Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-8

 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.   I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.   2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell;  or whether out of the body, I cannot tell:  God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.   3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell:  God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.   5 Of such an one will I glory:  yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.   6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool;  for I will say the truth:  but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.   8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Thursday, 3^rd October 2024

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-8

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

This gift of the Holy Spirit is knowing something you cannot know based on your human intelligence. It is the supernatural ability to know divinely given truths and to understand what is divinely inspired.  It is the ability to know facts about a situation, or a spiritual principle, that could not have been known by natural means. It is the ability of one person to know what God is currently doing or intends to do in the life of another person. It is knowing the secrets of another person's heart. ​The Gift of Knowledge allows a person to understand the meaning and purpose God has for him and to live up to this meaning. It differs from wisdom in that it is an action, not just a desire to live up to the ways of God. It differs from Understanding in that it is not just ability, it is a knowing. This allows someone to see a situation as God sees it. It is still much needed in the church today.

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. 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 concerned person’s knowledge of it the gift must be used with a humble heart.

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. 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.

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 vessel exercising any of the spiritual gifts.

CGDS HYMN 21: SS&S 873:

BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Saviour all the day long.

2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, bless me with the gift of knowledge, I will use it to bless your kingdom.

2.  LORD God Almighty, sustain me in this gift in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.