Revelation
Gifts – Part 5
Memory Verse: “And Elijah
said to Ahab, ‘Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy
rain.’” (1 Kings 18:41. NIV.)
We want to further
understand the purposes behind the gift of the word of knowledge, and to go on
to appreciate the fact that God directs and leads His own.
In the last lesson we saw God can
use the gift of the word of knowledge to warn man of imminent danger, reveal
the secret sins or even the sinful intentions of a people to their spiritual
leader, as well as an avenue by which He addresses the needs,
fears, anxieties, doubts, longings, desires and sicknesses of His people. As we
continue with our studies today we shall see that God is a Father indeed Who
both directs and encourages His people.
From 2 Kings 6:
8-20, we note
§
The enemy’s business is to plan attacks against God’s people,
v. 8. See also John 10:10a.
§
One way by which God delivers His people from the trap of
the enemy is by warning them ahead of the evil plans of the wicked through the
word of knowledge, v.
9.
§
Obedience to the word of knowledge will provide the way of escape
from such danger, v.
10.
§
The passage assures us that
God never leaves His children alone to face the enemy on their own. His host is
around His faithful servants, vs.15-17; Psalm 34:7.
What do you think was the reaction of Elisha’s servant when he saw the
bodyguards God provided for Elisha and himself?
When we know what God has spoken
concerning us as well as His provisions for us, confidence and boldness will
follow. See Prov.
28:1. Think of the confidence with which Elisha prayed to God and
the boldness with which he took over the command of the vast Syrian army as he
marched them right into Samaria, the very city of their archenemy, the King of
Israel, vs. 18-20.
Lesson Outline 1: More of the Purposes of the Gift
q
God gave the gift of the word of knowledge to guard His
servants against making costly mistakes.
o
Think of Samuel who, if left alone, would have chosen the
wrong son of Jesse as the next King of Israel instead of David. See 1 Sam.
16:1-13, noting particularly vs 7 and 12.
q Another
purpose of the gift is to warn against hidden dangers, including future events.
o
When the King of Syria laid one ambush after another for the
King of Israel, Prophet Elisha warned the King time and again against the
hidden danger. 2 Kings 6: 8-20. The gift was probably manifested
through visions from God.
o
Think of Paul’s experience while traveling to Rome for his
first imprisonment. He received a word of knowledge against the danger ahead, Acts
27:9-11. It eventually turned out to be a disastrous shipwreck (vs. 27-44) as the
centurion chose to listen to the “experts” instead of God’s word thro’ Paul. It
could very well be Paul received the word by revelation, vision, etc.
When faced with doubts and uncertainties,
challenge yourself with the question, “Whose report will you believe?” Isa. 53:1.
Lesson Outline 2: God Directs and Encourages His own
q
God uses the gift of the word of knowledge to give specific
directions to His people. For instance:
o
Through an audible word of knowledge, God directed Cornelius
to send for Peter, Acts10:1-6.
o
Using a vision, God prepared Peter for the assignment and
followed it up with words Peter clearly heard and understood, Acts
10:9-21.
o
Through an audible word of knowledge on his way to Damascus,
Saul understood he had to make a u-turn in his life, Acts 9:1-9.
o
Through a vision and an audible voice, Ananias received a
word of knowledge concerning God’s plan for the arch-persecutor of believers,
Saul, and Annaias’ role therein, Acts 9:10-19.
q
God also uses this gift to encourage His children when they
are discouraged or confused.
o
Think of the experience of Elijah when Jezebel threatened to
kill him. 1 Kings 19:1-18.
Summary: The gift of the word of knowledge serves a number of
purposes, viz.
§
Guarding God’s people against making costly mistakes.
§
Warning God’s people against dangers that lie ahead.
§
Giving specific directions to God’s servants.
§
Encouraging His people when they are in the midst of
discouragement.
Whatever your state may be, ask God
for the word of knowledge that addresses your need.