How can we discern the "word of wisdom" in our daily lives? Rooted Text “for to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8) What the Word of Wisdom Is - A Spirit-given utterance that applies God’s timeless truth to a specific moment. - Distinct from general wisdom gained through experience; this gift arrives supernaturally, often in a flash of clarity (Luke 12:11-12). - Always consistent with Scripture because the Spirit never contradicts Himself (John 16:13). Why Daily Discernment Matters - Decisions—big or small—shape obedience (Proverbs 3:5-6). - The enemy traffics in confusion; God’s wisdom steadies us (1 Corinthians 14:33). - Others depend on believers to speak life-giving counsel (Colossians 3:16). Channels the Spirit Commonly Uses • Scripture meditation—illumination turns a familiar verse into fresh guidance (Psalm 119:105). • Inner prompting—an unshakable, peace-filled nudge (Isaiah 30:21). • God-honoring counsel—words from mature believers confirmed by the Spirit (Proverbs 15:22). • Circumstantial alignment—doors opening or closing that echo biblical principles (Acts 16:6-10). Five Scriptural Filters to Test What You Hear 1. Agreement with the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). 2. Exaltation of Christ’s character—humility, truth, love (Philippians 2:5). 3. Production of righteous fruit—“love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Confirmation by two or three witnesses—Scripture, Spirit, saints (2 Corinthians 13:1). 5. Enduring peace, not fleeting emotion (Colossians 3:15). Practical Rhythms to Stay Attuned - Begin each morning asking, “Lord, grant me wisdom for today” (James 1:5). - Read a portion of Proverbs daily; it primes the heart for discernment. - Journal impressions; revisit them alongside Scripture to detect patterns. - Memorize key verses that anchor your spirit when quick decisions arise (Hebrews 4:12). - Fast periodically to quiet competing voices and heighten spiritual sensitivity (Acts 13:2-3). - Serve actively; needs around you often become conduits for the word of wisdom (Acts 6:1-10). Common Hindrances • Unconfessed sin dulls spiritual hearing (Psalm 32:3-5). • Chronic busyness crowds out reflective listening (Mark 6:31). • Neglect of Scripture leaves the mind untrained to recognize truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Proud self-reliance resists divine insight (James 4:6). Encouragement for the Journey The same Spirit who granted Solomon discernment (1 Kings 3:9-12) and guided the early church still speaks today. Stay surrendered, stay saturated in the Word, and expect Heaven’s wisdom to enter ordinary moments—transforming them into opportunities for God’s glory and others’ good. |
    |