Gifts of Revelation: Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, and Discerning of Spirits

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Aug 14
4 min read

Hands holding a black Holy Bible against a dark suit, conveying a sense of reverence. The Bible's title is in gold letters.

🌿 The Wind of God's Revelation to His People

Throughout salvation history, God has never been silent. From Sinai, where He appeared in fire and sound, to Joseph's dreams before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:25–32), God has been revealing secrets for His purpose. In the New Testament, Jesus spoke words to Nathanael that touched and revealed the depths of his heart (John 1:47–49). This event carried the message that God continues direct communication with His people, unveiling secrets and truths for building and guiding the church.

This revelation is not just historical but is part of the promised new covenant, where God has placed His law in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26–27). When the Holy Spirit imparts the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, and Discerning of Spirits (1 Corinthians 12:8,10), He makes us participants in the ongoing narrative of the Kingdom, walking in the light and spreading the light of Christ in a dark world.

🚨 Amidst Many Voices and Lost Hearts

We are submerged in a sea of information, just as in the times of the prophets where an abundance of news could not replace the word of Jehovah. In Israel's history, a period of prophetic silence and lack of revelation brought spiritual famine, as prophesied in Amos 8:11–12, and the nation was lost for lack of direction from God's command.

Similarly today, voices in the streets, online, and even from pulpits lose direction without the Word of God. Hosea 4:6 teaches us that without divine knowledge, the church loses its vision for the Kingdom and its ultimate goal of witnessing to the world.

⚡ Different Perspectives on the Gifts of Revelation

Some believe these gifts are only for a few with special positions, seeing the Spirit as giving them to those at a certain spiritual level or in leadership. Their argument stems from examples of a few prophets or apostles, but its weakness is ignoring 1 Corinthians 12:7 which states that gifts are given for the common good of all. For example, the human body cannot have only a few parts working.

Some distort them for personal gain, turning them into a means of self-exaltation, as happened with Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:18–23). Although they see gifts as confirmation of a calling, their weakness is turning a gift of grace into a business of souls, which damages the gospel testimony.

Some despise them for fear of deception, closing the doors to the Spirit's work out of caution due to Jesus' warning about "beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15). Although the intention is to protect the church, its weakness is also hindering the genuine acts of the Spirit, such as despising prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:19–20).

🌈 Scriptural Explanation and Fulfillment in the Gospel

The Word of Knowledge: like a Map – It is the revelation of hidden secrets and truths, given by the Spirit at a specific time and place to strengthen the church. For example, Elisha knew the plans of the king of Aram (2 Kings 6:8–12) and Peter discovered Ananias's deception (Acts 5:1–5). Like a secret map, this gift helps the body of Christ avoid traps and move forward accurately.

The Word of Wisdom: like a Captain – It is the ability to take God's truth and apply it wisely to solve difficult challenges without losing the purpose of the Kingdom. Joseph interpreted dreams and provided a plan to save the nation from famine (Genesis 41:33–40), and James encourages us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). It's like a captain guiding a ship through a storm.

Discerning of Spirits: like a Guard – It is the gift of discerning whether certain powers come from the Spirit of God or from false spirits. Paul recognized a demon in the slave girl in Philippi (Acts 16:16–18), and John warns us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). It's like a guardian of the city gate, ensuring what enters is safe for its citizens.

Thus, these are not gifts for personal honor but spiritual weapons to advance the work of Christ on earth (Luke 4:18–19; Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 6:17). Just as Jesus was given the Spirit "to preach good news to the poor," so too the church is called to use these gifts to proclaim the Kingdom, heal the brokenhearted, and be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

🛤️ Steps to Live Faithfully with the Gifts of Revelation

Pray daily with an open heart, listening carefully to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:27), for in His voice there is guidance and comfort.
Use the gifts with love, recognizing that these powers are not yours alone but are gifts for the body of Christ, so that the unity of God's family may endure (1 Corinthians 13:2).
Partner with others, with humility and respect, knowing that each one has been given a part to build the spiritual temple (1 Peter 4:10).
Seek spiritual guidance when you receive revelation, accepting the collective wisdom that comes from consulting with fellow saints (Proverbs 11:14).

🙋 Discussion Questions

Why do the gifts of revelation have a unique place in building and protecting the church today, and in what ways do they testify to the Kingdom of God?
Have you ever seen or experienced the Word of Knowledge or Wisdom changing a situation or someone's life?
What obstacles or challenges do you encounter when seeking to distinguish between the true Spirit of God and false spirits in today's world?

🙌 Blessing of Sending

"May the Lord give you ears to hear His voice, eyes to see the secrets of the Kingdom, and a heart to use your gifts with humility and faithfulness, so that His name may be glorified on earth."