"I believe that the Word of Knowledge is a thought, or impression on our mind or a vision or the direct audible voice of the Holy Spirit ABOUT a situation"

(Bill Subritzky in his book "Receiving The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit").

"This is the supernatural revelation of fact about a person or situation, which is not learned through the efforts of the natural mind, but is a fragment of knowledge freely given by God, disclosing the truth which the Spirit wishes to be made known concerning a particular person or situation"

(John Wimber, "Vineyard Fellowships,"U.S.A.).

In exercising the Gift of the Word of Knowledge we are passing on to others information from the Holy Spirit that He wants them to know at this time in their life. A natural illustration that might be helpful to your understanding is that of the postman. He is employed to deliver a message to pre-appointed people. His job is to take the message to the person whose name is on the envelope. It is not the postman’s message — that comes from the sender. The postman doesn’t have to know or understand the lifestyle of the person who the letter is addressed to. His job is simply to deliver the message (whether he understands it or not). If the postman gets careless or outside his realm of authority, then there is every possibility that the message will be delayed — or even delivered to the wrong person! (That breeds confusion).

Likewise in the Holy Spirit ministry. Our "employer" the Holy Spirit asks us to deliver a message to a certain person. It is not "our" message and the message is not for us. We are simply the delivery person. When we do just as the Holy Spirit asks us — no more and no less — then the message (the Word of Knowledge) will be delivered to the right person in the right place at the right time. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-17; John 15:26; John 16:13-15).

It is when we try to interfere with that process that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit fall into disrepute. Once that happens repeatedly people will "switch-off" to the messenger and not receive any "words" from them in their hearts, even if they show otherwise outwardly at the time of reception

A GOOD DEVOTIONAL LIFE:

That is, building a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit in prayer and the studying of the Word of God. It is through taking time to be with God that we learn to recognize His voice and when He is speaking to us. If we do not know His voice we will never be able to respond to Him or exercise the gifts.

A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP IN A DOCTRINALLY SOUND, SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH:

The importance of being established into the life of a church cannot be overemphasized. If we want to be effective in the Word of Knowledge we must be "rooted into" a church home where our gifts can be exercised, developed and proven that they are indeed the Holy Spirit and not some human ego trip. It is vital that our gifts can be "judged" by the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-26).

A TEACHABLE SPIRIT:

In matters of the Holy Spirit Gifts there are many things to learn. If we do not have a humble, teachable spirit, then we are going to finish up in real trouble. I thank God for those who have spoken into my life, both to give correction and encouragement. The result of that is that I have grown in confidence and faith to exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as I recognize His promptings. Some marvelous things have happened over the years!

If we are not teachable and we begin to develop "gifts" on a wrong understanding or in error, we will certainly self-destruct further down the track — the tragedy being that many lives can also be ruined in the process as well. Don’t be too proud to receive loving instruction!

A SENSITIVE SPIRIT:

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are usually for exercising in a public manner. Therefore we need to cultivate a sensitive spirit towards God — and also towards the meeting or environment we are in. God is not a God of disorder or chaos and, if we are sensitive to Him, He will show us how to deliver a Word of Knowledge in a way that is beautiful. Sensitivity will also help give us the right timing and the right way to go about things.

A GENUINE LOVE FOR PEOPLE:

In 1 Corinthians 13 we are told that it is possible to develop great gifts of God in our life, yet still not love! We can separate our gifts, develop them to a tremendous degree, and still be impersonal and unloving towards people. The Bible says if we do that, then we are NOTHING! We have missed God somewhere, even though we can use His gifts. That is a great tragedy and, far too often, is the testimony of too many Christians over the years (John 13:34-35; John 15:7; 1 John 4:7-21).

It is love for God and people that teaches us the most about the exercising of Spiritual Gifts! The ministering vessel needs to know something of love and compassion. He is dealing with eternal souls, and the result of his Word of Knowledge can mean release or ruin for many years to come. It is not by chance that 1 Corinthians 13 is placed where it is — right in the middle of Chapters 12 and 14 which teach us about Spiritual Gifts.

A DESIRE TO BE USED:

No one will flow in the gifts if there is no desire to. God responds to desire (Psalm 37:4; Psalm 145:16-21; Psalm 21:2). "The desire of the righteous shall be granted" (Proverbs 10:24). Paul desired to impart Spiritual Gifts into the saints: "For I long ("to desire earnestly") to see you, that I may impart ("to give a share of") unto you some spiritual ("belonging to the Spirit, determined by, influenced by or proceeding from it" - Bullinger’s) gift, to the end you may be established ("set fast, fixed firmly") (Romans 1:11, KJV).

The Apostle also exhorted us to:

" . . . covet

("be zealous for") earnestly ("serious in mind or intention; demanding serious attention" - Collins) the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31, KJV).

"Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts . . . "

(1 Corinthians 14:1).

Cultivate Your Desire To Flow In Spiritual Gifts.

Pray for God to stir your spirit over these matters.

Don‘t be Afraid to Ask!

It is always good to learn from others. When someone is functioning in a lovely way in the gifts, don’t be afraid to approach them later to learn more.

MANY VARIATIONS ON USING THE GIFTS:

There is only one Holy Spirit, but there are many different ways the Word of Knowledge can operate. God uses our personalities and, as they are all different, there can be quite a variety of ways the gift can function. Don’t be afraid of this.

"Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments [extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit] and they vary, but the (Holy) Spirit remains the same.

And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served].

And there are distinctive varieties of operation — of working to accomplish things — but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all"

(1 Corinthians 12:4-6, AMP).

EXPERIENCE:

 

I will become aware that a certain person will be in the meeting; the Holy Spirit will show me something of that person’s need or what I am to minister to them. This method has often been tested, as many times when I get to the meeting the person concerned is not there! But they eventually turn up — late! — and once again the Holy Spirit shows He knows what He is doing. Truth prevails!