1 Corinthians 12:7- 11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The word of knowledge
Anybody can work towards gaining knowledge but “The word of knowledge” is a spiritual gift given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. This is knowledge pertaining to events past and present that are made known to a believer. A good example is Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Jesus knew about the woman’s past and present lifestyle by revelation of the Holy Spirit
The word of Wisdom
As with knowledge, anyone can acquire wisdom but “The word of wisdom” is a spiritual gifted given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. This gift is special illumination that enables one in a specific situation to grasp divine insight regarding a fact, situation, or context. This gift is useful in directing the Body in what to do next and in making God’s will know. Solomon’s story with the two women is a good example.
Discernment of Spirits
This is a gift that allows one to see what is happening in the spirit world and also to be able to discern what spirit is operating in an individual and location. Remember that the enemy comes masquerading as an angel of light and it is easy for him to deceive believers who only look at things from face value. The story of Paul and the young lady with the spirit of divination in Acts 16 is a good example. What the girl was saying sounded good but the spirit behind her was a wicked spirit that was trying to hide so that it would not be cast out.
Reflective Thoughts,
Have you found yourself ever operating in one of these three gifts and you probably had no idea?
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What was the situation and how did you handle it?
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How can this gift help build the body of Christ?
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