1. Prophecy:
Prophecy in the Bible is often associated with the foretelling of future events, but it also includes speaking the words of God under divine inspiration. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:1, where Apostle Paul lists it among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to " Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." Prophecy is meant to edify, exhort, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not only about predicting future events but also about delivering God's message to people. Prophecy is the ability to receive and communicate a message from God. This message can be about future events, but it can also be a word of encouragement, rebuke, or instruction.
Again, the purpose of prophecy is to build up, encourage, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not meant to be used for personal gain or to promote oneself, but to glorify God and edify His people. One of the most well-known prophets in the Bible is Isaiah. God gave Isaiah many prophecies about the coming Messiah, the future of Israel, and the end times. For example, in Isaiah 53, the prophet foretells the suffering and death of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before it happened. This prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus was crucified and rose again. Another example of prophecy in the Bible is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel was given a vision of future kingdoms and events, including the coming of the Messiah and the end times. These prophecies have been partially fulfilled and some are still awaiting fulfillment. These examples show that prophecy is a powerful gift that God uses to reveal His plans and purposes. Like all spiritual gifts, it should be used with humility and love, always pointing others to Christ.
2. Word of Knowledge:
The word of knowledge is another spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It is a supernatural revelation, given by the Holy Spirit, of facts past, present, or future which were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. It is a gift that allows a believer to understand the deep things of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. This gift is often used to affirm faith, reveal the condition of someone's heart, or to help in decision making according to God's will. It is described in 1 Corinthians 12:8, where Apostle Paul lists the spiritual gifts given by God for the edification of the church. The word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation, given by the Holy Spirit, of certain facts in the mind of God.
The word of knowledge is not a natural knowledge or a learned knowledge. It is a special revelation that God gives to certain individuals to reveal His purposes, plans, and mysteries. This gift is often used to bring about healing, deliverance, or prophecy. An example of the word of knowledge in the Bible can be found in the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. In this story, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and lied about the amount of money they received from the sale. They kept back part of the money for themselves but told the apostles that they were giving all of it to the church. Peter, through the word of knowledge given by the Holy Spirit, knew that Ananias and Sapphira were lying. He confronted them about their sin, and they both fell down and died. This story illustrates the power and seriousness of the word of knowledge. It is not a gift to be taken lightly, but one to be used with wisdom and discernment for the glory of God.
3. Word of Wisdom:
The word of wisdom is also listed as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It is often seen as the ability to apply knowledge in a practical and beneficial way, particularly in guiding others towards Godly living. It involves discernment, discretion, and the ability to make good judgments. It is not simply human wisdom, but a wisdom that comes from God and is centered on Him. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10: ‘’For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues’’. It is a supernatural revelation, or insight, into the divine will and purpose, often applying scriptural wisdom to a specific situation. The word of wisdom is not about having natural wisdom or being wise in the world's eyes. Instead, it is a specific message from God that applies His wisdom to a particular situation, often providing direction, understanding, or a solution that could not have been known otherwise.
A biblical illustration of the word of wisdom can be seen in the life of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women came to King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon asked for a sword and proposed to cut the baby in two, giving half to each woman. The real mother immediately offered to give up her claim to save the child's life, revealing herself as the true mother. Solomon's solution was a demonstration of the word of wisdom, as it provided a divine solution to a humanly impossible situation.
Another example is found in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council. The early church was wrestling with whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish customs to be saved. James, guided by the Holy Spirit, used the word of wisdom to show that salvation is by grace through faith, not works, and proposed a solution that was accepted by the council. The word of wisdom is a powerful gift that can bring clarity in confusing situations, resolve conflicts, and provide divine direction. It is given by the Holy Spirit and is meant to be used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.
The prophecy, word of knowledge, and wisdom are given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church and for the glory of God. They are not meant for personal gain or to draw attention to oneself, but to serve others and to point them to God. In summary:
A word of knowledge is a divine revelation imparted by the Holy Spirit. A word of prophecy reflects Jesus' profound love and concern for His followers. A word of knowledge provides insight into the present condition of an individual or circumstance. A word of wisdom provides guidance on how to effect positive changes that lead to blessings. While a prophecy may foretell future events, a word of wisdom provides the understanding needed to navigate towards that future.
Guidelines to possess the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom. Jesus said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:12-13). This pertains to the Holy Spirit, whose role is to "lead us into all truth." The Holy Spirit embodies collaboration and serves as a means through which God communicates with the us. The Holy Spirit persuades the world regarding righteousness, affirming that Jesus of Nazareth is the only begotten son of God, the righteous one, and communicates the righteousness of Christ, which is bestowed upon us for justification and salvation. The Spirit will reveal the path to obtain this righteousness and guide individuals on how to be acknowledged as righteous in the sight of God.
In like manner, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the gifts of word of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy. These spiritual gifts are given by God through the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church and to fulfill God's purposes. In all these gifts (wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, and interpretation), the Holy Spirit is the source and the enabler. He reveals the knowledge, gives the wisdom, inspires the prophecy, and other gifts. The believer is simply the vessel through which the Holy Spirit works. These gifts are given not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.
Possessing the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The holy Bible provides several guidelines for those who desire to possess and operate in the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, and wisdom, and commanded to "… covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way"(1 Corinthians 12:31). Here are some steps to possess the gifts of the holy Spirit:
1. Seek God First: Matthew 6:33 says, " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The first step to possessing any spiritual gift is to seek God and His righteousness. This means, the gift of Holy Spirit is not for sinners but for the born-again Christians. This means, you need to confess and repent of every sin. Confess any known sin in your life and repent now. The Holy Spirit cannot fill an unclean vessel. Ask God to cleanse you and make you a suitable dwelling place for His Spirit. Sinners must be genuinely saved from their sins through the attorney blood of Jesus Christ and walk in holiness before the possession of the Spirit-power.
2. Desire Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 14:1 instructs believers to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy." God gives spiritual gifts to those who desire them for the right reasons - to edify the church and glorify God.
3. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:38 says, " Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the one who gives spiritual gifts, so being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential.
4. Ask in Faith: Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Believe that He will do it because He has promised to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? " (Luke 11:13).
5. Use the Gifts in Love: 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes that spiritual gifts should be used in love. Without love, the use of spiritual gifts is meaningless.
6. Submit to Authority: Those who operate in spiritual gifts should do so under the authority and guidance of their local church leadership (Hebrews 13:17). This provides accountability and helps prevent misuse of the gifts.
7. Be Open to Instruction and Correction: Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Those who desire to operate in spiritual gifts should be open to instruction and correction from mature believers and leaders.
8. Practice and Use the Gifts: Like any other gift or skill, spiritual gifts are developed through use. The more you use them, the more you grow in them. 1 Timothy 4:14 says, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy..." Remember, the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. You cannot earn Him through good works or religious rituals. You simply receive Him by faith as you would receive any other gift. Hence, the purpose of these gifts is to edify the church and glorify God, not to draw attention to oneself or gain personal advantage.