Wisdom and Knowledge
The sermon explores the nature of divine wisdom and knowledge as temporary gifts that function under Christ's direction within the body of believers.
G.W. North emphasizes that the divine gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge are manifestations of God's eternal fullness, bestowed upon members of Christ's Body as temporary and functional gifts of the Spirit. He explains that while these gifts are not permanent, they are given in grace to meet specific needs within the church. The operation of these gifts is conditional and intermittent, much like a hand that relies on the head for direction and power. North highlights that the full potential of these gifts is realized only when they are actively functioning within the body of believers. Ultimately, the gifts serve to reflect God's wisdom and knowledge in a limited yet powerful way.
Text
Thus what was displayed in Him naturally as marvellous Wisdom, became, when bestowed upon a member of His Body, a gift of the Spirit, when it became the Word of Wisdom. So also is it with His profound Knowledge; in bestowal it becomes the Word of Knowledge. In fact, with the exception of the last two, some such thing could be said of all the gifts. All divine wisdom and knowledge are not granted as permanent gifts to any man, although all God's wisdom and knowledge are behind their limited expression or defined application in the form of a gift. The Word of Wisdom or of Knowledge is given in grace as a temporary and limited bestowal from that eternal fullness in sufficient measure to meet the internal or external functional needs of the body at that time.
If functioning properly, it will operate continuously during the lifetime of the member whose gift it is. But although in certain conditions the gift as a means can be residual, the function is only ever conditional and occasional.
This may be quite easily grasped when it is remembered that a hand and its function will depend entirely upon power under direction and control from the head, Although its existence and position are continuous and its power is constantly implied, its function is only of an intermittent nature. Although all the whole fullness and content of the powers referred to by each gift are not bestowed with the gift, when the gift is functioning, all the fullness of all the power is concentrated upon that member/gift for its operation.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Divine Wisdom - The Nature of Wisdom as a Gift - Temporary vs. Permanent Gifts
- II points: - The Role of Knowledge in the Body of Christ - Functionality of Spiritual Gifts - Conditional and Occasional Use of Gifts
- III points: - The Relationship Between the Head and the Body - Power and Control in Functionality - Intermittent Nature of Spiritual Gifts
- IV points: - The Fullness of Gifts in Operation - Grace and the Bestowal of Gifts - Meeting Functional Needs of the Body
Key Quotes
“Thus what was displayed in Him naturally as marvellous Wisdom, became, when bestowed upon a member of His Body, a gift of the Spirit.” — G.W. North
“The Word of Wisdom or of Knowledge is given in grace as a temporary and limited bestowal from that eternal fullness.” — G.W. North
“Although its existence and position are continuous and its power is constantly implied, its function is only of an intermittent nature.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Recognize that spiritual gifts are given for specific purposes and are not permanent fixtures.
- Understand the importance of being connected to Christ as the head for effective functioning in the body.
- Seek to operate in the gifts of the Spirit with grace, meeting the needs of others as directed.