As a young believer, I remember the sense of awe and wonder that filled me whenever someone mentioned the word “discerning of spirits.”
It sounded mysterious, almost magical – a gift that allowed the recipient to peer into the unseen realms and distinguish between different types of spiritual entities. I would sit wide-eyed during sermons, hoping to catch a glimpse of this elusive gift in action.
But like many things in the Christian walk the concept of “discerning of spirits” remained shrouded in confusion and misunderstanding.
Some claimed it was a special ability reserved for a select few, while others dismissed it as a relic of the past, no longer relevant in our modern age.
It wasn’t until I began to study the Scriptures intently that the fog started to clear, and the true nature of this spiritual gift came into focus.
Join me as we dive into the essential tips for understanding and operating in the “discerning of spirits,” a gift that holds immense value for the modern believer.
What Is the Discerning of Spirits?
The phrase “discerning of spirits” is derived from the Greek word “diakrisis pneumaton,” which literally means “the distinguishing of spirits.”
In 1 Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul lists it as one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, alongside prophecy, healing, and miracles.
But what does it mean to discern spirits? Is it merely the ability to identify demons and evil spirits, as some might assume? The answer is both yes and no.
To discern spirits is to supernaturally perceive and distinguish between different types of spiritual entities – whether they be angelic, demonic, or human.
It’s not limited to recognizing evil spirits; it also encompasses the ability to discern the presence and influence of God’s Spirit and angelic beings.
Spirits and the Spiritual Realm
Before we can fully grasp the importance of discerning spirits, we must first understand that there is a spiritual realm beyond our natural senses.
The Bible tells us that God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and we, as human beings, are also spiritual creatures (Genesis 2:7).
In addition to the divine Spirit and human spirits, there are also angelic spirits (Hebrews 1:14) and demonic spirits (Ephesians 6:12) operating in the unseen realm.
These spirits are just as real as the physical world we inhabit, even though we cannot see or touch them with our natural senses.
The Importance of Discerning Spirits
The ability to discern spirits is crucial for several reasons:
- Spiritual Protection: By being able to identify the presence of evil spirits, we can take the necessary steps to resist their influence and protect ourselves and our loved ones from spiritual harm.
- Guidance and Wisdom: Discerning the Spirit of God can provide us with divine guidance, wisdom, and direction in our lives, helping us to make decisions that align with God’s will.
- Intercessory Prayer: When we can discern the spiritual atmosphere around us, we can pray more effectively, interceding for specific situations and people according to their spiritual needs.
- Prophetic Ministry: Those operating in prophetic ministry often rely on the gift of discerning spirits to receive accurate revelations and distinguish between true and false prophecies.
Examples from Scripture
Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who operated in the gift of discerning spirits:
- Jesus Christ: As the Son of God, Jesus had the ultimate ability to discern spirits. He could perceive the thoughts and intentions of those around Him (Mark 2:8), and He often confronted and cast out demonic spirits (Mark 1:23-26).
- Peter: In Acts 5:1-11, Peter discerned the lying spirits that had influenced Ananias and Sapphira, leading to their untimely deaths.
- Paul: The Apostle Paul discerned the spirit of divination in the slave girl who had been following him and his companions (Acts 16:16-18).
- John: In his first epistle, John encourages believers to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), urging them to discern whether teachings and prophecies align with the truth of God’s Word.
Cautions and Warnings
While the gift of discerning spirits is a powerful tool in the hands of believers, it’s essential to exercise caution and wisdom in its operation.
Here are a few important warnings:
- Discerning Spirits Is Not a Party Trick: The gift of discerning spirits is not meant to be used for entertainment or personal gain. It is a sacred gift to be exercised with humility and reverence.
- Don’t Rely on It Exclusively: While discerning spirits can provide valuable insights, we should never rely on it exclusively. The written Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit should always be our primary guides.
- Don’t Become Obsessed: Some individuals can become obsessed with the idea of discerning spirits, constantly seeking out manifestations and visions. This can lead to spiritual deception and an unhealthy fixation on the supernatural.
- Judging Others: The gift of discerning spirits is not a license to judge or condemn others. It should be used with love, compassion, and a desire to help people, not tear them down.
Conclusion
The gift of discerning spirits is a powerful tool in the hands of believers, allowing us to navigate the unseen spiritual realms and discern the presence and influence of various spiritual entities.
However, it’s essential to approach this gift with wisdom, humility, and a deep reverence for the Word of God.
As modern believers, we must be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit and the various gifts He has given to the Church.
By cultivating a hunger for the things of the Spirit and walking in obedience to God’s Word, we can position ourselves to experience the fullness of all that God has for us – including the gift of discerning spirits.
Key Takeaways
- The “discerning of spirits” is the supernatural ability to perceive and distinguish between different types of spiritual entities, such as angelic, demonic, or human spirits.
- The spiritual realm is just as real as the physical realm, and we, as believers, are called to operate in both realms.
- Discerning spirits is essential for spiritual protection, guidance, effective intercessory prayer, and prophetic ministry.
- While the gift of discerning spirits is powerful, it should be exercised with caution, humility, and a deep reverence for the Word of God.
- As modern believers, we must cultivate a hunger for the things of the Spirit and walk in obedience to God’s Word, positioning ourselves to experience the fullness of all that God has for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the gift of discerning spirits only for a select few believers?
A. No, the gift of discerning spirits is available to all believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul states that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
Q. How can I develop the gift of discerning spirits?
A. To develop the gift of discerning spirits, you should cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, study of the Word, and obedience to God’s commands.
Additionally, you can ask God to increase your sensitivity to the spiritual realm and to give you discernment when operating in this gift.
Q. Can Christians be deceived by evil spirits even if they have the gift of discerning spirits?
A. Yes, it’s possible for Christians to be deceived by evil spirits, even if they have the gift of discerning spirits. That’s why it’s crucial to exercise caution, and humility, and always test the spirits against the Word of God (1 John 4:1).
Q. Is the gift of discerning spirits only about identifying demons and evil spirits?
A. No, the gift of discerning spirits is not limited to identifying demons and evil spirits. It also encompasses the ability to discern the presence and influence of God’s Spirit, angelic beings, and the human spirit.
Q. Can non-believers operate in the gift of discerning spirits?
A. No, the gift of discerning spirits is a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit to believers in Christ. Non-believers do not have access to the spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, as they do not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
