NINE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 1 | THE WORD OF WISDOM

1. Nine Spiritual Gifts 

a) There are nine gifts of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter twelve:

i) Word of Wisdom.
ii) Word of Knowledge.
iii) Faith.
iv) Gifts of Healing.
v) Working of Miracles.
vi) Prophecy.
vii) Discerning of Spirits.
viii) Divers (or different) kinds of Tongues.
ix) Interpretation of (different) Tongues.

b) Paul tells us that “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4). No two gifts are the same and generally no two believers have exactly the same gifts but always these gifts are given for the good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).

c) Here is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit.

2. The Word of Wisdom

a) The first gift Paul mentions is the gift of wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8). It is listed first perhaps because it is foundation to the church and this is a gift that the believer can earnestly desire (1 Corinthians 12:31). 

b) Wisdom is clearly taught in the Word of God and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10). This is the precious gift that Solomon asked for and received from God to be able to rightly rule God‘s nation (I Kings 3:12). With this wisdom, Solomon could understand what do in difficult decisions. 

c) Wisdom is also associated with fearing the Lord. Fear is simply standing in awe of God in reverence and respect. It entails loving His Word and being obedient to what it says. There is no wisdom in disobedience. This means that if some members are revering God’s laws and statutes, including loving God and loving your neighbor, that many members in the church can have this gift. Of course, many can not have it either. 

d) This gift is of supreme importance for members in the Body of Christ for if we can love God and our neighbor, we can greatly contribute to the church and those outside of the church. This love is another way of showing unbelievers and attracting them to Christ by it (John 13:35). 

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