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So what exactly is the “discerning of spirits?”
It is one of the Gifts of the Spirit. The King James Version translates it as “discerning of spirits.” The English Standard Version translates it as “distinguish between spirits.”[1]
I think that both are true.
Purpose of Discerning of Spirits
As with all of the spiritual gifts, the purpose is to build up the body of Christ. Each person is given a gift that is meant to work in coordination of another. Because of that, Paul instructs the church:
Quench not the Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:19 KJV
The discerning of spirits plays a role into building up believers to be mature in their faith. It is one way that they can test the source and prove what is good.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 KJV
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. ~ Phillipians 1:9-10 NIV
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. ~ Hebrews 5:14 NIV
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. ~ 1 Kings 3:9 NIV
Another purpose of the gift of the discerning of spirits is for intercession. Most of the things I have experienced have not been to determine the source (test the spirits,) but it is a notifier, a wake up alarm, to be praying for the person, situation, or place.
Is Discerning of Spirits Necessary for Today?
Personally, it just puzzles me why the thought that God gives spiritual gifts to believers to help them grow and be more effective in their walk so bothers some people. I’m not going to get into the laundry list of reasons why the cessationism position is ridiculous in this post. I’m just going to quote an article on discerning of spirits that makes a very valid point highlighting Jesus’s own words on the necessity of it and the role it will play in the end times.
In the Olivet Prophecy, the disciples ask Jesus to reveal the sign of His return. Jesus does not give one sign but several. At the top of the list, he warns the disciples of deception, and follows it up with warnings of false prophets, false miracles, and the warning not to be deceived (see Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-26).
We deduce from this last warning that false “Christian” ministers and ministries will have the capability of performing convincing lying wonders and signs. These false ministers will demonstrate power—occult power—for the specific purpose of leading all people astray, including the most sincere believer.
We have a clear warning from the apostle Paul that the battles we face on a daily basis cannot be won by conventional weapons that we can attain from the world. The weapons we must seek should be spiritual, having the power to destroy arguments and every false claim that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and God’s Word[2]
Discerning of Spirits Resources
Seeing the Supernatural by Jennifer Eivaz On Amazon”>
Seeing Angels and Demons by Susan Merritt On Amazon
Discerning of Spirits by Francis Frangipane On Amazon
Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide On Amazon
The Gifts of the Spirit by Derek Prince On Amazon
Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today by James Goll On Amazon
The Seer by James Goll On Amazon
Endnotes
[1] 1 Corinthians 12:10. King James Version. Biblegateway.com.
[2] II Corinthians 10:3-5
Maas, David F. Forerunner. “Ready Answer,” January-February 2012. Accessed 5 August 2013.
Carla I agree with you about the need for discerning of spirit when it comes to intercession. That gift really lets us get to the heart of the matter in prayer and when making decisions about associations.
Andrew,
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!
could you please explain briefly about discren spirit . where?how?when?any dangers using wrongly.
Nagarjuna,
That is a great question. Discerning of spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit, which means that not only do we gain that ability through Him, but it operates under his guidance. The “where” can be anywhere you are because, as a believer, we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11). As with any of the spiritual gifts, if a particular gift is one that you want, we are to ask for it. (1 Corinthians 12:31)
Discerning of spirits, the “how,” is about listening to the voice and prompting of the Holy Spirit. This comes partly from relationship, but also from practice. (1 Timothy 4:14) If this is a gift that you want and Christ is Lord of your life, just ask Him for it and ask Him to teach you. Ask Him to open your eyes so that you may not only see the truth in His word, but the powers in operation in a situation Having said that, intercessory prayer goes hand in hand with discerning of spirits.
How the Holy Spirit reveals information to you can come in different ways. I’ve written quite a bit on the fact that I often sense a spirit through smell and that a specific spirit (whether holy or unholy) can be identified by a particular smell. Sometimes it is a recognition, a sensing in my spirit. Sometimes it is how it makes me feel, for example, the antiChrist spirit and a religious spirit feel very, very similar.
There have been a few times when I have literally seen with my eyes, but that is not as common as the others for me. Some people can see in the spirit at will, whether they can determine the origin or allegiance of that spirit correctly is another matter. I’ve read of some people that see symbols with a spiritual sight and specific symbols represent a specific spirit. Others seem to discern primarily through words of knowledge.
However the Holy Spirit reveals information to you, it is important to view it as training. I have a little notebook that I keep in my purse and whenever something comes up, whether is a situation where I could discern a spirit operating or God moving in general, I write it down. I write down the date, the place, and a brief description of the circumstances. Sometimes the identification of the spirit comes because I can see a pattern in the situation.
As for dangers, there are a couple. It s really easy to make snap judgments about a situation when you clearly recognize the operation of the spirit. I have to check myself all the time in order to not be “judgey.” Even if the Holy Spirit is revealing something to you, He is not revealing the whole situation. He is only revealing what He wants you to pray and/or take action about.
Discerning of spirits isn’t for shallow voyeurism. It is to equip the church to advance the Kingdom of God and set the captives to those spirits free. It is very important to recognize that along with asking the Holy Spirit to increase our gift in the discerning of spirits, that we ask Him also to teach use how to pray more effectively and powerfully.
Than you dear… Actually i am heared any unbiblical teachings in my church.that time i have negative opinion about thier teachings and i felt so much unhappy and some time i judged the people inner heartdly. Really i dont know how to use this gift in this particular situation.please any suggestions. Thank you. Nagarjuna