Word of Knowledge
1. 1 Cor. 12:8: logos + genitive singular of gnosis =
a word of knowledge
2. This is a revelation type gift that receives from God
factual information of Divine viewpoint for the purpose of teaching others.
3. The information concerns details of the church age
and not Old Testament The Old Testament is complete in written form and
is available to all.
4. Since this gift is different from prophecy, it should
be seen to have a different function than the prophecy gift. For this reason
it is probable that the gift, "word of knowledge," involved an
exhortation type function that was based on specific knowledge received
about problem situations.
5. The corresponding permanent gift would be the exhortation
gift.
6. This gift is temporary because:
A. Its location in the the list of 1 Cor. 12:8-10
B. It is mentioned as temporary in 1 Cor. 13:8
C. Its effect or function does not conform with post-canon standards.
7. Once the canon of scripture is complete in written
form, the gift of knowledge is set aside. 1 Cor. 13:8d
A. All information needed for believers to live the Christian
way of life is provided in writing in the bible.
B. Communicators are to teach from that which has been
provided by God in writing.
C. The bible is the only source for Christian living and
dogma.
No future revelation is provided.
8. This is not ability to advance in spiritual growth.
A. The possessor of the gift is volitionally responsible
for his own growth.
B. The information received will be in step with his own
growth level.
C. And then, even when information is received, he must
choose whether to accept it into his soul or not.
9. As a teaching gift it is provided to both men and women,
but the woman's function is limited by 1 Cor. 14:34-35 and 1 Tim. 2:12.
