God's Gift of Wisdom and Knowledge (Spiritual gifts every Christian needs)
Text: Eph 1:15-23; 1 Cor. 12: 7-11
Introduction
The Ephesian church had made progress in their faith, so Paul thanked God, but he also prayed that they would receive God's gift of wisdom and revelation. These are Spiritual gifts every Christian needs.
The Spirit of God’s wisdom and knowledge go hand in hand. The Spirit of wisdom will lead you to seek revelation, and the Spirit of revelation will lead you to seek wisdom.
Why these Spiritual gifts?
To know God better (both in knowledge and relationship)
To know the riches of God which are hidden. E.g.
To understand the mysteries of life (Deut. 29:29).
E.g, the relationship between a man and woman, Christ and the church, things ahead of us that are hidden (Luke 19:41-44); Joseph received the revelation in his days and was given the wisdom to help (Gen 41 ); John was given insight into the future of the world (Rev 1:1-9-11).
The wisdom of the world
Wherever the wisdom and knowledge of the world are at work, there is jealousy, evil practice, but where God’s wisdom is, there is peace (James 3:16-17).
The wisdom and knowledge of the world will lead you astray and to regret (1 Cor 2:6-8).
E.g., the tower of Babel (Genesis 11); Contemporary feminism; Gog and Magog – the universal rebellion against God (Revelation 20:7-10).
How to receive God’s gift of wisdom and revelation:
Study God’s Word (2 Tim 3:14-17); Prayer (Eph 1:17) and Action (Joseph in Genesis 41:39-41; Nehemiah 1-13; John in Rev 1:9-11).