The heading of course comes from Ecclesiastes.
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV)
We will look at the implications and importance of a New Testament threefold cord in this hour, but first some context. To paraphrase Amos, I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet (Amos 7:14). However, I can discern the signs of the times. Historically revivals and awakenings have been preceded by very spiritually dry and dark times. We have been in such a season for some time. We have also had many people prophesying a major move of the Spirit for literally decades now. Are we heading into one? There have been encouraging signs, the Asbury revival/move of the Spirit in recent years being one. I don’t know if a move of the Spirit is imminent, I pray it is, however whether it happens in six months or six years our responsibility is to be ready. That I know. If we want to succeed in passing a the final test in a course we don’t open the textbook for the first time the night before the final exam. So, let’s look at an aspect of preparing for a move of the Spirit.
A regular part of my prayer life is a prayer for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge, a threefold cord. Let me explain the source and why it is likely important for you as well. Paul presented it this way.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV)
You may have noticed my pairing of wisdom, understanding and knowledge with the apostolic, prophetic and teaching gifts. Whether or not we believe in these offices for the contemporary church, my prayer is for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge because of how Paul prioritizes them.
When it comes to the pairing of wisdom, understanding and knowledge, we see it in two places in Proverbs.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3:19–20 (NKJV)
3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3–4 (NKJV)
Wisdom is foundational to building, think of the church as His building, not ours. Understanding is necessary to further establish the church, a business undertaking or a marriage/family and knowledge is required to flesh out and sustain an undertaking, again whether it is the church (His people not a building), a business venture or a marriage. Note, these are illustrative not exhaustive and in referencing the need for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge I am primarily thinking of the church but to use another example, they are equally required for good government.
Let’s break the three down further. I have often said that wisdom is applied knowledge without including understanding. Understanding is comprehending the meaning of knowledge or information. Let’s use a practical illustration. Imagine standing in the middle of an intersection. A large truck is heading straight toward you. Knowledge is knowing or being aware that the truck is coming. Understanding is recognizing the implication, ‘if I don’t move, I will be run over.’ Wisdom, our applied knowledge, is moving.
Now let us use some wisdom and apply this to the church in terms of a move of the Spirit. The term waves or moves of the Spirit has often been used so we will use the wave analogy. If I discern and know that we are in a place of dryness, and have been for some time then I need to consider what that means. From the perspective of teaching, there is a need to recognize that this wave is going to have an impact. Our understanding points us to where the wave is heading to prophetically announce and declare it. Apostolic wisdom would be going to the place where the wave will arrive and gathering the body to meet it.
If we take this further, imagine the wave has arrived and much is taking place. Teaching knowledge would tell us that things have shifted in the spirit realm and will impact the church. Prophetic understanding would lead us to recognize the need to respond appropriately and apostolic wisdom would be both teaching and directing teachers what to teach and when.
These are some simple examples, and because I believe there is something coming, I want to exercise wisdom and seek His heart for what to study in this season of preparation. Thus, I will continue to pray for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge as I seek to find my place in what He is doing today. Please join me!
A closing interjection, while we may pray for a move of the Spirit, church history tells us that they are messy, often opposed by the established church and require significant adjustments on our part to follow His leading. Are we ready?
