Dr. David K. Bernard, an esteemed author and speaker focused on spiritual gifts and leadership, dives deep into the concept of the "word of wisdom" from 1 Corinthians 12. He distinguishes between general wisdom and this unique supernatural gift, illustrating its importance in the Church. Bernard shares compelling biblical examples and a personal story from a missionary, highlighting how divine guidance can dramatically influence critical life choices. This discussion uncovers how the word of wisdom empowers believers, especially in leadership roles.
The Word of Wisdom is a supernatural gift distinct from ordinary wisdom, providing divine insight for specific situations encountered by believers.
Examples from scripture and personal experiences illustrate the importance of the Word of Wisdom in guiding critical decisions, especially for leaders.
Deep dives
Understanding the Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom is identified as a supernatural spiritual gift distinct from common human wisdom and spiritual wisdom that every believer should develop. Unlike general wisdom, which can come from life experiences or study, the Word of Wisdom refers to a specific insight given by God for a particular situation. This divine wisdom is bestowed temporarily and is not a constant trait of an individual, meaning that even a person filled with the Spirit might only receive it when needed. The podcast emphasizes that this gift allows individuals to know the right course of action where human reasoning fails, highlighting its importance in making critical decisions, especially in leadership roles.
Biblical and Personal Examples of Wisdom in Action
An illustrative example of the Word of Wisdom can be found in Acts 27, where Paul, despite being a prisoner, advised against traveling, foreseeing disaster that the captain could not predict. Paul's advice went unheeded initially, but later, after a shipwreck, they followed his guidance, and it resulted in their salvation. Additionally, a personal account from Dr. David Bernard highlights how his father, during a turbulent time in Korea, felt compelled by God not to attend a significant conference, which ultimately protected them from a government investigation that could have ended their ministry. These examples reinforce the concept that the Word of Wisdom serves as divine guidance in moments of urgency and uncertainty.
In 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul includes the "word of wisdom" in his list of gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Dr. David K. Bernard explains what the word of wisdom is, how it operates, and how it can benefit believers, particularly those who serve in leadership roles.
For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter the promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.
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