning between the Holy Spirit and Evil Spirits
There is the also view that this gift was given to distinguish between the work of the Holy Spirit and various evil spirits – specifically demonic activity. The Bible makes it clear that the devil is a real person as are his demonic followers. Therefore a gift is needed to distinguish between God’s work and the work of demons.
Consequently this gift would have more to do with spiritual warfare than discerning prophetic messages. The Bible is clear that Christians are fighting a spiritual battle.
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12 NRSV).
We are indeed locked in a spiritual battle.
There Seems to Be Various Types of Evil Spirits
John wrote about the need to tests the spirits. He said the following words to the believers.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 NASB).
This seems to indicate that there are a number of different types of evil spirits that can lead us astray. Indeed, the Bible mentions a number of different types of evil spirits.
There Was a Mute and Deaf Spirit
Jesus cast a demon out of a man who had a “mute and deaf spirit.” Mark writes.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” (Mark 9:25 NKJV).
This particular type of spirit was named by Jesus.
There Was a Spirit of Infirmity
Jesus also healed someone who had the “spirit of infirmity.” Luke records the following episode.
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up (Luke 13:11 NKJV).
This seems to indicate another type of evil spirit.
There Was a Spirit of Divination
The Apostle Paul cast a demon out of someone who had a “spirit of divination”. We read in the Book of Acts.
As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling (Acts 16:16 ESV).
Again, we seem to have another type of evil spirit which existed.
There Was a Spirit of Truth and Error
John wrote of the “spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” He explained it in this manner.
We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:6 NKJV).
Consequently, there is what is known as a “spirit of error.” Those with the gift of distinguishing between the spirits are able to discern what type of spirit may be at work or in some cases, actually possessing someone. Consequently the gift is still very useful today.
Option 3: The Gift Has Many Uses
There is also the perspective that this particular gift was not limited to discerning prophetic messages, nor was it only to distinguish between evil spirits and the Holy Spirit. Indeed, it can accomplish each of these functions as well as many more.
We Are to Discern the Good from the Evil
The gift of discernment of spirits enables the believer to discern good as well as evil. For example, Jesus saw something good in the man Nathanael. We read of this in the gospel of John.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47 NRSV).
Jesus recognized his true character.
Barnabas saw good things in John Mark. In the Book of Acts, we have the following episode given to us.
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord, and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-39 HCSB).
Barnabas believed that John Mark could be profitable for the ministry. Although Paul had a falling out with Barnabas over John Mark, Barnabas’ assessment proved to be correct. Paul would later write to Timothy and say that John Mark was useful in the ministry.
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11 HCSB).
Therefore, Barnabas was able to discern that John Mark could be useful in the Lord’s work.
The Gift of Discernment of Spirits Can Be Exercised by Individual Believers
Individual believers, when confronted with those bringing false doctrine, can also exercise the gift of discernment. John wrote about the necessity of doing this.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:22, 23 ESV).
The gift can be exercised by all believers.
Paul Provides an Example of Discernment of Spirits
The Apostle Paul provides an example of the proper exercise of the gift. When confronted with a man named Elymas Paul discerned that he was a false prophet. The Book of Acts records the incident as follows.
But Bar-Jesus, whose other name was Elymas, was against them. He even tried to keep the governor from having faith in the Lord. Then Saul, better known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked straight at Elymas and said, “You son of the devil! You are a liar, a crook, and an enemy of everything that is right. When will you stop speaking against the true ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:8-10 CEV).
Here is an historical example of the gift being exercised.
The Church Needs to Exercise the Gift
The churches in the first century were directed to exercise the gift of discernment. The church at Ephesus is applauded for practicing the gift.
I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false (Revelation 2:2 ESV).
Here Jesus tells them that they could discern between the true and false apostles.
The church at Thyatira was slack in the practice of the gift. We also read about this through Jesus’ words the Book of Revelation.
But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:20 ESV).
Their spiritual discernment was lacking.
The believers were specifically told not allowed to associate with those who had accepted false doctrine.
Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching (2 John 10 NRSV).
There is no association between light and darkness.
We need to be like Solomon who asked the Lord for discernment. His prayer to the Lord went as follows.
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9 NKJV).
This Is a Good Prayer for Each of Us to Pray! Deceit Will Increase toward the End of This Age
We are told that deceitful spirits will always try to infiltrate the church especially toward the end of the age. Paul wrote.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1 NIV).
Therefore, the church needs to be on constant guard against false teaching. It is possibly the greatest enemy that the church faces.
Is the Gift Still Available Today?
As with some of the other spiritual gifts, the gift of discernment of spirits is believed by some to have been necessary only until the Bible was complete. Thus, once the New Testament was finished, the gift was no longer needed because revelation from God became complete. Those who hold this view understand the gift to be the capacity to know whether a prophet or teacher was actually speaking by means of the Holy Spirit or whether they were actually speaking by some evil spirit and thus teaching false doctrine.
It is argued that this gift was absolutely essential in the early church when there was no written New Testament by which to judge any teaching. At that time God was giving direct revelation through His prophets. The believers needed to be able to discern the true prophets from the false. Hence the gift of discerning, or distinguishing of spirits, was given.
Others Believe the Gift Is Still Necessary
Many others believe that it seems more accurate to assume that God could give the same gift today to Christian leaders, to help them determine whether certain messages or teachings are from the Lord. It is also used to distinguish between various evil spirits and the work of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the gift of discerning spirits is even necessary for the church today–to test the spirits to determine if they are from God to make sure the messages are consistent with New Testament revelation. As is the case with many of the gifts of the Spirit, Christians are divided over the meaning as well as the usage of this particular gift.
Summary – Question 18
What Is the Gift of Discernment, or Distinguishing, of Spirits?
The gift of discernment of spirits is the ability between spirits that are divine, demonic, or human. This gift helps prevent confusion in the church for it guards against false teaching. Discernment of spirit should be done on an individual basis as well as being done by the entire church. There are a number of views as to the exact nature of the gift.
There is the belief that this gift was limited in its purpose; it was used to determine if a prophetic message given in the church was actually divine revelation. This was the main, if not the only purpose, for the gift. Once God ceased giving divine revelation to humanity there was no longer a need for this gift.
Others see the gift as having reference to good and evil spirits. The gift was used to determine the source of a certain spirit. Since the Scripture speaks of a number of different types of spirits, such as the spirit of divination, and the spirit of truth and error, the gift of discernment was used to correctly identify these spirits.
There is also the view that the gift consisted of the above two abilities as well as many more. According to this position, this spiritual gift is still functioning in the church. Indeed, it is much needed. Whatever the case may be, the church certainly needs to be able to discern between right and wrong, good and evil. Like Solomon of old, we need to ask God for such discernment in these spiritual matters.
The Various Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part Two) – Question 19
In listing the spiritual gifts, the Bible speaks about the gift of the “word of knowledge.” Paul wrote the following to the Corinthians.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8 NIV).
This gift is mentioned in four places in Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:8, and 1 Corinthians 14:6. It is neither defined nor explained in any of these places.
There Is Uncertainty about the Exact Nature of the Gift
Bible-believers are not united on the nature and purpose of this gift. There are various ways in which the gift is understood. They include the following.
- It was given for the specific purpose of communicating divine revelation.
- It has to do with God giving divine knowledge and insight into certain situations.
The support for each position is as follows.
Option 1: It Is the Supernatural Ability to Know Divinely Given Truths
It is argued that the gift of the word of knowledge was a supernatural ability to understand what was divinely inspired Scripture and what was not. This gift is linked directly to the apostles and the New Testament prophets. The gift was only available when the doctrinal foundation of Christianity was being laid. The Apostle Paul spoke of this gift being done away with. He wrote the following to the Corinthians.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away (1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV).
Once the Scripture was completed the need for this particular gift of knowledge vanished.
All Bible-believers will agree that if this gift was only given for the distinct purpose of confirming divine revelation before the New Testament was completed, then the gift is no longer available. However this is what is at issue. Was the gift limited in this way?
Option 2: It Is the Ability to Supernaturally Know Certain Facts
There is another way of understanding of this spiritual gift. The gift of the word of knowledge refers to the ability to know facts about a situation, or a spiritual principle, that could not have been known by natural means. This allows someone to see a situation as God sees it. It is still much needed in the church today. The following observations can be made.
The Gift Works with the Word of Wisdom
There are times when the gift of the word of knowledge works with the gift of the word of wisdom. First, God gives the believer supernatural knowledge into a particular situation, and then He gives wisdom on how to apply that knowledge.
The Spirit of God Provides the Information
This word of knowledge is exercised when the Spirit of God provides information to someone about the condition of another person. It does not have to come with fanfare. In fact, it can be exercised without the person being aware of it. The gift must be used with a humble heart.
It Is Not an Occultic Gift
The word of knowledge is not the same as the occult gifts that some spiritual mediums claim. It is not an occult power, but a God-given ability to build up the body of Christ.
We Are Not to Take Advantage of It for Personal Gain
Like all the other gifts of the Spirit, the word of knowledge is never given for a believers’ own personal advantage, to take advantage of another believer, or to embarrass someone. It is to build up the church – the body of Jesus Christ.
It Is Not for Public Display
This gift should only be used in private contexts. There is no place for some public display of this gift in a flamboyant way. If the Holy Spirit is working, then it will be consistent with the way He always works. He will glorify Jesus Christ and Him alone. Indeed, He will never glorify any human being exercising a spiritual gift.
Believers Need the Knowledge of God
Scripture speaks of knowledge in a variety of areas. First there is the knowledge of God. Paul wrote the following to the Corinthians.
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him (2 Corinthians 2:14 NRSV).
We can have some limited knowledge about the God of the Bible.
Paul also emphasized that unbelievers oppose the knowledge of God. This could refer to knowledge about God or knowledge which God possesses. He wrote.
The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 God’s Word).
Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ are living in opposition to the knowledge of God.
There is also the knowledge that belongs to God alone. Paul wrote the following to the Romans.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33 ESV).
He, of course, knows all things while our knowledge is severely limited.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians about his desire that they experience the knowledge of the Lord. He put it this way.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Ephesians 3:19 NLT).
Knowledge of God is essential. This is why the apostle wanted the believers to understand it as much as possible.
We Need Knowledge of the Christian Faith
The Bible stresses the necessity of knowledge about the Christian faith. Paul wrote to the Romans the need for the following.
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that in God’s law you have complete knowledge and truth (Romans 2:20 NLT).
We are commanded to have knowledge about Christianity. Paul also wrote to the Romans concerning the encouragement which knowledge of the Scripture provides.
For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope (Romans 15:14 HCSB).
The Scriptures instruct us in a number of ways.
False teachers bragged about having “higher knowledge.” Paul warned Timothy about them. He said.
Timothy, guard the Good News which has been entrusted to you. Turn away from pointless discussions and the claims of false knowledge that people use to oppose the Christian faith (1 Timothy 6:20 God’s Word).
In contrast to them, the mature Christian behaves in a humble manner.
The Bible also emphasizes knowledge about right living. Peter wrote the following to the believers about the various virtues work together.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV).
Notice how important knowledge is in living rightly before the Lord.
Scripture speaks of knowledge of how to relate to others. Peter also wrote.
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7 NASB).
Believers should always act with knowledge. The example in this case is the knowledge that a husband should have toward his wife.
The New Testament Provides Examples of the Word of Knowledge
We have seen the importance which the Bible places upon knowledge. The New Testament also provides us with some examples of the supernatural exercise of knowledge.
Jesus Exercised This Ability with Nathaniel
Jesus knew things about a man named Nathaniel. We read the following account in the gospel of John.
Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48 NKJV).
He told Nathaniel things that could not have been known on a natural level.
Jesus Exercised This Ability with the Woman at the Well
When Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well, we find that He exercised the word of knowledge. John records the following.
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!’” (John 4:16-18NRSV).
This is another example of the exercising of the gift of supernatural knowledge.
Simon Peter’s Confession Was Miraculously Revealed
Simon Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah was another example of this gift. Jesus said to Peter.
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven“ (Matthew 16:17 ESV).
It was God the Father who revealed Jesus’ identity to Peter.
In sum, at times, the Lord provides supernatural knowledge to believers. This knowledge is never for personal gain but rather to further the work of the Christian ministry.
Summary – Question 19
What Is the Gift of the Word of Knowledge?
The Bible speaks of a spiritual gift called the “word of knowledge.” This particular gift of the word of knowledge is a spiritual gift that allows the believer to supernaturally know something about a situation or a person.
It is not to be used to take advantage of the circumstances of others. Neither is it for public display.
There are some who believe the gift is no longer available for the church. They link it to the apostles and prophets who had unique ability to understand what was divinely inspired revelation as well as what was not. Because the New Testament Scripture has been written there is no longer any need for the gift.
However, others argue that this gift is absolutely necessary today. They see this gift as more than merely determining which prophetic words were from God and which were not. Instead it is supernatural insight into certain facts. Thus, the gift is much needed.
The Various Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part Two) – Question 20
Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge for the correct purpose. All Christians are to ask God for wisdom on how to live. James wrote the following words.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5 NKJV).
Note that if we ask for wisdom, then the Lord has promised to give it to us.
In the same manner, Jesus promised wisdom for believers. Luke records Him saying.
For I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict (Luke 21:15 NRSV).
God has promised that believers can receive special wisdom.
There Is a Special Gift of Wisdom
However, the Bible speaks of the gift of the word of wisdom. Paul wrote the following about this gift to the Corinthians. He said
For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8 NKJV).
Interestingly, this gift of wisdom stands first in a list of spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Therefore it seems to be an extremely important gift. However, this is the only place in Scripture where the gift is listed.
There Is a Difference of Opinion as to the Meaning and Purpose of the Gift
Bible-believers differ on the exact nature of the gift of the word of wisdom. Some believe it was a temporary gift given to believers to receive and understand divine revelation. Others do not believe that this was the sole purpose of the gift.
It Is Different than the Word of Knowledge
This is different from the gift of the word of knowledge. The word of knowledge is the supernatural understanding of some type of truth while the word of wisdom uses knowledge for its proper end: the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
The Word of Wisdom Is Not Human Genius
The gift of the word of wisdom transcends any human genius, or insight. It is a supernatural gift of God that only the Holy Spirit can impart. Paul made it clear that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.
He wrote the following to the Corinthians.
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God’s way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength (1 Corinthians 1:20-25 NLT).
God’s wisdom is not the same as the wisdom of the world.
The Word of Wisdom Can Be Applied in Various Ways
The gift of the word of wisdom can be applied in the following ways.
The Word of Wisdom Can Manifest Itself through Persecution
The Holy Spirit may grant the believer the word of wisdom when answering persecutors. Jesus promised this.
And you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Matthew 10:18-20 ESV).
The Book of Acts gives examples of God providing wisdom to His people under these circumstances. The gift was manifested in Peter and John as they spoke before the rulers and teachers in Jerusalem.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus (Acts 4:13 NRSV).
It was shown when Stephen confronted the religious leaders:
But they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke (Acts 6:10 NIV).
A valuable lesson is learned from this episode. Even though a person speaks the supernatural wisdom of God there is no guarantee that people will listen to it. The crowd murdered Stephen.
The Word of Wisdom Is Used in Defending the Faith
The word of wisdom can also be given to those defending the faith among unbelievers. We are all instructed to defend the faith.
But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15 ESV).
However, there are certain occasions when the word of wisdom is needed in answering unbeliever’s questions about Christianity.
We find that Jesus exercised this many times.
Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” But after that they dared not question Him anymore (Luke 20:39, 40 NKJV).
The Apostle Paul exercised this gift:
Then he entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things related to the kingdom of God (Acts 19:8 HCSB).
Special wisdom was given when the faith was defended.
The Word of Wisdom Is Used in Problem Solving
The word of wisdom can also be used in solving difficult problems. When the apostles were distracted from preaching the gospel because of business matters they chose certain believers to help them as administrators.
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty (Acts 6:3 ESV).
One of the requirements was wisdom, which was used in solving problems in the church.
The Word of Wisdom Can Be Used in Dealing with Unbelievers
Wisdom is also needed in dealing with those outside of the church. Paul wrote the following to the Colossians.
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time (Colossians 4:5 NRSV).
Believers are to act wisely toward unbelievers.
The Word of Wisdom Can Be Used in Everyday Living
This gift can be used in everyday living situations. When problems arise we are told to ask for wisdom. James wrote.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5 NIV).
James also wrote.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13 NKJV).
James then concluded.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17 ESV).
Thus, God will grant us wisdom on how to live a consistent life, glorifying Him.
The Word of Wisdom Can Be Used in Interpreting God’s Truth
Wisdom is also needed to understand some of the things that God has revealed.
This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six (Revelation 13:18 NRSV).
We also read in the Book of Revelation.
And now understand this: The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills of the city where this woman rules. They also represent seven kings (Revelation 17:9 NLT)
Scripture encourages the believer to exercise wisdom.
There Is Skill Needed in Imparting God’s Truth
Wisdom should be used in imparting the truth of God.
So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ (Colossians 1:28 NLT).
God’s truth needs to be imparted skillfully.
All Wisdom Can Be Found in Jesus
All wisdom can be found in Jesus Christ. Paul said that all treasures of wisdom are found in the person of Jesus Christ.
In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. (Colossians 2:3 HCSB)
Jesus was known for His wisdom. Indeed, Matthew writes about the response Jesus received when He came back to His hometown of Nazareth.
Jesus went to his hometown and taught the people in the synagogue in a way that amazed them. People were asking, “Where did this man get this wisdom and the power to do these miracles?” (Matthew 13:54 God’s Word).
They recognized Jesus had unique wisdom.
Jesus Christ Had the Gift in the Supreme Way
Jesus possessed this gift in a supreme way. When the religious leaders attempted to trick Him by their questions His wisdom left them speechless.
And as he said this, all his opponents were being humiliated; and the entire multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him (Luke 13:17 NASB).
Luke also wrote.
And they could make no reply to this (Luke 14:6 NASB).
They could not respond to the wisdom of Jesus.
Some Believe the Gift Is No Longer Available
There are some Christians who teach that the gift of the word of wisdom is no longer available. They believe the gift was one of the foundational gifts that God gave to the church. It was characteristic of those who were apostles and prophets. The gift is understood as involving receiving and understanding, direct revelation from God and then presenting it to the people. Since God is no longer giving direct revelation to His people, this gift is no longer available.
Summary – Question 20
What Is the Gift of the Word of Wisdom?
Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. The gift of the word of wisdom is the application of knowledge. While all Christians are commanded to ask God for wisdom there is a special gift of wisdom that God gives to certain of His people. Jesus Christ possessed this gift in a supreme way.
Some Christians link this spiritual gift of the word of wisdom exclusively with the apostles and prophets. Consequently they believe the gift no longer operates.
Others disagree that this was the main purpose of the gift. Instead, they believe that the Lord is still imparting it today to certain believers.
The Bible says that wisdom can be exercised through persecution, defending the faith, problem solving, dealing with unbelievers, everyday living, interpreting God’s truth, and imparting God’s truth.
All wisdom is found in Jesus. He is the one who exercised wisdom in the supreme way. We are to always follow His example.
Discernment in the Life of Solomon
One of the most famous stories in the Bible is about discernment. After King David died, his son Solomon was anointed and ascended to the throne. Overwhelmed with the responsibility, when God offered him anything in the world, his request was simple, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9a).
God granted him this wisdom, and much more. He became famous for his wisdom, and solving problems and addressing disputes became a part of his job. When two women came to him claiming to be the mother of one baby, it seemed to be a difficult dilemma. Both had sons, but one child died. Without modern genetic testing, how would he determine who was the child’s rightful mother? At first, it seemed like he suggested something unthinkable, to cut the child in half. In that instance, the women revealed their inner character:
“Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, ‘Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.’ But the other said, ‘He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him’” (1 Kings 3:26).
God gave Solomon the understanding of human nature to discern which woman had love in her heart, which had malice, and how to extract the truth. The baby was given back to his mother. The full account is in 1 Kings 3:16-28.
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How Can We Be More Discerning?
True discernment starts with prayer. Just like Solomon requested wisdom, the believer should ask the Spirit for guidance and discernment. God smiles on those who ask for it. “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God” (Psalm 14:2).
It is also a willingness to learn from those who are older and wiser. The book of Proverbs is structured as a father teaching his son what true wisdom looks like. Consulting God in prayer, asking wise believers for their input, and reading the Scripture helps cultivate a spirit of discernment. Applying this wisdom is where the life of a believer makes the difference. Despite all the knowledge available to mankind, Solomon did not apply it when making marriages, and eventually he allowed each bride to worship any god they wished, leading to the spiritual decay of the entire nation of Israel.
If a Christian applies spiritual wisdom, and is listening to the Holy Spirit, that person will exhibit the characteristics of someone wise and Christ-like. Since Jesus is the model for living life, He showed discernment. He also taught on the subject. He emphasized not seeking the wisdom of the world, which clouds true discernment.
The wise Pharisees and Sadducees - the religious leaders of the day - were unable to identify Jesus Christ as the Messiah because they were too wrapped up in their own knowledge. However those the culture would have viewed as uneducated, simple, or foolish saw the truth. Jesus even said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” (Matthew 11:25b)
The more wisdom and discernment a Christian exercises, the stronger his or her faith, and the better that person will be able determine what is right, good, and God’s will, manifesting in love for God and others just like Jesus had.
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